It was a busy summer and fall for Kevin Christie.
And — since his election November 4, and his swearing-in 13 days later — it’s been even busier.
But Westport’s new 1st selectman took time this week to answer questions from “06880” about his campaign, and the next 4 years.
That campaign “stayed true to its foundation from the start,” Christie says.
He and running mate Amy Wistreich “focused on listening, community engagement and execution.” They began with a listening tour. Knocking on doors and convening voters at “Coffee and Conversation” Westport Library events, they heard from seniors, young families, business owners and more.
Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich, during the campaign.
The conversations “helped shape our platform and guided how we engaged throughout the fall,” says Christie.
“We built a strong volunteer network, connected with thousands of residents, and had meaningful conversations about Westport’s future. It was uplifting to see so many Westporters come together around positive, solutions-focused leadership.”
Christie learned — “or perhaps the campaign reinforced,” he says — “how deeply people care about this town. Whether talking about traffic, open space, schools or development, most Westporters want to be heard and want local government to work better.”
He calls the campaign conversations “thoughtful, forward-looking, and grounded in a shared pride in Westport. It was a good reminder that real engagement happens when we talk with one another directly.”
A moment of relaxation. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
He felt “an eerie calmness” the night before the election.
“I wanted to run a campaign with no regrets, and I had none. Election Day, similar to my Board of Education race 4 years ago, was one of the most enjoyable parts of the campaign.”
He spent most of the day at polling places, thanking Westporters for exercising their right to vote.
After the polls closed, but before any results came in, he was surrounded by supporters.
“The overwhelming feeling was gratitude,” Christie says. “So many people had invested their time and energy in this campaign, and I was truly grateful for that.
Early results — borne out in the next hour — showed strong support throughout town. Christie says, “Westporters showed confidence in our message and in the kind of leadership we want to bring to Town Hall. I’m deeply appreciative of that.”
Kevin Christie (rear), at the Democratic Party gathering at Little Barn on Election Night. (Photo/Catherine Campagnino)
His 2 opponents, Don O’Day and David Rosenwaks, and 2nd selectwoman incumbent and candidate Andrea Moore all went to the Democrats’ gathering, at Little Barn.
“We had gracious and respectful conversations, as we’ve had before, during and after the campaign. We all care about Westport,” Christie says.
The transition began immediately. From his time on the Board of Education, he already had relationships in Town Hall,
He met with department heads, board chairs and outgoing officials to ensure a smooth handoff.
“Our town is fortunate to have a strong team in place,” Christie notes. Outgoing selectwomen Jen Tooker and Moore were “gracious and helpful.”
Moments after he was sworn in, Kevin Christie took this selfie at Town Hall.
The 1st selectman’s first day in office was “welcoming, smooth and productive.” Thanks to the Town Hall team and IT staff, he “hit the ground running.”
Christie met with town employees, visited departments in the building, and began preliminary budget discussions.
He also attended the Long Lots School Building Committee meeting, and a Democratic Town Committee session that night.
“My focus from day one has been to listen, understand what is already working well, and make sure we are positioned to deliver results right from the start,” he says.
He continues to spend evenings at community meetings and events. “It has been energizing to see so many people engaged and committed to Westport.”
Moving forward, Christie will rely on “our experienced town staff, elected officials across boards and commissions, and community members with expertise in key areas. Collaboration is essential, and I value diverse perspectives.”
He also cites his “strong partnership with Amy, as we begin this work together.”
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Asked about a message for Westporters, Christie says, “Thank you. This is an incredible community, and I’m honored to serve it.
“My door will always be open. I’m committed to listening, planning responsibly, and getting things done the right way. Westport is strongest when we work together.
“I look forward to partnering with residents, town staff, and every board and commission in the work ahead.
“The work ahead belongs to all of us. Westport is a community that thrives when people come together, and our success depends on collaboration between residents, town staff, and every board and commission.
“I’m grateful for the trust Westporters have placed in me, and I look forward to the work we will do together.”
(“06880” covered the recent election thoroughly — and will continue to report on all local politics. Your support helps us do so. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Congrats to Christie, heard great things about him! We have one major problem in Westport. The traffic is all time worst. Yesterday was record bad. We need all hands on deck to sort it out. Waze is sending more people thru what is already a mess. It may not be fixable but wow its bad!
Actually the Post Road traffic was much worse before 1958 when every 18 wheeler drove through Westport. However, traffic on the side roads wasn’t a major problem.