Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers this update:
Autumn has arrived! My family woke up this morning to a thermostat reading 58 degrees inside the house, a sure sign the season has officially settled in. With Halloween around the corner and fall activities in full swing, there’s great energy across our schools. The district is off to a strong start, and we continue to build momentum each week.
Below are a few brief updates on important district initiatives. AI in Westport: Human‑Centered, Future‑Ready
With the exception of safety and security, I do not believe there is any topic more urgent, or more defining for the future of education, than artificial intelligence. The questions before us are not if we should engage with AI, but how: How do we use it to reclaim time, elevate performance (of students and educators), and prepare our students to lead in an AI world?
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
On October 23, in partnership with members of our faculty and administration, I will present the District Strategic Plan to the Board of Education. A central feature of this plan is a forward-looking vision for AI, one that embraces its potential while confronting its challenges head-on.
But make no mistake: This is not a plan about technology. It is a plan about humanity, about ensuring that as AI transforms our world (it already has), our schools become the place where what is most human is preserved, strengthened, and celebrated.
Our guiding principle, “AI Powered, Human Centered,” reflects both a commitment and a challenge: to use AI to amplify human potential, not replace it. This is about preparing students not just to live in an AI-driven world, but to lead in it, with creativity, empathy, and ethical purpose.
Over 50 faculty members have participated in the drafting of our plans, while all faculty members, over 500, had opportunities to provide feedback on the district AI vision and Code of Ethics.
I invite all parents and community members to join us for this important presentation on October 23 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), as we share how our district intends to set the pace for what public education can, and must, be in the age of AI.
Phone Free Schools Update
On Thursday night a team of administrators, faculty and students presented the implementation plan to the Board of Education for the Staples Phone-Free Initiative, which will begin on November 5.
It has been 16 months since my initial recommendation, and during that time the district has engaged in thoughtful discussion and collaboration among faculty, administrators, students and parents to establish a phone- and smart technology-free school day, from the first bell until dismissal.
Smartphones, smartwatches and wireless headphones are all banned on November 5.
As Staples Principal Stafford Thomas emphasized in his remarks, our goal is to foster stronger human connection, greater engagement in learning, and a healthier, more focused school culture.
Beginning November 5, our entire district (K–12) will be fully committed to a phone- and smart technology-free learning environment. As with all district initiatives, we will implement thoughtfully, learn from our experience, and make adjustments where needed.
An implementation update will be provided to the Board of Education later this school year.
District Facilities and Capital Projects
Over the past several years, the district has made a concerted effort to maintain and improve our facilities, as outlined in our Capital Improvement Plan. A top priority has been ensuring the integrity of our buildings, from mechanical systems to exterior envelopes, to create safe, efficient and modern learning environments.
Recent examples include new roofs at Saugatuck Elementary School and Staples High School, as well as HVAC upgrades across the district.
At a recent meeting, the Board of Education reviewed the updated 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and proposed projects for the 2025–2026 school year. The Board’s Finance and Facilities Committee also examined these projects in detail. Supporting documents, including information on district painting projects, can be found here.
The Staples auditorium — built in 1958, shown above in 1970, and made part of the new building in 2025 — has not been upgraded in 30 years.
Proposed 2025–2026 projects include:
Staples auditorium upgrades
Installation of wireless access points for Staples athletic fields
Concession stand/bathroom for Staples fields
Renovation of the Staples girls’ locker room
Upgrades to Bedford Middle School science labs
Roof replacement at Greens Farms School
Replacement of motorized folding partition in the Saugatuck gym
The Board of Education will continue to review these recommendations and advance approved projects to the Board of Finance and Representative Tonw meeting for funding consideration. I will keep the community informed as this process moves forward.
Posted onOctober 11, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Sunday Walk Postponed; $10,000 Grant; Pink Aid …
With uncertain weather forecast for tomorrow (Sunday), Bike Westport is postponing its Bridge-to-Bridge Walk. The new date is Sunday, October 19.
Organizers say, “While we don’t think weather should ever keep us from being outside, we want this to be a fun, safe, and memorable walk for everyone — families, neighbors and candidates alike.”
