“Where We Stand”: P&Z Candidates Describe Their Skill Sets

An informed electorate is the greatest bulwark of democracy.

Westporters understand this is a very important election. “06880” is doing our part, to help Westporters understand candidates’ perspectives on a variety of issues.

Once a week, between now and Election Day, we’ll ask the men and women running for 3 important boards — Selectmen/women, Planning & Zoning, and Education — one specific question.

We’ll print their responses verbatim.

This week’s question for the Planning & Zoning Commission is:

What skill sets do you have that would complement or enhance the P&Z as a whole?

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The Democratic Party has endorsed Michael Cammeyer, Bre Injeski and Craig Schiavone. Schiavone is also running on the Coalition for Westport ticket, and has been endorsed by the Alliance for Westport. They say:

Instead of drafting 400 words each, we are submitting a combined post to represent all 3 of us running as a slate.

Michael Cammeyer, Bre Injeski and Craig Schiavone bring diverse yet complementary skills in law, civic service and planning. From infrastructure to 8-30g housing to coastal resilience, Westport faces real challenges. Our team brings the necessary collective experience to ensure decisions that are fair, transparent, and right for Westport’s.

Michael Cammeyer, Bre Injeski and Craig Schiavone

Michael Cammeyer
Michael ensures that all voices are heard, including those expressing unpopular or minority views. That’s not accidental; that’s leadership. He brings a long record of civic engagement and leadership in Westport, always focused on bringing people together and finding consensus.

His service on town boards and committees has given him a deep understanding of how different parts of local government work together – and where the P&Z can make a difference.  For example, Michael successfully promoted the regulation change necessary to ensure female athletes will have equitable access to lit fields.

Known for being thoughtful, approachable, and able to bridge perspectives, he strengthens the Commission’s ability to balance community input with responsible growth. His collaborative style makes him a strong complement to the team. When it comes to drainage, Michael is always the first to make sure the water flows in the right direction. Michael approaches his role with quiet confidence and careful consideration. He doesn’t speak the most, but when he does, it counts – and that is what makes him an effective leader.

Bre Injeski
Bre brings a unique combination of legal expertise in government ethics and transportation policy, with hands-on experience as a current P&Z alternate.

A Georgetown Law graduate, she has nearly 20 years of public and private sector experience focused on municipal and administrative law. As a transportation regulatory lawyer, she advises on compliance, strategic planning and policy — skills that translate directly to applying zoning rules fairly and consistently.

Previously, as ethics officer for the New York city comptroller and as deputy director of enforcement at the NYC Conflicts of Interest Board, she oversaw government ethics enforcement, which gave her a deep appreciation for neutrality, transparency, and public trust in government decision-making. Combined with her practical service on the P&Z, her background ensures decisions are legally sound, and grounded in Westport’s current challenges and opportunities.

Craig Schiavone
Craig brings a strong professional background in community planning, historic preservation, real estate finance, business and project management — expertise that is essential for understanding the economic implications of development and ensuring projects are both viable and aligned with community goals.

A Westport resident for more than 20 years, she has played a central role in shaping local planning efforts, including serving as co-chair of the Saugatuck Transit-Oriented Development Master Plan Commission, and as an appointee to both the Downtown Westport 2020 Task Force and the 2022 Downtown Implementation Committee.

Craig has worked closely with residents and business owners, giving her a grounded sense of how zoning decisions impact daily life in Westport. Her ability to analyze projects from both a practical and financial perspective adds another critical dimension to the Commission’s deliberations.

Deeply committed to community service, Craig serves as a guardian ad litem with Child Advocates of Connecticut, a mentor with Homes for Hope, and a volunteer with the Westport Public Library. She has also held leadership roles with organizations advancing historic preservation, the arts, and child welfare.

Together
As a slate, we offer legal, civic, and financial expertise.  This is a balance that ensures decisions are fair, transparent, community-oriented, and economically sound. We each bring a different lens, and together we will strengthen the Commission’s ability to address housing, traffic, environmental resilience, and Westport’s long-term character. On election day, vote all 3 for P&Z.

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Michele Paquette is a bipartisan candidate, with endorsements from 3 organizations. She will be listed on the ballot under both the Republican Party and The Coalition for Westport. Additionally, she has earned the support of the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck. She says:

I’m honored to be a candidate for the Planning and Zoning Commission, driven by a desire to serve and contribute to a town I truly love.  Throughout my life and career I’ve thrived on learning, engaging others, solving complex problems, and collaborating to find thoughtful solutions. I’ve always believed in the power of collective effort to produce tangible, lasting results.

I bring personal land use experience through limited partnerships and a real estate business outside Westport. Now retired, I offer decades of strategic business leadership, including serving as general manager of a billion-dollar business and global leader of a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.

These roles sharpened my ability to evaluate complex proposals, lead teams through high-stakes decisions, work through legal and regulatory concerns, and implement systems that ensure accountability and progress. I believe this blend of land use and experience will enhance the commission’s ability to navigate increasingly complex development challenges.

Michele Paquette 

Planning and zoning decisions shape the future of our town. They require technical expertise, ethical judgment, and a respect for public input. These are values I’ve lived by since my upbringing in Michigan, where my father was a union member and my mother led a hospital department. I was taught that honesty matters, accountability is essential, and hard work lays the foundation for meaningful progress. I was also taught to treat others with respect, collaborate generously, and never shy away from a challenge.

I believe in listening — not just hearing words, but understanding what individuals are truly saying. That’s where I differ from an incumbent candidate.

When hundreds of residents voiced concerns about an 800% increase in density in the Saugatuck area, they were asking for balance. The residents supported a 200–400% increase, but their concerns about the impact on the small-town feel, traffic and parking were ignored. The large zoning change was approved, including by an incumbent candidate, and this made The Hamlet development possible.

During final straw votes on The Hamlet, 2 incumbent candidates indicated approval for the project despite months of public opposition by thousands. Then, when it came time to vote, they abstained. I respect their service, but I believe residents deserve courageous decision-making. I will take a stand.

When I evaluate a project, I ask: Is it complete? Is it compliant? Does it serve the town’s long-term interests?

The Hamlet was not a complete application. It lacked over 80-plus conditions—for example, the plan didn’t provide employee parking even though it was requested.  This is the largest development Westport has ever faced and it is in the midst of our main commuting hub. It deserved thorough scrutiny and a clear, principled response. The plan was eventually denied—but not by the two incumbents’ candidates who initially voted to approve.

I’ve heard from over 1,000 residents about development concerns. I’ve studied the 2017 Town Plan of Conservation and Development and the 2012 Affordable Housing Plan. I’ve attended countless commission meetings and engaged with boards including Affordable Housing, Architectural Review, Erosion and Control, Conservation, and Parks and Recreation. I have studied the regulations and process. I look forward to learning more. I am ready to give residents what they expect: transparency, accountability, and results.

I’m running to be a leader of change – a proactive, principled voice for Westport residents. My business acumen, collaborative spirit, land use experience, and local engagement position me to serve with integrity, courage, and clarity. I’m here to work with all commissioners, regardless of party, to deliver on what residents want—and to ensure our town grows in a way that’s smart, sustainable, and community-driven.

I would be honored to serve.

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For last week’s “Where We Stand” question, click here.