Westfield Council Candidate Profile: Amanda Como

WESTFIELD, NJ — Are you ready for the Nov. 2 Westfield mayor and council elections?

Westfield runs under an unusual form of government in which the governing body consists of a mayor and eight-member Town Council. Half of the council seats are up for election this November. Fewer than 5 percent of New Jersey towns run under this "special charter" form of government.

Democratic Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle and four incumbent members of the Town Council will face a Republican slate led by former 2nd Ward Councilwoman JoAnn Neylan, who is running for mayor. READ MORE: Two Slates Will Vie For Westfield Mayor/Council Spots

Brindle will run with councilpersons Linda Habgood, Mike Dardia, David Contract, and Dawn Mackey, known as the Westfield Together team. Neylan's slate consists of Amanda Como, Denise Garrett, Shawn Mullen, and James Restivo.

Here's Como's responses:

Age (as of Election Day)

47

Town of Residence

Westfield

Position sought

Westfield Town Council - Ward 1

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family: Names, ages and any pertinent detail you wish to share.

Brad (spouse 48), Grant (son 15), Julia (daughter 12), Winston (Miniature Schnauzer 4)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No

Education

BS University of Delaware, AAS Fashion Institute of Technology NYC

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Small business owner of Amanda Bradford Home LLC since 2011

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

Campaign Website (include your FB, Insta and other social media).

como4westfield.com - @como4westfield for FB and Instagram

Why are you seeking elective office?

Over the past few years, extreme partisan politics from the national political scene have trickled down into our town. It’s apparent on our social media, and from having conversations with friends and neighbors, that our community is fractured. I believe in the diversity of thought, ideas and approach, and those all started to feel stifled to me. That is not the type of town I moved to, nor one I want my children to grow up in. I decided to run for office to try and do something about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There are many challenges facing our town’s leadership. If I had to choose just one, the most pressing issue at the moment is safety. Our neighborhood and town has been a target of car thefts and break-ins for quite some time, and most recently a violent crime in Ward 1. As a leader in the community, I am for community policing and partnering with law enforcement to improve neighborhood safety through education, encouragement and empowerment. I would also champion the support of county and state law enforcement to help combat this problem.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

What sets me apart from other candidates is that I am committed to fostering civic friendships with those I may not always agree with. Bipartisanship, the acceptance and tolerance of those beliefs and opinions differ from my own, is the best and only way to approach local governance. I will focus on the ways Westfield residents are alike rather than different, working to remove labels and stereotypes separating “us” and “them”.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

First, let me say that I believe in being “hard on ideas and easy on people”. It is no easy feat to get things accomplished in government. That being said, some things I would have liked to see done differently are: 1) Moving forward with field improvements that were outlined in a plan by the former council. We’re coming up on 4 years and no changes have been made. 2) More transparency and communication on what discussions were had and what attempts were made to improve the state of downtown vacant storefronts. 3) As crime rose and continues to rise, more communication from council to express their shared concern and to provide tips and/or suggestions to residents on how to better protect themselves. In times of distress, I believe it is a leader’s role to let their constituents know they are seen and heard and to provide reassurance. These actions can foster closeness and camaraderie amongst neighbors.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a Ward 1 resident, saving Brightwood Park is imperative. After multiple recent visits, my mind is made up that it should remain a Nature Park with undisturbed woods. In addition to the history, there is a calming respite to be had there.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Prior to becoming a mom, I led customer service and sales teams for various brands in four different states. I have over 30 years experience managing and working with people. I am now an entrepreneur and small business owner. Having the ability to successfully work with all types of personalities and people with varying backgrounds, opinions and approaches is paramount to community leadership. Being a public servant is all about the relationships you create. I try to live my life practicing the “Golden Rule”, to treat people how I want to be treated.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice pertaining to this endeavor would be, “Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example”.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would like voters to know that my philosophy towards community leadership is PEOPLE over politics. My goal is to restore unity in our community. It’s time to put the “WE” back in Westfield!
If you want a Councilwoman that is authentic, approachable, compassionate, empathetic, thoughtful and an active listener, I, am that person.

I’m not one for public accolades, titles and letters behind my name. I’m for the quiet legacy of positive impact I hope to leave behind. My intentions are pure; I only want to help. I am doing this so like- minded voices will be heard and girls everywhere will see women moved to action when they want to see a change in their environment.
I hope to earn your vote on November 2nd.