A Message From Councilman Mark LoGrippo

This letter was submitted to Westfield Patch from Westfield 3rd Ward Councilman Mark LoGrippo.

It is my privilege to serve the residents of Westfield as 3rd Ward Councilman, and I am excited about seeking re-election this November. I want to thank my friends and neighbors, and particularly my amazing wife Maria and our two beautiful children for their support over the last four years. My goal in the coming years will continue to be to ensure that Westfield remains one of the most desirable towns in New Jersey to purchase a home and raise a family. Just this month New Jersey Family magazine ranked Westfield as one of the “Best Mid-Sized Town for families.” Westfield residents are rightfully proud of our town, and by utilizing my prior participation on the Town Council, my MBA background, and my 25 years of business experience with Verizon, I will keep Westfield a great place to live.

As your 3rd Ward Councilman, I will continue to serve you with a philosophy rooted in strong leadership and honest government. Since my election in 2011, I have learned what is required for Westfield to remain prosperous and strong as a community. I have served on the Board of the Westfield Memorial Library, the Town Council’s Public Safety Committee, Code Review & Town Property Committee, and as Vice Chair of the Finance Policy Committee. In those positions, among other things I have helped our Town overcome the financial challenges brought about by the economic downturn, and the consequences of severe natural events like Superstorm Sandy, all while limiting the tax burden on residents through good planning and strong fiscal discipline.

Notwithstanding the hardships that have come our way, I am proud to say that today the town enjoys a AAA bond rating, home values have risen over the past four years, and a thriving downtown. As a member of the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, I have been actively pursuing direct train service to and from New York City, and we are now beginning to see the fruits of those efforts. In respect to the mid-day and evening direct train service of most recent, I am pleased about the progress and will continue to support enhancing direct peak service. In this way, commuters to Manhattan living in Westfield will have easier and direct access to their places of employment as well as the consequent boost in home and property values.

Over the past four years, I have listened to the concerns and ideas of our residents and have strongly advocated on their behalf. With the help of my efforts, the town is paving more roads, improving its parks, enhancing public safety, and restoring healthy trees on town property to promote a greener and safer community. I have made myself accessible to residents by attending local meetings and community events, and readily available by providing all residents with my home phone number and email address. I believe that the best way to find solutions is first to define the problem by engaging in thoughtful dialogue, consider all practical options and support decision-making with evidence.

We are fortunate to live in what is consistently recognized as one of the best towns in New Jersey. This distinction has been achieved through the sound and dedicated service of the Westfield Town Council, which works hard on your behalf to maintain the quality services you deserve as residents and taxpayers. I would like the opportunity to continue to advocate on your behalf, and so I am seeking your vote in November.

I would like to invite everyone to my Campaign Kickoff Event on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at 6:00 p.m., at the home of Karen and Sal Petruzzi, 109 Pearl Street. To RSVP, to help my campaign, or for more information, please visit www.marklogrippo.com. Thank you again for your friendship and support over the last four years and I look forward to continuing my public service in Westfield’s town government.

Sincerely,

Mark LoGrippo

3rd Ward Councilman

(Article and photo contribution of Mark LoGrippo)