By ANDY COOK
Westfield Mayor
I may sound like a broken record when I say this, but I believe the spirit of a community is found in the people. Although it is nice to offer all of the “things” that make a community desirable – great schools, low crime, world-class amenities, low taxes – these things are not possible without dedicated people working to make them a reality.
Take the soon-to-be Grand Junction Plaza, for example. It could have been a simple greenspace planned for the center of our city, but a group of volunteers knew our community needed a “heart” where people can connect. So, this group worked to create a one-of-a-kind space for our residents and visitors in our downtown.
One of those integral people was Westfield resident Mic Mead. For those who do not have the privilege of knowing Mic, I will fill you in.
Mic and his wife, Jill, moved to Westfield in 1995 from San Diego. He always jokes that it was not for the weather. Finding himself retired and living in a new place, Mic decided to put his heart to serve in action in the community. Within a few years he decided to serve on the town council. In his time in office, he served on a number of committees creating plans for the future of Westfield. He had a vision of the vibrant place it could be and was integral in the beginning planning stages of the Grand Junction Plaza.
No one fought as hard as Mic for the plaza to become a reality. I hope he is proud when he drives through downtown Westfield now and sees the progress.
I am convinced every city needs a Mic Mead. He is the embodiment of community. It shows in the support he received this past Monday evening at the City Council meeting. I had the honor of naming September 13 Mitchell F. Mead Day in Westfield and awarding him a Lifetime Achievement Award in coordination with the Westfield Rotary Club, of which he is one of the founding members. I am proud to call Mic a friend and hope his story inspires you to serve with your heart.
Every community needs a Mic Mead.