Yesterday’s “06880” story about who becomes 2nd and 3rd selectperson if David Rosenwaks — running without a running mate — wins, clarified that uncertain situation.
But Westport voters are asking another question.
There are 3 Democrats running for the Board of Education: incumbent Abby Tolan, and petitioning candidates Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris.
However, because the Town Charter limits any political party to just a bare BOE majority — 4 seats on the 7-member board — and there are 2 Democrats in the middle of their own 4-year terms: What happens if someone votes for all 3 Dems?
Some voters fear that a ballot with 3 Democrats selected will be rejected.
Not true, says town clerk Jeff Dunkerton.
He tells “06880”: “If a voter selects all 3 Democratic candidates, their ballot will not be rejected, and all 3 votes will count.
“While it’s true that only 2 Democratic candidates can ultimately be seated on the board due to minority representation rules, voters still have the right to vote for up to 4 candidates, as stated on the ballot. Only if voters select more than 4 candidates will their ballot be considered an over-vote for the BOE race.”
To be clear: Votes for 3 Democratic candidates will be counted. However, only the top 2 vote-getters in that party would be seated.
On the Republican side, 4 candidates are running: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Andy Frankel, Michelle Hopson and Kaitlin Zucaro.
If all GOP candidates are the top 4 vote-getters, all would be seated, and no Democrats. Republicans would then have 4 BOE seats, with the 3 currently serving members in the middle of their terms: Democrats Lee Goldstein and Neil Phillips, and unaffiliated Jill Dillon.
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Last night’s 1st selectman’s debate drew a large crowd to Greens Farms Academy.
It was sponsored by Westport Journal. Click here for their reporter Gretchen Webster’s story on the event.
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Speaking still of the election: Yesterday’s link to my Instagram Live interview with 1st selectman candidate Kevin Christie cut out after 20 minutes.
Click here or below for the full 30 minutes:
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After nearly 70 years of service to the town, the Westport Young Woman’s League is starting a new chapter — literally.
The longtime community organization has officially changed its name to the Women’s League of Westport.
Officers say the new name better reflects the League’s evolving membership, and its mission to welcome women in all stages of life who want to give back, connect, and make a difference in their community.
(It also removes the pesky confusion about whether it’s “Woman’s” or “Women’s.” The plural is much more embracing too.)
The group is not wasting any time celebrating. To kick off the new League year, they’ll host their first-ever Friendsgiving Bash — a “girls’ night out” dance party to benefit the Westport Warm-Up Fund.
The event is November 19 (7 to 10 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
The dance party began several years ago. Past president Julie Whamond started what she thought would be a simple holiday get-together with friends. It quickly grew into a beloved annual tradition. Now it’s an official League event.
Tickets (minimum $30 donation) are available at the door, or via Venmo: @Athina-Meehan-1.
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Last week, Sustainable Westport and Earthplace hosted a discussion on sustainability issues with all 3 first selectman candidates.
A large Branson Hall crowd heard Kevin Christie, Don O’Day and David Rosenwaks discuss their perspectives, and environmental plans for the future. Topics ranged from flood resilience to transportation, and more.
If you weren’t there — or were, and want to hear it again — click here.
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There’s been a change in tomorrow’s “No Kings” protest.
The event still starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Jesup Green. But instead of marching to Veterans Green, the speakers and musicians will all take place entirely at Jesup Green.
Organizers say, “We expect a large crowd, and want to ensure safety for all. We are a community of families. Respect and kindness toward our neighbors is expected, as we exercise our right to free assembly and free speech.”
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Renovation of the Imperial Avenue parking lot — including a bathroom, storage shed and access to Deadman Brook — may or may not happen.
After many months of debate, a decision has not yet been made.
But there has been one improvement. Four new handicap parking spots were recently painted, and signs installed.
The move — part of Westport’s push to become ADA-compliant — will benefit Westport Farmers’ Market shoppers, and people going to nearby Levitt Pavilion.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Westport is one step closer to joining the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority.
The state agency has $60 million in bonding authority. They help communities navigate state bureaucracy. and advocate for and advise on infrastructure improvements.
A petition has been submitted to the town clerk’s office. The next step is for approval by the Representative Town Meeting.
The move coincides with David Kooris’ talk yesterday, at the Westport Library.
But David Kooris might provide some ideas. The executive director of the CMDA discussed development, community concerns, traffic issues, and how to create a more walkable Westport.
