Planning Board Candidates Weigh in on Election Outcome

Westwood's annual town election is over, and now that voters have picked a new member of the Westwood Planning Board, weighed in with thoughts on their respective campaigns and the overall experience.  

"It was my first jump into a campaign situation, so it was new, and every day we seemed to be picking up ideas and ways to try to get in office," said Chris Pfaff, . "It's a two part process. One is to get in, and then the real hard part is doing that work. But that's why you're there."

Pfaff pulled in 60 percent of the votes (a total of 645 votes) in for the one vacant seat on the Westwood Planning Board. Hack, by comparison, ended the day with 34.14 percent of the votes, or a total of 367 votes. 

Despite the outcome, Hack commended Pfaff for his efforts and wished him the best moving forward.

"I wish to congratulate Chris on his successful campaign and wish him good luck in his first term," Hack said Thursday. "I am certain he will do a good job."

As for whether he will run for a seat on a Westwood board or committee again, Hack said it's certainly a possibility. 

"I may run for another office, but as of now I do not have any plans," Hack said. "I will continue to stay informed and be involved." 

While there are a number of issues Pfaff is interested in looking at on the Planning Board, he did express excitement over , which, for him, is somewhat familiar territory, as he previously served on a small committee to discuss traffic concerns related to the Westwood Station project several years ago. 

"I think it's a great opportunity for the town," he said. "It always was. The job of the Planning Board is really responsible development within the town. I think if University Station is done correctly, it's going to be something that everyone can be proud of in Westwood. It's important that we have a cohesive plan, as opposed to one building at a time going up. It's an incredibly attractive piece of property for any developer; it's so far been underutilized."

In general, Pfaff said he was pleased with the outcome of Tuesday's election, and is looking forward to getting to work.

"It is going to be a lot, but it's not at all daunting to me," Pfaff said. "I'm looking forward to the process. Having a hand in the town, it's exciting."