Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its underlying rating (SPUR) on Westfield, Mass.' general obligation (GO) bonds two notches to 'AA' from 'A+' based on its local GO criteria released Sept. 12, 2013. The outlook is stable. A pledge of the city's full faith credit and resources secure the bonds. The rating reflects our assessment of the following factors for the city. We consider Westfield's economy to be adequate with access to the broad and diverse economy of Springfield just 10 miles to the east. Unemployment for Hampden County in 2012 was 8.5%. The city has a projected per capita effective buying income of 91.2% of the U.S. Per capita market value was $77,297 for fiscal 2013. The city's 10