The event feature candidates for First Selectman, RTM and other local offices walking from Jesup Green along Riverside Avenue to Kneads, one of the town’s busiest and most important walking and biking routes.
The 45-minute walk highlights Westport’s opportunities to improve walkability, bikeability, and safety along this key connection between downtown and Saugatuck.
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Does your non-profit want $10,000?
The Westport Woman’s Club seeks applications from local organizations for their annual Ruegg Grants. Over $200,000 have been awarded since 1995.
Proposed initiatives should be projects that benefit the Westport community, focusing on areas like social services, health, safety, arts, or education.
The non-profit providing emergency financial aid to breast cancer patients is celebrating 15 years of monetary and emotional support. Thousands of patients have not had to choose between treatment, or food and rent.
Founded in 2011 by area residents, Amy Katz, Andrew Mitchell-Namdar, Renee Mandis and Amy Gross, its needs remain great. Breast cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat — and the burden extends far beyond medical bills.
In just a decade and a half, Pink Aid has distributed over $13.7 million to more than 60,000 people, throughout the nation.
The non-profit’s “Evening of Glitterati” Gala on October 16 at Mitchells of Westport is — as always — sold out.
The very popular Staples High School resource officer has been named Westport Police Department’s Officer of the Year!
Wooldridge joined the WPD in 2017, following a 23-year career with the Connecticut State Police.
He was named the town’s first-ever school resource officer the next year.
The WPD says: “Through his hard work and solid relationships within the school community, what began as a trial position has grown into an integral part of the Westport Police Department.
“Today the Department’s School Security Unit includes officers in nearly every school in town, providing not only security, but mentorship, trust and accessibility to students and families. The success of this program can be traced directly to Corporal Wooldridge’s leadership. and the example he set as the first to wear that role.”
It’s a time of pumpkins. Apple cider. Crisp air. Beautiful leaves. Falling leaves.
And removing leaves.
It’s a longtime suburban ritual. Minus the when-I was-a-kid option of burning them. (If you don’t know that smell, you haven’t really experienced autumn.)
But is raking/blowing/bagging/hauling those leaves away the best solution?
Alert “06880” reader Jon Rosenoer sent an intriguing New York Times story.
Headlined “Why Leaving the Leaves is Better for Your Yard,” it begins:
Coming soon to a backyard near you: leaf drop. What’s your aftercare plan?
This fall, gardeners can turn to new research to inform their decisions on how to manage the cleanup — whether or not to “leave the leaves,” as the ecologically focused rallying cry has been in recent years.
That campaign has spread awareness that fallen leaves provide overwintering habitat for many ecologically critical organisms. But that’s not all they do. Now, we can look at theconsequences of leaf removal by the numbers, data that makes a more nuanced case for a gentler approach that supports plants and soil, and also offers insights into the most effective how-to practices to employ.
The effects of leaf removal were the subject of a two-year study published in March by Max Ferlauto, state entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program, and Karin T. Burghardt, an ecologist and associate professor at the University of Maryland.
Speaking of fall: Upcoming this month at Earthplace …
“Kids’ Night Out: Spooky Creatures” (October 17, 6 to 9 p.m.; ages 4-13; members $50, non-members $60): Costumes encouraged!
“Murder Mystery Campfire” (October 18, 7 to 9 p.m.; ages 21+; members $45, non-members $50): Spooky tales and thrills under a starry night: a live-action “whodunnit” around the fire. Solve a murder before it happens again. Light refreshments.
“Owl-ween Campfire” (October 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; $25 members, $35 non-members): Meet an owl up close; hear a spooky tale at the campfire; roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
“Pumpkin Carving and Painting” (October 26, noon to 2 p.m.; $30 for 1 pumpkin, and 1 table for up to 5): Earthplace provides all the supplies (and takes care of clean-up). Leftover pumpkins are composted, or fed to the animals.
No, you’re not hearing things. And your car is fine.
Last night, the Public Works Highway Department was scheduled to install “safety rumble strips” on 3 road.
Rumble strips are the slightly raised portions of a road designed to alert inattentive or drowsy drivers that they’re about to do something seriously wrong. (You’ll notice them on Wilton Road, near the Westport Weston Family YMCA).
