Berman Takes Over As Mayor Of Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — A new mayor and other officials were welcomed in as new leaders of Westfield on Tuesday night at the town's Organization Meeting.

Jeremy Berman (D) defeated current councilmember Michal Domogala (R) in the November 2025 General Election and will take over for departing Mayor Shelley Brindle.

Democrats Reshma Adwar, Vik Venkataraman, Jenn Gilman, and Drew Pecker also took their oaths, administered by Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, at the meeting to assume their roles as councilmembers.

"Now more than ever is the moment for good people to step forward...and help shape stronger communities and create a better world for those who come next," Berman said in his first official address as Mayor.

He went on to deliver a "State of the Town" update to those in attendance, beginning with Westfield maintaining its fiscal health as one of only 44 towns in New Jersey to hold a AAA bond rating. The municipality is also carrying a "healthy surplus" into 2026.

Both the police and fire departments are well-staffed and funded at the highest levels in history, Berman said, and will continue "their continued standards of excellence."

The Department of Public Works is also working to improve stormwater drainage systems and plant new trees across the community. The Town also hopes to increase the maintenance partnership with the Westfield Board of Education in 2026.

Renovations at both Houlihan Sid Fay Fields and the Memorial Park tennis courts are also set to begin later in 2026.

Berman then went on to outline his priorities for his term, including:

• The safety and security of residents
• Maintaining a vibrant downtown district
• Responsibly developing Westfield while maintaining its "small town" feel
• Making sure local government always works to improve the quality of life for residents
• Preserving, protecting, and improving town parks.

Berman said he has already begun to request reduced speed limits on county roads and is actively considering lower limits in school zones when children are present.

"Westfield is truly a special place to call home," Berman added as he closed out his address, "...our shared responsibility is to leave Westfield stronger and better than we found it."

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