Politics & Government
Newly Elected Councilwoman Emily Root Sworn In At Westfield Meeting
Councilwoman Root will serve a one-year unexpired term on Westfield Town Council, representing Ward 1.
WESTFIELD, NJ — After winning the Ward 1 election earlier this month, Democrat Emily Root was officially sworn in to the Westfield Town Council last week.
"It was thrilling to be appointed back in April, but boy does it feel even better to be voted in by the people of Ward 1 after working so hard to be here for the past six months," Root said at her swearing-in on Tuesday, Nov. 22.
After Councilman Jim Boyes stepped down from the council in April, due to a conflict of interest, Root was appointed to serve out the rest of his term. She will now serve a one-year unexpired term, after defeating her Republican opponent Amanda Como.
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According to an official tally from the Union County Board of Elections, Root received 2,089 votes (56.19 percent), whereas Como received 1,621 votes (43.6 percent).
Related: Westfield Candidates React To 2022 Election Results
Find out what's happening in Westfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Councilwoman Root was overwhelmingly elected by Ward 1 residents who have witnessed first hand her dedication, commitment, and compassion to her constituents over the past six months," Mayor Shelley Brindle wrote on Facebook. "Congrats Councilwoman! Thank you for your volunteer service to our community."
Root said she is looking forward to continuing to represent all the residents of Ward 1, whether they voted for her or not.
"I vow that I will not take my elected role lightly and I’m so thankful to everyone who voted for me and put their faith in me," Root said. "I hope you feel that you can write to me, call me, and meet with me to share your thoughts, even if you don’t agree with me. I live my life on the values of compassion, hard work and integrity and I plan to continue to channel those values as a council person."
"I would also like to thank my opponent Mrs. Como who ran a great campaign and demonstrated that the democratic process is alive and well in Westfield," Root said.
You can watch the full swearing in and Town Council meeting on Facebook.
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