The 3 streets are Roseville Road (Colony Road to Post Road East), Kings Highway North (Edge Hill Road to Wilton Road), and Old Hill Road (Jennifer Lane to Partrick Road).
Congratulations to Westport’s Department of Human Services!
The Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging has named them a “Community Focal Point.” The honor specifically recognizes Westport’s Center for Senior Activities — a Human Services program — as “a trusted hub where residents of all ages and abilities can find support, resources, and connection.”
The award highlights the dedication of Westport’s Human Services and Senior Center staff, who every day treat seniors and people with disabilities with kindness, respect and empathy. From daily programming to 1-on-1 support, the staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure every resident feels valued.
And finally … John Lodge, who the New York Times says “brought supple bass lines, soaring falsetto harmonies and deft songwriting to the British rock group the Moody Blues as it moved from its R&B roots toward a lush, symphonic sound as pioneers of progressive rock,” died recently. He was 82.
(Another day, another Roundup filled with shout-outs, upcoming events, news about rumble strips, and tons more stuff you never knew you needed to know. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Sunday Walk Postponed; $10,000 Grant; Pink Aid …
Posted onOctober 11, 2025|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #287
Fall is in the air.
And in our online art gallery.
There’s something about the season that brings out special creativity in our readers.
Of course, there’s always more than one theme here.
And always more than meets the eye.
No matter how young (or old) you are; what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Fallen Leaves” (Karen Weingarten)
Untitled (John Maloney)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Einstein” — ballpoint ink on paper (Bill Fellah)
“A Slice of Still Life” (Jerry Kuyper)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Always Be on the Lookout for the Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (Mike Hibbard”)
“Mommy and Me” — oil on canvas, 24 x 24 (S. Guccione — Available for purchase — click here)
“Houses in Eze” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)
“Two Dozen Roses” — watercolor with computer background (Steve Stein)
“By the Light of the Electric Moon” (Dorrie Barlow Thomas)
“Jane and Friend” (Martin Ripchick)
“Compo Playground” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
StoryFest — The Westport Library’s annual literary festival — kicks off its 8th year on Monday.
That’s also Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
There is a Westport tie-in.
Actually, several.
At 7 p.m. Monday (October 13), Julian Brave NoiseCat launches his new memoir, “We Survived the Night.” He’ll join Ramin Ganeshram, executive director of the Westport Museum for History & Culture, for a keynote conversation.
The book’s official release is the next day.
Julian Brave NoiseCat
StoryFest — the largest literary festival in Connecticut — draws scores of authors and hundreds of readers, writers and fans each year. With an interdisciplinary career, NoiseCat’s work aligns with the mission: a celebration of storytelling in all forms, across all types of media.
His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post and The New Yorker. In 2021 he was named to Time Magazine’s “100 Next List of Emerging Leaders.”
NoiseCat’s film “Sugarcane” was nominated for an Academy Award. It follows an investigation into abuse and missing children at the Indian residential school NoiseCat’s family was sent to in British Columbia.
The writer/filmmaker will be introduced Monday by Valerie Seiling Jacobs. It promises to be more than a cursory recitation of his bio.
Valerie Seiling Jacobs
In 2012, Jacobs — a longtime Westporter and corporate lawyer for over 2 decades, who had pivoted to a second career teaching writing at Columbia University — met NoiseCat in her small “University Writing” class.
It was a demanding, intensive course. The first-year student immediately stood out.
“He was so focused on improving his writing,” she recalls.
The topics he chose — social justice, climate change, Native Americans — were important to him. But he wove them into larger stories, Jacobs says.
That’s what his current writing does too, she says. “It’s personal and investigative, while serving a larger purpose.”
For the next 3 years, Jacobs read his work in the Columbia newspaper. A few years later, she saw an article on Native American rights in The Guardian.
“It was fascinating. Then I noticed his byline,” she says. She reconnected with her former student.
His writing showed up often in her news feeds. She saw “Sugarcane” in New York. She was proud — but not surprised — when it won awards, including Sundance Film Festival and Critics’ Choice.
