Today, Westport welcomes a new Public Works director.
Larry Roberts takes over from Pete Ratkiewich, the highly regarded, now-retired 35-year veteran of our town’s roads, transfer station and all other infrastructure.
It should be a seamless transfer. Roberts has over 3 decades’ experience, in facilities management, emergency communications and public safety. Most recently, he served as Weston’s director of public works
A Westport native, he knows this town well. He traces his current position — in a roundabout way — to how he learned to fly here.
At Staples High School.
Larry Roberts, Staples High School Class of 1985 …
Back in the day, Wilson Hopkins taught an Aeronautics course. Roberts earned his pilot’s license before graduating in 1985.
That led to Embry-Riddle University in Florida, where he majored in aeronautical science and minored in airframe mechanics. He knew how to fly planes — and how to fix them.
For 10 years, Roberts flew for Business Express Airlines. He married Sandra Pasarelli (Staples ’86), moved to Weston, and became a volunteer firefighter.
Realizing that “flying is not the best occupation for an expectant father,” Roberts pivoted to a new career: firefighting.
He was hired by Greenwich, and rose through the ranks to deputy chief. His background in mechanics helped him oversee construction of several new firehouses there.
After 20 years, he retired. Weston hired him, first as director of their communications center, then as head of public works and facility management.
Several major projects had been funded, but not begun. Over the past 5 years, Roberts’ department built 3 bridges; paved 27 miles of road; reconstructed Lyons Plain Road, and renovated a public water supply system.
When Ratkiewich announced his retirement, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie named him to the interview committee. There were several good candidates, Roberts says, but none panned out.
So Christie asked Roberts if he’d be interested in the job himself.
He met Christie and other department heads. “I was impressed with their professionalism,” Roberts recalls. “And they all seemed happy.”
He applied, and was interviewed — this time on the other side of the table. His tenure begins today.
… and Larry Roberts today.
His learning curve will not be steep. “I’m in Westport virtually every day,”” Roberts says. “I know the infrastructure, the people and the relationships. I read ‘06880.’
“I know the town well. Maybe not as well as Pete (Ratkiewich), but not many people do.”
Right now, the DPW is working on about 80 projects. They include the Ned Dimes Marina and nearby retaining wall at Compo Beach, the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates, Long Lots Elementary School, Parker Harding Plaza, and sidewalks.
Roberts will spend time learning about them, and about the department’s strengths and areas for improvement.
“”I’m not the type to come in and make big changes,” he says. “If something is needed, okay. If not, that’s also okay.”
Sidewalks and marinas are a far cry from the planes Larry Roberts first learned to fly at Staples.
But he’s ready to soar, in the town where it all began.
(“06880” covers Westport’s government, beaches, roads … and Staples High graduates. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please make a tax-deductible contribution to clicking here. Thanks!)
