NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) June 28, 2011--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its underlying rating (SPUR) on Westfield, Mass.' general obligation (GO) debt by two notches to 'A+' from 'A-'. The outlook is stable. "We based the upgrade on what we view as the city's improved financial position and a low debt burden despite a challenging national economic environment," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Karl Jacob. The 'A+' SPUR further reflects what we consider the city's: Strong (primarily residential) tax base, with a mix of the industrial and commercial sectors; Good income levels, coupled with an unemployment rate below that of the nation; Strong financial position attributable to conservative budgeting practices followed by the management; and Low debt
