Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor has her eye on a new prize: the State Senate.
Yesterday, she filed paperwork for the 26th District seat currently held by Ceci Maher. The 2-term senator is not seeking re-election. Both Nestor and Maher are Democrats.
The district includes Westport, Weston and 6 other towns. State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan also announced yesterday.
“After Senator Maher shared her plans, my family and I took time to thoughtfully consider what the future may hold,” Nestor says.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Senator Maher and deeply appreciate her thoughtfulness, hard work, and graciousness in public service. While serving as First Selecwoman of Weston has been an honor, I believe I have so much more to offer our communities.”
Weston 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor
As her town’s chief executive, Nestor has secured and overseen more than $30 million in grants and funding.
“These experiences have given me a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges towns face in working with the state,” Nestor notes.
“I know how state policies can help communities thrive — and I’ve also seen where unnecessary obstacles can actually make it harder for towns to meet the needs of their residents.”
Pressures on local communities include rising healthcare costs for municipal and school employees, plus infrastructure, energy and maintenance expenses.
“Every town is working hard to keep communities affordable, maintain strong schools, and manage rising costs responsibly,” she said. “I will bring a town leader’s perspective to the legislature and focus on policies that support municipalities rather than burden them.”
Before becoming first selectwoman, Nestor served on Weston’s Board of Selectmen and Board of Education.
“Those of us who live in Weston know that our lives and communities extend well beyond town lines,” Nestor says. “I know and care deeply about the towns of this district, and I look forward to listening carefully to residents in every community as we work together towards solutions that benefit all of us.”
This is brilliant news. Both women are superior elected representatives and have served and will continue to serve us for many years. Bravo to you both.
Sam has my full support. I am sad to lose a top selectwoman who keeps us informed, who is there for the town at events from honoring students to respecting veterans, who has been open and available (especially when we are not in sync), and who has led and represented the town’s interests in the larger community. As some major, challenging issues are coming up in the state, Sam would be a strong voice for our towns and the state.