They corresponded occasionally. When she learned he’d be at StoryFest, she told him she lived in Westport. They arranged for Jacobs to introduce him.
NoiseCat’s new book has received plenty of advance praise. Rebecca Solnit called it “a beautiful, wrenching, important masterpiece, both a memoir and something that reaches far beyond the personal.”
Oprah Daily named it one of the best books of this fall.
More than a dozen years after Julian Brave NoiseCat took Valerie Seiling Jacobs’ intensive writing course, she is not at all surprised.
Our Friday series has flashed back once or twice to the construction of Parker Harding Plaza.
But with the much-disliked-but-also-much-used parking lot (not really a “plaza”) back in the news, it’s time to take another look back.
Parker Harding — named for Emerson Parker and Evan Harding, civic leaders who had a hand in its creation — was built on landfill, in the postwar years when Westport was growing like lanternflies.
From the beginning of Main Street in the 1700s through the 1950s, the Saugatuck River lapped up against the backs of buildings on its west side — first homes, then businesses.
It may have been picturesque. But the sewage pipes that emptied directly into the river were definitely not.
Here is what construction of the then-modern, much-needed parking area looked like:
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
John and Mary Kowalsky, watching Kowalsky Brothers equipment create Parker Harding Plaza. (Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
(Photo courtesy of Jim Ezzes)
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected the Staples football team’s first-year coach as High School Coach of the Week.
The Wreckers are now 4-0, after pummeling Darien on the road last Saturday, 31-6. It was Staples’ first victory over the Blue Wave in 13 years.
The honor comes with a $2,000 check from the Giants Foundation and Gatorade for the football program. Jacowleff will also receive a certificate signed by Giants head coach Brian Daboll, and be honored at a dinner following the season, and a 2026 pre-season game.
Staples football head coach Matty Jacowleff.
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The art featured this fall in the Westport Library aligns with StoryFest — the multimedia homage to storytelling.
The exhibits — on display now through December 16, include:
The exhibit features renowned photographers Philippe Halsman, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Eliot Porter and Lucia Nebel White, and Westport photographers Larry Silver, David Kalman, Spencer Platt, Lynsey Addario and more.
Larry Morse’s “Black Men Reading” (opening reception October 29 at 6 p.m.; conversation between Morse and Westport artist Miggs Burroughs at 7).
The idea for this series began in 2020, inspired by daily subway commutes where Morse observed fellow passengers, including the occasional sight of Black men with books in hand. Those moments transcended timely happenings, and spoke to deep-rooted aspects of identity, dignity, and representation.
“Art of the Album: Modern Blues” showcases a selection of LPs featuring Westport resident and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin’s performances on keyboard, including with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. From Mother Earth’s “Living With the Animals” to Brewer & Shipley’s “Tarkio,” these albums capture the cultural time when vinyl packaging were both a canvas and a keepsake.
Staples High School Class of 1973 graduate Bob Gill died peacefully in February in Honolulu. He was 69.
An Eagle Scout, Bob earned a gymnastics scholarship — and a bachelor arts in education — at Arizona State University.
Bob in the Los Angeles and Honolulu public schools. The North Shore, with its culture and surfing challenge, became his home.
He was also an actor, model and house painter.
Bob is survived by his siblings Jeffrey, Steven (Sally) and Kirsten Bartie (Steve). He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Olivia, and brother Gary.
A memorial will be held this Sunday (October 12, 11:45 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.
Longtime Westporter Jo Ann Arciola died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. She was 78.
The Boston native found her professional home at Resnick Advisories, where she spent more than 20 years. She was noted for her dedication, integrity and kindness.
Jo Ann was an avid reader, traveler and cook. Her family says, “her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and love.”
Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 58 years, Sam Arciola, Jr.; son Sam Arciola III (Kelly); grandsons Sam Arciola IV and Dominic Arciola; brothers-in-law Carmen Arciola of Florida and Jay Westerhold of Virginia; many nieces and nephews, and her dog Romeo. She was predeceased by her brother Edward Austin, sister Eleanor Westerhold, and Joseph Arciola.
A memorial service is set for Thursday (October 16, 11 a.m., Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road).
