WESTFIELD — At the start of the Dec. 18 City Council meeting, all 12 councilors expressed their appreciation to departing councilor and former mayor Richard K. Sullivan, Jr. at his last meeting, thanking him for his commitment to civic duty, his respect for others, and his willingness to share his expertise and historical knowledge of the city.
Before the councilors spoke, several members of the public came forward, beginning with his brother, Bo Sullivan, who was jokingly warned about the three-minute time limitation. “Thank you from the city, but more importantly, thank you from his family for a job well done. Someone who’s given more than 30 years to the city of Westfield deserves congratulations,” he said.
“Way back, I remember hand-making signs for Rick Sullivan for G&E commissioner for Ward 4 with crayons — we did do that. To this past election, where he got to stand with his placard on top and his son’s on the bottom. It has come full circle,” he said, referring to the election of Kick Sullivan on the School Committee.
“You have been a mentor to so many people … Like you said last night at your retirement party, more than half the job is showing up, and Rick showed up to everything. The city owes you a debt of gratitude — the city owes you thanks. Thank you for all you did for the city of Westfield.”
Bo Sullivan was referring to his brother’s retirement as president of the Western Mass. Economic Development Council earlier this week, after 11 years.
Retired YMCA director Harry Rock introduced himself as “a proud resident of the city I love.”
“I was stunned when I heard the outcome of the election. It’s hard to believe after a lifelong career of civic and professional work serving the public that that run is over, but everything has to come to an end. His career has been about serving the public. I first met Rick when I moved to Westfield in 1991 as executive director of the YMCA. The city at that point was not a great place, our schools were not certified, downtown was in a depression, real estate was in a real low, and I started wondering where I had come to. I’ve been here 34 years, and I’m not going anywhere,” Rock said.
“When I met (with) Rick when he got elected, I said we have someone with vision, someone who cares, someone who’s committed, and someone who has the drive to see what the city can be. Under that leadership, for almost 14 years, this city is a proud example of what our community is.” Rock said recently he was somewhere outside of the city, and someone asked him where he lived. “I said Westfield, and they said. ‘Oh, that’s the hot community that everyone wants to move to.’ We can take pride in what our city has become.”
Rock said Sullivan never approached his position worrying about his next election. “Rick to me evolved as a true statesman worried about the next generation … He cared about the city more than he cared about himself. His work to start the planning of the revitalization of downtown has made the city what it is. It gave the platform and the foundation for future mayors and city councilors like yourselves to continue to make the city what it is,” he said, wishing Sullivan well on his retirement.
“In 1992, a former mayor appointed me to be second city solicitor in Westfield — two years later, a young mayor who I really didn’t know much about came and visited me in the legal department and asked me to join his team as personnel director of the city of Westfield,” said Peter Martin, former city solicitor.
“I found in working years as the personnel director and later as head of the Law Department, working with Rick was a pleasure. He was whip smart — he was young, but I can say this, he was a pleasure to work for. He always listened to what you had to say, and sometimes he would go off in a different direction, but he was always respectful of all employees, all citizens,” Martin said.
“I was happy to see him get back involved in city government when he ran for City Council. But I will tell him this … I will tell you Rick, that there’s life after City Hall. There really is — and I wish you and your family the best,” he added.
Ralph Figy then came forward for a presentation from the City Council. “When I realized this was going to be Rick’s last meeting, a lot of thoughts ran through my mind. Most notably the adjectives we could use to describe him are public servant, advocate, professional, and most of all, friend,” Figy said, describing Sullivan’s professional career on the Gas & Electric board, on the City Council, as mayor, then for the state as commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, secretary of the Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, and chief of staff for former Governor Deval Patrick.
“His integrity, preparation, and respect for others has set a standard that is difficult to match,” Figy said, presenting him with a plaque for his years of service on the City Council. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for the city of Westfield. Our city is fortunate to benefit from your dedication and leadership,” he said, adding, “I’m certain we have not heard the last from Rick Sullivan. His passion for civic engagement will continue to shape our community.
