Martha Bills

WESTFIELD — Martha Bills is seeking re-election as Supervisor of the town of Westfield. She was first elected to the position in 2001, having previously served as deputy supervisor and town board member.

She is the endorsed candidate of the Republican Party.

A lifelong resident of Westfield, Bills graduated from Westfield Academy and Central School. She received her bachelor’s degree from Elmira College with majors in biology and psychology. She and her husband Bill reside on Elm Street and are the parents of two sons, David and Nathan.

Active in the community, Bills has served as a member and past president of the WACS Board of Education, the YWCA Board of Directors, the Union Relief Association and the Westfield Women’s Organization. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Chautauqua County Historical Society and a 30-year volunteer and instructor for the American Red Cross.

She serves on the boards of the Westfield Farmer’s and Artisans Market, the Westfield- Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, the Chautauqua County Visitor’s Bureau, the Westfield Development Corporation, Lake Erie Management Commission and is also a member of the Great Lakes Small Harbors Coalition and the Lake Erie Grape Belt Heritage Association.

“I am honored to serve as your elected town supervisor,” Bills said. “With your support, I am committed to continuing to work hard for our community. I’m fortunate to be a member of a board that is equally committed to govern in a responsible and cost-effective manner. We are currently involved with several initiatives that have an exciting potential to strengthen Westfield’s economic outlook and improve our quality of life.

“We are fortunate to have Lake Erie as a resource and are working to implement our waterfront enhancement plans as well as promoting our agricultural resources and related businesses. By obtaining federal, state and county financial assistance we have been able to complete the dredging of the Barcelona Harbor and repair of the break wall. Grant funding has allowed us to make improvements to the pier and will allow us to improve public access and parking. We have been able to replace and expand municipal water service and will continue this effort in other areas of the town. We have secured outside funding that has helped us move forward in tight financial times.

“The Town Board has worked hard to provide efficient services, containing costs in order to provide tax relief and remain within the tax cap. One way we have done this is by increasing the use of shared services by working cooperatively with the village, other municipalities, as well as the county and local organizations. With the help of our highway department, we have been able to update our highway facilities and remain within our budget.

“We live in a wonderful community, with many people working hard to make good things happen. I am open to new ideas and constantly striving to find better ways to keep our community on a steady positive course.”