And finally … in honor of Mark Naftalin, and the album cover exhibit at the Westport Library (story above):
(“06880” is Westport’s hyper-local blog — your source for news, events, photos, and everything else about our town. We rely on reader support. Please click here — and thank you!)
In June of 2024, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice recommended that Westport Public Schools move to a smartphone-free environment.
It’s already in place in the middle and elementary schools. On November 5 — the start of the second quarter — the ban begins at Staples High School.
Last night, the Board of Education — and students, parents and the rest of the public — heard details of the plan the BOE had asked the school to develop. An implementation committee included administrators, teachers and students.
Catherine Campagnino reports:
Scarice said that the new policy — in which phones must be put in lockers — “takes the burden off the teacher.” Students will have an extra 5 minutes each morning to go to their lockers — which are spread throughout the sprawling school — and another 5 minutes at the end of the day to retrieve them.
The extra time will come from slicing 1 minute off each class, and reducing the Connections period from twice a week to once.
Smartwatches and wireless headphones are included in the new policy. The goal is to limit as many technological distractions as possible.
Phones, watches, earbuds are all included in the Staples ban.
Teachers support the change, Scarice said. Social studies instructor David Willick noted that in a survey, 70% support it.
Math teacher and Westport Education Association president Stacey Delmhorst added, “The general feeling of the classroom has changed dramatically.” She praised the “extremely collaborative process” that led to the next stage.
One key to the plan was getting consensus from teachers and students. A working group will continue to meet throughout the year, to monitor its effectiveness.
An interim step — phone pockets in classes — has been “a great segue” to the next step, assistant principal Micah Lawrence said. Connections periods have been used to help students “learn the importance of face-to-face interactions.”
He was one of 4 assistant principals who spoke in favor of the plan. Christine Cincotta — favoring “restored focus in the classroom” — noted that the ban’s effectiveness depends on consequences.
Students caught with a smartphone will speak with an assistant principal. A parent must then come to get the phone, or give consent for the AP to return it to the student.
First-time offenders will get 1 detention; second-timers, 2. A suspension would follow the third offense.
AP Patrick Micinilio cited one initial problem: Because so few students used lockers since the building opened in 2005, 600 of the 1,850 lockers were inoperable. All have been fixed.
Staples’ lockers are large. They range from the culinary kitchens near the pool, to the furthest reaches of the third floor. Until now, they have seldom been used.
When the discussion was opened to BOE comments, Abby Tolan wondered about the effect on students with disabilities or medical issues, who may rely on phones for a variety of reasons.
That will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Scarice said it has not been an issue in Wilton, which imposed a similar ban last year.
After Kevin Christie asked about students who use smartphones for schoolwork. Scarice suggested “getting creative” — for example, buying iPads for art classes, and cameras for science classes. Students can also check out video cameras from the library.
A big change is coming soon to Staples High School.
Board of Education student representative Souleye Kebe offered a different view. The senior’s informal survey showed that 90% of students oppose the ban (though 35% acknowledge it would be good for students).
Only 3 of the 40 students he spoke with said they would put their phones in lockers. However, most said they would not take them out of their backpacks, because of fear of getting caught.
Kebe thought a “better habit” is to allow students to learn that simply having a phone on hand does not mean it has to be used.
Scarice disagreed, calling it “too much of an urge.”
One major issue, brought up by BOE student representative Anwara Olasewere, is that students who keep phones in their backpacks may use them in bathrooms. There is no plan in the policy to check lockers or backpacks for compliance.
Board of Education student representatives (from left): Souleye Kebe and Anwara Olasawere.
During the public comment session, math teacher Lenny Klein admitted he had been “dead wrong” about the policy. The current classroom pocket plan was working, he said, noting that it is nice to hear students talking with each other.
“It works for learning, it works for students, and it works for Staples,” Klein said.
Kate Bulkeley — co-president of the class, with Kebe — spoke about the lack of an exemption for seniors, who have spent 3 years without a ban.
“We are allowed to drive a car and vote, but not have our phone,” she said. She wondered if seniors could use phones during free periods, with an ID to prove their grade.
