By ANDY COOK
Westfield Mayor
Across the region, the buses are zooming through our city streets. I am so energized to see our kids back in school. Every year we caution our motorists to watch out for kids, slow down in school zones and just be extra attentive.
I echo those sentiments this year. The most important job we have as a city is to ensure the safety of our residents.
In Westfield, our fire and police departments are among the top in the nation and we are one of the safest cities in the state. To achieve these heights, it takes a partnership. Our police officers and firefighters cannot do it alone. We work with our schools, businesses and families. Together we make Westfield safe.
That is my first “ask” heading into the school year.
My second “ask” this year is for patience.
The 2021-22 school year will certainly be different from last year, which was vastly different from the year before. Westfield has a new superintendent, Dr. Paul Kaiser. We have met several times and I know he has a heart for kids and education. He, along with his partner, Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Atha, realize the challenges we face this year. Their goal is for kids to be in school. That is what we all want but, as we all know, COVID continues to wreak havoc.
One of the hot button issues is masks. Dr. Kaiser has said repeatedly that he will rely on data. My ask of our community is to support the leaders who make these decisions. Nobody wants to wear masks, but if the positivity rates put us in a position that we need to, then let’s have the patience to do it. My hope is that it would not be for long.
If the last year-and-a-half have taught us anything, it is that we need to be patient and flexible. This school year, I am going to add “hopeful” to the list. I am hopeful for a safe, fun and as normal year as possible.