Lowry: Westfield residents are ready for city councilors who will work together regardless of party or gender

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Dear Editor:

I am a life-long Westfield resident, small business owner, foster and adoptive mom, and candidate for Westfield City Council, District 4.

Mayor-elect Scott Willis recently sent out an email asking his supporters to vote for the three remaining Republicans who still have challengers and said, “Having a cohesive group of councilors is critical to moving forward successfully.”

I do take issue with his statement. Mayor-elect Willis is asking the residents of Westfield to elect only Republicans to the Council because it is critical to be cohesive. However, diversity of thought and perspective is not only a cornerstone of democracy but also a crucial element in effective governance. By adding one to two Democrats into our City Council, we can ensure a broader range of voices and ideas are considered.

I also disagree with the Mayor-elect’s statement because it does not require an all-male Council to be a cohesive group. Contrary to his suggestion, Republicans and Democrats and men and women can work together cohesively. His statement is also disappointing because Mayor-elect Willis is aware of the value of diversity of thought, as his private business just recently published an excellent article celebrating the contributions of women in the STEM field and discussing underrepresentation of women in the STEM field.

Politicians routinely state that the government should be run like a business, and if adding women is good for the STEM field then it is good for the City Council. Anyone who watched the City Council over the last decade will readily admit that Councilor Cindy Spoljaric was one of the most effective Councilors.

A cohesive group of Councilors is critical to Westfield’s success, but cohesiveness should not be mistaken for uniformity. Rather, cohesiveness should reflect a harmonious blend of differing viewpoints, united by a common goal of serving our citizens.

Learn more about my campaign at AlexisForWestfield.com.

Alexis Lowry
Westfield