The FEMA flood zone map paints a clear picture: the red zone flows from the top of Knollwood Terrace all the way down to St. Helen’s Church. That entire corridor is vulnerable. During heavy rains, basements flood, streets turn into canals, and sump pumps get overworked. This isn’t just an inconvenience — it hits us financially too. Homeowners in flood zones pay more for insurance, see a potential drag on their home values and lose full access to their homes. There’s also the constant, exhausting mental burden of worrying whenever the weather app shows a storm warning. 

We can build on our coordinated approach to flood mitigation — the Town has done great work, but there’s more that we can do. First, we can reestablish the Westfield Infrastructure Resilience Committee and find a meeting cadence and a backlog-tracking that works and helps us to prioritize projects and communicate progress as opportunities arise. Second, l will advocate for stronger coordination with PSEG, especially to keep power lines clear of tree limbs and falling hazards that knock out power during storms. Third, we can rethink how incorporate rain gardens on public land, learning from the success we’ve already seen at Tamaques Park and the Westfield Library. 

If we act, we can re-imagine our neighborhood. Our ponds and streams could be clean and healthy, fed by pollution-absorbing rain gardens. Our lights would stay on, even in a storm, because we’ve taken proactive steps to protect the grid. And most importantly, our homes would be safe and dry — so we could actually stop and appreciate those ducks when they come by, instead of worrying about flooded basements. 

If flooding is something that keeps you worry about, please reach out and share your experience with me. Every story helps and every neighbor’s voice matters. Let’s work together to keep our homes safe, our infrastructure strong and our community resilient.

WESTFIELD, NJ — Four Democrats and three Republicans are running for Westfield's town council in the June primary election.

The Westfield Democratic Committee announced its slate of town council candidates, under the slogan “United for Westfield” for the 2025 mayoral and town council elections Monday afternoon. They are: Reshma Adwar for Ward 1, Vik Venkataraman for Ward 2, Jennifer Gilman for Ward 3 and Drew Pecker for Ward 4.

The Westfield Republican Committee announced its slate early Monday Evening. Under the slogan “Union County Republican Organization Endorsed Candidates” are Liz Rampolla for Ward 1, Jason Micewicz for Ward 2 and Danny C. Lallis for Ward 3. 

Dr. Adwar is a “healthcare business  leader, former healthcare provider and devoted mother,” according to the Democratic Committee.

Venkataraman, a father of two, is a family man, Washington School Show leader, local coach, banker and small business champion, the committee said.

Gilman, who serves as the chair of the town’s recreation commission, is described by the Democratic Committee as a small business owner, former teacher and community leader.

Pecker, a 2010 graduate of Westfield High School, is a member of the Mayor’s Investment Advisory Council and former co-chair of the Access & Inclusivity Committee, a consultant and a new dad, the committee said.

Lallis, an attorney and named partner in a boutique law firm in Florham Park, volunteers as a coach and is actively involved with the Cub Scouts, the Republican Committee said.

Micewicz has over two decades of experience in technology sales, and he actively volunteers with the Friends of Mindowaskin, the Republican Committee said.

The Westfield Republican Committee has not yet shared information about Rampolla's qualifications.

No Republican filed to run for Ward 4 in the June primary, and the Westfield Republican Committee said it plans to recruit a candidate for that spot who will run as an endorsed write-in.