Math teacher Maggie Gomez said hat when she gave a questionnaire to seniors about the phone pockets, most said it helped them focus, and motivated them to get their work done.
Art teacher Carla Eichler observed that students are interacting more now — including freshmen with seniors.
Italian teacher Louisa D’Amore said that she has always made her son — a junior — put his phone in her desk. If he can go more than 2 yeas without a phone, she concluded, every other student can too.
Three Democrats are running for the Board of Education.
In a normal year, party leaders would be delighted.
But this is not a normal year.
Because the Town Charter limits one political party to a bare majority — 4 seats — on the 7-member board, and because Democrats Lee Goldstein and Neil Phillips are in the middle of their 4-year terms, only 2 Democrats can be elected. Jill Dillon, who won a seat 2 years ago as an unaffiliated write-in candidate, is in the middle of her term too.
In March, the Democratic Town Committee interviewed several candidates for the Board of Ed. They chose incumbent Abby Tolan, and Representative Town Meeting deputy moderator Lauren Karpf.
Abby Tolan
Dissatisfied with those choices, Democrats Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris — an attorney and former Staples High School PTA president, respectively — opted to run as petitioning candidates.
They secured the signatures of over 400 registered Democrats, and will appear with Tolan on the party line this fall. (Shackelford had interviewed with the DTC for a Board of Ed endorsement in March, but was not selected.)
Karpf, meanwhile, bowed out of the race. She is running again for the RTM (in a new district, after moving).
The DTC opted not to replace Karpf. That leaves Tolan as the sole party- endorsed candidate.
Shackelford and Harris say that party officials are steering clear of their campaign. They tell “06880”:
“We’re proud to be running as Democrats for the Westport Board of Education this November. We are members of the Democratic Party, but we believe our campaign for common-sense solutions and results-driven oversight on the BOE transcends partisan lines.”
However, they note, “Our most significant hurdle is coming from within our own party.
“We secured our places on the Democratic ballot line not through appointment, but by gathering more than 400 signatures each from registered Westport Democrats. This feat represents a strong, grass-roots mandate for new voices on our BOE.”
Yet, they say, “despite this clear demonstration of support from the rank-and-file, the Westport Democratic Town Committee has taken a remarkable step: It has provided us with zero support — financial, logistical, or otherwise.”
Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris
Even worse, Shackelford and Harris say, “the DTC appears to be actively campaigning for voters to ‘bullet vote’ only for (Tolan), despite the risk that doing so could result in Democrats winning only 1 of the 2 available spots.”
There are 4 seats up for contention, but the Democrats are limited to only 2 winning candidates. There are 5 Republicans running for 4 seats. Four were endorsed by the Republican Town Committee: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Andy Frankel, Michelle Hopson and Kaitlin Zucaro.
Incumbent Robert Harrington was not endorsed by the RTC. He is running as an independent write-in candidate. If the 4 Republicans win, they would take control of the BOE from the current 4 Democrats.
Shackelford and Harris say that the Democratic Town Committee is not the only political body to ignore their campaign.
“This campaign of exclusion extends to local party-affiliated groups.” the pair say.
“The Democratic Women of Westport, which we understand is meant to operate independently, has publicly promoted our opponent’s events to its members, but is refusing to include our upcoming events in its member communications.
“In short, the Democratic Party in Westport is telling its own registered voters that the grassroots effort from 2 newcomers doesn’t matter. They do not want you to hear from candidates who challenge their status quo.”
“06880” reached out to DTC chair Michelle Mechanic for comment.
She says: “The Westport Democratic Town Committee is committed to getting the most qualified Democratic candidates elected up and down the ballot, and maintaining the majority on our boards and commissions.
“With 2 spots available for Democrats on the Board of Education we urge you to vote for Abby Tolan, the vetted and endorsed candidate (whom the authors interestingly state is their opponent) and one other Democrat of your choosing.”
“06880” also asked the Democratic Women of Westport for comment. As of late last night, there was no response.
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NoiseCat’s new book has received plenty of advance praise. Rebecca Solnit called it “a beautiful, wrenching, important masterpiece, both a memoir and something that reaches far beyond the personal.”
