Local elections earlier this month were low-key. Most attention focused on the Board of Finance and Planning and Zoning Commission. Both shifted control, from Republican to Democrat.
Our Representative Town Meeting is non-partisan. Still, there was one interesting — and overlooked — result: For the 1st time in memory (probably ever), there are more RTM women than men.
RTM moderator Eileen Flug will be joined by 21 other women this term.
The previous legislative body was split evenly: 18 each. The new RTM has 22 women and 14 men. That’s 60% female.
A local politician wonders if it’s because so many intelligent, highly qualified women have gotten their volunteer starts through the PTA. They’ve learned about town affairs that way — and earned name recognition.
That’s one theory. Perhaps there’s another reason. Or none at all.
The bottom line is: So what?
Westport is blessed with an energetic, dedicated and very competent group of volunteers. They make our RTM go — as well as every other town board and commission.
It doesn’t matter if they’re male or female, Democrat or Republican.
As Thanksgiving nears, we owe them all our most profound thanks.