It’s truly been an honor and privilege to call you my friend.”
William Onyski thanked Sullivan for getting him into civic duty in 2000 when he appointed him to the Planning Board. “He got me to where I am now in the city of Westfield, and I want to thank him,” he said.
Brent Bean II said he was appointed by Sullivan to the Water Commission when he was 26 years old. “I think that speaks to the importance you felt of having young people that were interested and had the energy to make the city move forward … you allowed us to make our own decisions as commissioners, which is really appreciated, but serving with you as a councilor, you are leaving a big hole on this board. The continuity and the historical knowledge that you brought to the city helped me every day that I served here,” Bean said.
Dan Allie also thanked Sullivan for his service, pointing to his historical knowledge and insight on how things work.
City Council President John Beltrandi III wished him good luck. “Rick, I always look over for knowledge and expertise, and you’ve always been there to give me the nod. From the chair, I’ve always appreciated everything you’ve done.”
James Adams said he has always admired “the guy that has done as much as he did. I told him that the night of the election, which was a fluke — this guy has given more to the city than any of us here — probably no one in the city has given more than Rick Sullivan has,” he said, adding he always did it with a smile. “Rick is not going anywhere. I know I still got his number. Thank you, Rick.”
“Councilor, mayor, attorney — he is a wonderful person, and his entire family is an asset to Westfield — kind, loving people who donated much of their time to things you don’t even hear about. Thank you, Mr. Sullivan,” said Cindy Harris.
Michael Burns said they went to high school together. “I certainly appreciate Rick, and I’ll miss sitting next to him. Thanks a lot Rick — good luck to you, good luck to your family.”
“I feel lucky to have served on Council with you, especially the time on finance,” said Bridget Matthews-Kane. “I’ll vouch that he’s still whip smart. You were a real model to learn how to be a city councilor, to watch how you act. I’m grateful that I was able to serve with you. Thank you.”
Karen Fanion said when she became city clerk in 1998, she met with Sullivan when he was mayor. “He gave me advice that has helped my career and made my career successful, and I will always thank him for that. I always felt welcome going into that office for any questions that I had as city clerk when he was the mayor,” she said, adding, “And of course working alongside him now as a city councilor has been a privilege and an honor, and I thank you and wish you the best.”
Kristen Mello thanked the councilor across the way for being so generous in sharing his time and expertise with her. “Everyone knows I’m the one with all the questions. I appreciate the fact that you always answered them and took my calls, and hopefully still will, because of course I’m still going to have more. I very much appreciate your generosity with your experience and expertise with me. It has been a pleasure, thank you,” Mello said.
“We only got to know each other on the council recently,” said Nicholas Morganelli, Jr.
“It’s been a real pleasure not only working with you, but I really have looked up to you as the go-to person for an answer when I can’t find the answer, because you are so experienced in so many different ways,” Morganelli said, expressing his gratitude “for all your service to the city and the citizens that make Westfield great. God bless you in your retirement, and God bless your family.”
Sullivan thanked all the speakers. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s about, the commitment that everybody makes to public service to better the community; of everybody who walks through the door of City Hall to make the quality of life for everyone in Westfield better. When everybody works together and respects the differing opinions, that’s when we can come together and get things done,” he said.
“I’ve been hugely fortunate,” Sullivan said, acknowledging that he couldn’t have done any of the jobs he’s held without strong support at home. “So, I have been blessed to have a strong family in that regard, friends who always show up and are always supportive; and my wife Lisa, who has allowed me to serve, has been the backbone of being able to do this,” Sullivan said.
“It’s been a great run. You all have my personal phone number. You can call, feel free. This is our community — I’m not going anywhere. I’m still as committed to the future of the city as I was when I first ran for G&E commissioner many, many years ago,” he said, adding, “On behalf of myself and my family, I just want to thank everybody for the very kind words tonight.”
