Field set for 4th Hampden District election

Sept. 15, 2020 | Dennis Hackett
dennis@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD – With the primary election over, the stage is set for the race for the state House of Representatives’ 4th Hampden District seat in November’s election.

The final three candidates in the running are Democrat Matthew Garlo, Independent Ethan Flaherty, and Republican Kelly Pease, who recently defeated City Councilor Dan Allie in the primary election on Sept. 1.

Pease, who was born in Westfield and spent time as a volunteer fireman, part-time police officer, and military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, said that he gained experience in the legislative field after working as a legislative aid to former state Sen. and current Westfield Mayor Don Humason.

“Last year I was a legislative aide to our former state senator. While working for our state senator I went to Boston where I gained experience of the State House and how to help constituents with any bureaucratic roadblocks,” he said.

With his experience, Pease said he believes he is the perfect fit for this position.

“I have focused on serving my community or country and now I would like to serve the City of Westfield. With my experience in the Army, as a legislative aide, and my degrees in Political Science and Master of Law, I think this position is the perfect fit for me,” he said.

Pease said that one of his biggest goals, if elected, is to focus on how tax money is spent.

“I believe we pay enough taxes and that the state needs to prioritize how they spend our money. I will fight for more money for roads and schools not by raising taxes, but by reprioritizing how the state prepares its budget,” he said.

Pease added that he was thankful for the support voters showed him during the primary election.

“Winning the primary was a very humbling experience. I am overwhelmed by the support I received, not only at the ballot box, but to the volunteers and supporters that took time out of their lives to support my campaign. I would like to say thank you and I look forward to winning on Nov. 3 to represent all the citizens of Westfield,” he said.

Along with thanking his supporters, he also wanted to thank his family for their support.

“I would like to give a special thanks to my wife Serena and my 8-year-old son Riley, for all their support. I could not have done it without my family’s love and support,” he said.

Reminder Publishing attempted to reached to Garlo and Flaherty but neither returned a request for comment as of press time.

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