Westfield Primary Election 2023: Dawn Nichol-Manning

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield's primary election on June 6 has eight candidates running for four open seats on the Town Council.

Democrat Dawn Nichol-Manning is one of two candidates running in the uncontested primary for Ward 3.

Other candidates include Democrat Emily L. Root for Ward 1; Democrat Erika J. Vargas Garrison and Republican Michael Armento for Ward 2; Republican Michal D. Domogala for Ward 3; and Democrat Scott A. Katz and Republican David William Kiefer for Ward 4.

All of the candidates are running for a three-year seat on the Town Council.

Are you running for office in Westfield? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Westfield Patch.

Dawn Nichol-Manning

Age: 50

Town of residence: Westfield

Position sought: Town Council, Ward 3

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: I am married to Dennis Manning. I have a daughter, Alee Nichol, who is a senior at Westfield High School, and a son, Adonai Nichol-Manning, who is 4 years old and will be starting kindergarten in the fall.

Education: University of Oklahoma, Grand Canyon University

Occupation: Science teacher and president of the East Orange Education Association

Previous or current elected appointed office: None

Campaign website: nicholmanningforwestfield.com

Why are you seeking election to the Township Committee?

I remember as a little girl my parents would take me, along with my siblings, to downtown Westfield to shop. I fondly recall walking past stores and restaurants and enjoying the ambiance of the community. Many years later, those fond memories led me to making Westfield my home. I chose to live in this community because I want to provide my children with the quality of life that Westfield offered. I am seeking election to the Town Council to ensure all residents of Westfield will continue to experience an excellent quality of life.

If elected, one area I plan to focus on is parks and recreation. Our parks create an atmosphere that is beneficial to both physical and mental health, they create opportunities for people to meet and connect as well as provide space for athletic activities. It is important that our parks are well maintained. In Ward 3, Windsor Park is high on my list to ensure that improvements and plans for this park will continue.

As a resident of Central Avenue, I live with traffic congestion every day, and I plan to advocate for continuous safety measures when it comes to traffic mitigation. The concerns that have been presented around the traffic on specific roads, such as Boulevard, need to be discussed with the intention to strategize a plan for a better traffic flow.

Balancing the township budget becomes more difficult each year with inflation and the loss of revenue since COVID. How do you plan to address this?

Westfield has been able to keep the tax rate at 1.4%. I would like to work with the Town Council to maintain this rate. With the revitalization of the downtown area much opportunity will be opened to generate revenue. Moving forward with the development of downtown will counteract the challenges that COVID created.

Having trust and transparency in the township government is important to residents. How has the township improved on this or how would you improve this?

The work that I have observed from the Town Council has been productive. The Town Council shows commitment to being innovative. As a member of the council, I would be an attentive ear and a voice for residents, bringing their concerns to the table so they are heard.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the township?

There are a vast array of concerns and issues within the town. Traffic safety is one of those major issues. It is imperative that our streets remain safe for both motorists and pedestrians. Water drainage is another issue that must be tackled. Both issues as well as others must be discussed and continually hammered out to arrive at effective solutions.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

As an educator, union leader, and minister I have developed an ear for listening to the concerns of others. I understand that there must be a commitment to discussion, researching, strategizing, and planning. Being dedicated despite challenges has been the motif of my life’s purpose.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I enjoy meeting the people of Westfield. I am a part of the Westfield Clergy Alliance and Westfield MLK Association. I have enjoyed serving with both of these groups and contributing to the community. I look forward to the events that bring our community together and allow for fellowship and neighborly bonding. This campaign has given me an opportunity to connect with others and get involved with the discussions that ignite positive change in Westfield. It truly is a joy living here.