The crowd included a number of candidates and town officials — including RTM members, who will be asked to approve the petition.
CMDA’s David Kooris, with moderator Dave Briggs and RTM member Kristin Mott Purcell, at yesterday’s event.
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Westport Sunrise Rotary’s “Westport Uncorked” fundraiser was a corking good time.
The sold-out 34th annual event included everything: curated wines and crat spirits, courtesy of the Fine Wine Company; great food — and fundraising for the many projects supported by Sunrise Rotary, locally and around the globe.
The Inn at Longshore hosted with its usual warmth and attention to detail. We’ll drink to that!
One of the many tasting stations at Westport Uncorked. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Staples High School’s Class of 1975 had their “can you believe it’s happening?!” 50th reunion last weekend.
Half a decade ago, there were 619 graduates. They had 80 for Friday night’s gathering at the Black Duck, 150 at the Westport Woman’s Club on Saturday (photo below), and 70 at Tom Capasse’s Bluff Point home for Sunday brunch.
Other highlights included a tour of the “new” Staples by Laddie Lawrence (who in 1975 was in his second year as Wreckers’ track coach), and check-ins by a bunch of current Staples juniors. Their 50th reunion will be held in 2077.
Congrats to the entire class — especially Reunion Committee members Larry Perlstein, Nancy Kondub, Alison Clarke and Tom Capasse.
Staples Class of ’75 keeps the fun alive.
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Forget spider webs, ghosts and pumpkins.
The “in” Halloween decoration this year is larger-than-life-size skeletons.
We’ve seen at least 3, in front lawns all over town.
This homeowner, though, doubles the fun:
(Photo/Lynn Flint)
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Welcome to Westport … Ireland, that is.
(Photo/Arthur Hayes)
Lisa Hayes stands by the sign near Connemara. (It’s a bit easier to say than the Gaelic written above it.
“A stunningly beautiful area on Ireland’s west coast,” Arthur says.
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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between October 8 and 14.
Four New York City men — ages 26, 24, 21 and 19 — were charged with larceny or conspiracy to commit larceny, following a shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty.
A 47-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, threatening with a firearm and reckless endangerment, following an investigation into an incident several months earlier, involving an argument at a Westport residence. He posted a $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Speeding in a school zone: 4 citations
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
- Disorderly conduct: 2
- Distracted driving: 2
- Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
- Improper use of markers: 2
- Unlawful restraint: 2
- Violation of rear-facing seat regulation: 1
- Passing a standing school bus: 1
- Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
- Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
- Failure to renew registration: 1
- Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
- Failure to obey state traffic commission signals: 1
- Failure to stop on the right side of the road: 1
Rear-facing car seats
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We love “Westport … Naturally” photos are larger than life. A shot like this, from Judith Katz, allows us to see the wonders all around, up close and very personal.
(Photo/Judith Katz)
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And finally … Jeanne-Paule Marie (“The Singing Nun,” or Sœur Sourire (“Sister Smile”) was born on this day in 1933. Her song “Dominique” was a surprise hit in the US in 1963 — just weeks before Beatlemania changed music forever.
Owing partially to confusion over the terms of the recording contract, she was eventually reduced to poverty. She also experienced a crisis of faith, leaving her order though still remaining a Catholic. She died by suicide in 1985 with her life partner, Annie Pécher.
(From the Women’s League of Westport to the Singing Nun — with a bit of Ireland thrown in — you get it all on “06880.” We hope we get your support too. Please click here to contribute. Thank you!)
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What happens in the unlikely situation of all three Democratic candidates receiving the exact same number of votes? Which ones get seated?
In similar situations I have seen (other states, other races) they have drawn lots.
Three weeks after the election another election is held, with just those tied candidates on the ballot.
If you want to read the whole law, it’s CT Gen Stat § 9-332.
The Class of ’75 reunion committee did an excellent job planning and coordinating this milestone event. I know some of my classmates were reluctant to attend and needed persuading to go, but they all admitted to having had a great time. It’s fascinating to see where people have landed five decades later and what they’ve accomplished with their Staples education.
A real benefit to the Imperial and Levitt/Library parking lots would be any progress at all on the long promised ADA wheelchair/stroller ramp to connect the two lots.
Promises and excuses we have, the ramp not so much.
(I also still wonder when the Jesup Green Seawall safety railing, that the RTM approved funding for 5 years ago in 2020, will finally be installed.)