Westfield Primary Election 2023: Michal Domogala

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

Republican Michal D. Domogala is one of two candidates running in the uncontested primary for Ward 3.

Other candidates include Democrat Emily L. Root for Ward 1; Republican Michael Armento and Democrat Erika J. Vargas Garrison for Ward 2; Democrat Dawn Alicia Nichol-Manning 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.

Michal Domogala

Age: 46

Town of residence: Westfield

Position sought: Ward 3 Council Member

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Married to Jennifer Domogala, Father of three children: daughter Michala and twins Jenson and Joseph

Education: Graduate of New York University (Economics and East Asian Studies)

Occupation: US Lead Electronic Trading Risk, Jefferies Financial

Previous or current elected appointed office: First time candidate

Campaign website: facebook.com/MikeDomogala

Why are you seeking election to the Town Council?

First and foremost, I’m seeking election to the Westfield Town Council for Ward 3 because of what the town has provided my family. Our town is beautiful, the people are caring and involved, and there is a strong sense of community regardless of party lines, religious affiliations, or personal preferences. Simply put, Westfield provides something for everyone. My mission is to give back to the town through honest, transparent, and humble representation. I have been approached by neighbors and friends who have encouraged me to take this step after I have spoken out at several town hall meetings. My goal is to provide a voice to those who feel unacknowledged – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike - about the current council’s undertakings. I believe that a balanced approach, tempered in thoughtfulness and respect would serve the town well, now and in the future. I am open to new ideas, hearing differing opinions and acting in the best interest of our residents.

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

I realize I am not alone in this venture and have the opportunity to work with the entire council to share thoughts and ideas while engaging in an honest dialogue about our financials. While inflation has recently become a more visible issue, rate hikes are slowing as the Fed begins to see changes in the economy that they desire. As for COVID, the major economic impacts appear to be in the rear-view mirror. I believe the more appropriate question would be how we can properly plan for the next unknown, keep ourselves viable as an open and functioning town, without undue actions hampering the profitability of our town’s small businesses and the livelihoods of our residents. Balancing the budget without COVID and a stabilizing, if not lowering of rates, coupled with appropriate spending and tax revenue should be a manageable task.

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

This question is one of the reasons I am running for Town Council. I believe it is a major issue when residents across all parties and demographics tell you they knew little to nothing about the dealings on a major project in town. It is not transparent to have only one company servicing a bid on a project. It is not transparent to have a consolidated vote on consequential change to the fabric of our town with disregard to reasonable public commentary. These actions do not build trust, they sow a feeling of dishonesty. It’s time for a change.

I believe transparency is not a feeling you get when you are the one delivering the message, but that real transparency is when you feel you delivered a message that resonates through your constituents without ambiguity. The best compromises are the ones where neither party has the upper hand, but both sides feel they delivered what is best for our residents without hesitation. When transparency is lacking, like in the case of the One Westfield Place deal, you being to realize someone had the upper hand and someone else was cheated of their voice. I will challenge the status quo and encourage healthy debate that nurtures transparency and is receptive to public input. Without that, you cannot fully understand what is at stake.

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

I feel a few items need to be addressed: Firstly traffic - if you build it, they will come. With the multiple arteries running to the center of our town, I question why a comprehensive, full town, traffic study was not done. Secondly, as an environmentally conscious person, I often wonder why we debate turf and natural grass or perhaps “light pollution” from late night games? We have a freight line on our town’s boundaries at a time when so many have derailed. Wouldn’t it be nice to know what is being transported to better protect our residents from hazards?

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I’m a curious person - I like to know the inner workings of something, how to improve upon it and utilize it to the best of its ability. I appreciate challenging conventional thought, and I’m not one to go along for the ride because it was what I’m told to do. I believe in compromise, but not when it will compromise my integrity. I’m a father and a role model, and I realize my power to influence is only as good as the facts I present. I am honest - I will be questioned and sometimes fallible, but that makes me human. I will listen, not just to the words I hear, but to their meaning with an understanding of their implications. I separate myself from the other challenging candidates by being beholden to no one other than those I seek to represent, and by not using my position as a steppingstone for higher political aspirations.

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

I encourage everyone I meet with to speak with me about what concerns them most in town during the campaign. I thank my family for allowing me to take this journey and for their unconditional love. I also would like to express gratitude for the wonderful neighbors who have expressed their support of my efforts. To my campaign team, words cannot express my gratitude for your experience, generosity of time and guidance throughout the coming months. If you believe in creating positive change for our town, I hope you will join me at www.facebook.com/MikeDomogala or by emailing me at MikeDforWard3@gmail.com.