Westfield School Budget Questions Passed, 3 Members Elected

WESTFIELD, NJ — A majority of Westfield voters unofficially approved both questions on the Westfield School Budget on Tuesday, according to unofficial results by the Union County Clerk. It was the first time in 13 years, the public had a chance to vote on the budget.

The first question asked voters to approve the base school district operating budget at a 3.95 percent tax levy cap and the second question asked voters to approve adding additional staff for a .89 percent increase.

With both approved the 2023-2024 school district operating budget will increase by 4.84 percent or $444 annually ($37 per month) for the average Westfield homeowner of $806,800. Read More: Tax Increase Introduced In Westfield School Budget For 2023-2024

According to the preliminary results recorded by the Union County’s Election Division, the two questions received the following numbers as of 9:37 p.m. on April 25:

• Question No. 1: Yes received 2,530 votes. No recorded 1,398
• Question No. 2: Yes registered 2,343 votes. No received 1,578

Additionally during the election, residents were asked to vote to fill to three seats on the Board of Education. There were five Westfield residents seeking re-election/election.

Incumbents Brendan Galligan and Kent Diamond along with Charles Gelinas came out as the victors.

Below are the vote tallies as of 9:37 p.m., according to Westfield School District:

• Brian Crawford - 1,339
• Kent Diamond* - 2,587
• Brendan Galligan* - 2,546
• Charles Gelinas - 2,470
• Dyanna Pepitone - 1,322

Looking at the voter turnout, a total of 4,019 votes were cast out of the 25,355 registered voters. This accounts for only 15.84 percent who came out to vote.

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