Matthew Mandell says:
Over the past week, I have had many thoughtful and in-depth conversations with my team, friends and family following the Democratic Town Committee caucus.
After careful consideration, I have chosen not to petition for a primary, and will therefore suspend my campaign for State Representative. I wish Lee Goldstein well moving forward.
I am deeply grateful to the volunteers, supporters, well-wishers and donors who placed their trust in me and my candidacy. Your encouragement, dedication and belief in what we hoped to achieve together is something I will always cherish.
This was not an easy decision, and it is certainly not one that comes naturally to me. However, it is the right decision for me personally and for the overall health and well-being of my family.
My commitment to Westport remains as strong as ever. I will continue to be a steadfast advocate for our community and look forward to channeling my energy, experience, and passion into new opportunities to serve and strengthen the town we all care so deeply about.
Lee Goldstein and Matthew Mandell
I am sorry to learn of your decision Matt. As I told you privately last week I will now say publicly here. I sincerely wished that you had opted to run in a primary and thus allow the democratic voters themselves to ultimately decide who should get the nomination rather than a small group of “insiders” who, lets face it, only speak for themselves.
Matt, I have no doubt that you would have easily won the nomination if you had but given the voters the opportunity to voice their preference. Know that!
Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for Westport.
John F. Suggs
So 38 members of the Democratic Town Committee chose Westport’s next state representative. Seems…not Democratic. Issues now sit in the back of the bus. The self-anointed popular kids get to drive.
Looks like a microcosm of the same process that gave us Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in their respective POTUS races.
Nothing personal against Lee — but someone with Matt’s depth of knowledge, experience, and passion for Westport doesn’t come along often. A real missed opportunity by the Democratic committee. Lee, if you win, please listen to your constituents and push back against the policies that are turning our beloved Westport into Queens. We deserve better.
As the DTC Chair and as a private resident, I want to thank Matthew for his service, leadership, and commitment to the community and the Democratic Party in Westport. This must have been a very difficult decision. That said, I have little doubt Matthew will continue his legacy of service here in Westport, and broader Fairfield County.
The Mechanicrats have made their choice!
Westport residents will have huge property tax increases this year, because of Lee Goldstein,
And, if you care about the environment, Lee Goldstein clearly isn’t someone who aligns with your views.
I say this knowing it is obvious that Republicans have absolutely no chance of winning this race,
But if you care about real choice in electing our leaders, you certainly don’t have it now.
Matt – oof.