The City Council reorganization meeting will be held immediately following inauguration ceremonies.
Westfield City Council President Christopher Keefe is seen at Memorial Day ceremonies held in May.WESTFIELD – Ward 1 City Councilor Christopher Keefe is expected to retain his seat as council president when the full council meets Jan. 3 to reorganize.
Keefe, president for the past year, is in line for a unanimous vote in his re-election bid for the presidency. Fellow councilors say he does an ‘outstanding’ job as president and deserves another term. Keefe is starting his third consecutive two-year term on the council. He previously served in 2003.
Veteran at-Large Councilor Brian P. Sullivan, who has served as president six different times during his 14 years on the council said of Keefe, “he does a good job as president. He does things by the book and I am happy to be on the floor and support him.”
Ward 5 Councilor Richard E. Onofrey Jr. said “it is important that Keefe remain as president.” And, at-Large Councilor Brent B. Bean II, who considered seeking the post himself, said “Keefe is doing a great job. He is fair to everybody. I have confidence in him.”
Ward 4 Councilor Mary L. O’Connell will join colleagues in support of Keefe saying "he is honest and fair and his word is his bond. That works for me."
Newcomer to the council, Agma Maria Sweeney said she will support Keefe while at-Large Councilor Patti A. Andras said “Keefe kept us under control during his first term as president and I love the fact that he knows the rules.”
Ward 3 Councilor Peter J. Miller considered seeking the post as well but he said this week his vote will also go to Keefe. “He does a great job running our meetings,” said Miller.
“Absolutely,” was the response from at-Large Councilor John J. Beltrandi III. “Keefe is a student of his job and he represents the City Council very well,” he said.
Also throwing support to Keefe are Ward 2 Councilor James E. Brown Jr., Ward 6 Councilor Christopher M. Crean and at-Large Councilor David A. Flaherty. “He does a great job,” said Brown.
“He is good at it and know the rules,” added Flaherty.
“I give my support to Chris as well,” said Crean.
James R. Adams did not seek reelection to the City Council in the 2009 election but he is returning effective Jan. 3. “I support Christopher Keefe. He runs a good meeting,” Adams said.
The council president appoints colleagues to various committees and oversees regular meeting of the City Council. The president also serves as acting mayor in the absence of the mayor. The City Council sets the property tax rate, holds public hearings on zone changes and special permits and considers the mayor’s annual municipal operating budget for adoption. All municipal spending must be approved by the City Council.