Elected officials are servants of the public and when it snows, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook takes civic service to the next level. During his free time and using his own vehicle, gas and plow, Cook assists the city’s street department by clearing roads and streets.
“I coordinate with the street department,” he said.
Cook said snow removal takes a lot of planning and can be a costly decision. To salt and plow everywhere in Westfield costs $20,000.
“People take the snow plowing very seriously. It’s a service we provide, and you’re either a hero or in a world of hurt. Snow removal is an indication on how well the city does on all its services,” Cook said. “It’s a dangerous curve, the better you do the more people expect.”
Adding Cook’s Jeep to the mix is an advantage for the street department because of its size.
“I was in Brookside last night (March 5) and got through the trees that are low and harder for the big trucks to travel through,” he said.
Cook received the plow as a gift from his sons to help clear the drive and parking lot of his family’s trucking business and other properties around town.
“This little plow has paid for itself,” he said.
While most would rather be indoors than out in the snowy weather, Cook says he enjoys it.
“I like snow, and I love winter. I take it as a challenge,” he said. “I haven’t hit any mailboxes, but have had a few run-ins with trash cans.”
