To the editor:
The most important election is always the next one, and weighing the choices I believe that what’s best for Westwood is to elect Councilmember Ray Arroyo as our next mayor and to re-elect councilmembers Beth Dell and Rob Bicocchi.
I’m excited to see the level of interest that we have from both parties with full slates for the upcoming election. However we cannot discount the importance of qualified experience for such critical positions. As a volunteer to a number of Westwood organizations I know how important it is to have qualified volunteers to conduct municipal business and to represent our stellar borough.
Given our choices this November, I believe their extensive experience in land use, zoning, and governing at the municipal level will be best for the next chapter of our hometown. Their accumulated knowledge about the intricacies involved with municipal management is comforting given the minefield that this environment can present.
In my years of municipal board participation, including six years on the Planning Board, I have witnessed the importance of having critical decision-making skills complemented by the experience necessary to make those decisions. We have been blessed with credentialed board professionals to guide us, but at the end of the day decisions are made by our elected officials, and I feel that that Ray, Beth, and Rob are what is best for Westwood!
All three have been overwhelming supporters of Westwood youth sports and activities, taking precious time out of their personal lives to always be present to show support for our children whenever they have a Westwood jersey on their backs. I can’t begin to describe the importance I place on supporting our children, and they have truly been there through thick and thin, always looking out for what’s best for our Westwood families.
I’ve been blessed to know the wonderful families they each have, including Rob’s son Philip who has been taught the same values by his father that my parents encouraged in me a generation ago. Their family is a wonderful example of how all of us, regardless of age and experience, can give back to their community and gain the necessary experience to be future leaders. My eternal gratitude to them and to all of the Westwood volunteers!
I urge you all to support Ray, Beth, and Rob and cast your vote for each of them in the upcoming election.
Yash Risbud
Member, Westwood Planning Board; president, Westwood Baseball Association