Several months of interviewing for party endorsements (or collecting signatures to be on the ballot), developing positions, soliciting donations, meeting voters all over town, sitting for debates, knocking on doors, answering questions from the media, creating mailers, writing emails and notes, placing yard signs, skipping family events, and finally — last night — awaiting election results has come to an end.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Some candidates won. Others lost.
All spent countless hours doing something most of the rest of us would never dream of doing: running for local office.
Their reasons vary: a complex mix of personality, personal goals and professional expertise.
But they always include a desire to step up and serve the town they love. And the town they think they can make even better.
To do that, they had to put themselves front and center, in a very public way. They opened up about who they are as people, and what they believe in.
They opened themselves up to criticism too. Some of it got personal, and nasty. No matter how thick-skinned anyone is, that had to hurt.
Today — the day after Election Day — our unsung heroes are every man and woman who had the desire, the energy, and the courage to run.
Westport would not be the vibrant, exciting, challenging town it is without you. Win or lose, you are all winners today.
Now go pick up your yard signs.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
And let’s not forget our Staples High students.
They had yesterday off. But 85 SLOBs — members of the school’s Service League of Boys — fanned out to all 9 polling places.
From 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., they handed out “I Voted!” stickers. It was a great lesson for them in civic involvement, and they were excited to help.
A number of students also participated in campaigns, for various candidates in a variety of offices.
Of course, we could not have provided last night’s “06880” coverage without 4 outstanding reporters: Dylan Robbin, Catherine Campagnino, Zara Saliba and Will Enquist. They rocked it.
Our future is in good — no, great — hands!
Handing out stickers at the polls (from left): Rei Seltzer, regional head of Civic Leaders of America; Owen Goldfarb, and Zach Gillman. (Photo/Aiko Nose)
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
“06880”‘s election coverage has been extensive. We’ll keep at it.
Today’s Roundup looks at other news. Except …
Barbara Tirola has worked at Westport’s polling places for 35 years. She’s part of a corps of loyal, and indispensable, citizen helpers.
This year she was at Greens Farms Elementary School. She arrived at 5:30 a.m. — half an hour before voting began — and left after 8 p.m., when polls closed.
That’s quite a way to spend her 86th birthday!
Barbara Tirola, celebrating her Election Day birthday — at work. (Photo and hat tip/Susan Bedusa)
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Veterans Day is another important holiday.
Town officials and VFW Post 399 make sure it gets the attention it deserves.
The public — especially all veterans — are invited to a ceremony next Monday (November 11, Town Hall auditorium).
The Westport Community Band presents a patriotic salute at 10:30 a.m. At 11, speakers — including one from Staples High School — will honor all the men and women who have served our nation.
The time and date are significant. Veterans Day commemorates the end of World War I, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
The Town Hall ceremony will be followed by lunch, and an open bar, for all veterans and community members at VFW Post 399.
Veterans Day at Town Hall, 2024. (Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)
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Speaking of holidays: Election Day is tough, for many parents.
They have to work. But school is out.
Wakeman Town Farm’s Election Day Camp is a great solution. And yesterday, young campers got a good lesson on the importance of voting.
First, they brainstormed campaign ideas about WTF’s animals.
When the votes were counted, alpacas and rabbits tied for the top spot as favorites. Meanwhile, honey bees kept their crown for the second year as the most important farm animals, thanks to their amazing job as pollinators.
After that, the campers headed into Tim’s Kitchen to whip up patriotic flag pizzas and donuts with Chef Robyn.
Election Day Camp, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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More about Wakeman Town Farm: They’re among the many organizations helping neighbors through hard times during the government shutdown.
Now through November 9, the sustainability center is running a food drive to help Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport. WTF already partners with the non-profit, providing educational outreach to children who go there.
Click here for an Amazon Wish List. Groceries will be delivered directly to Hall House, and distributed to families. (It will listed as a delivery location at checkout.)
Dozens of seniors, and almost 300 families in the early learning and youth programs, rely on SNAP benefits that are now halted.
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Westport is a “water town.”
We’re on it. We use (quite) a lot of it. It’s in our wetlands, our swimming pools, our basements.
On November 13 (6 p.m., Zoom), SmartWaterCT sponsors a free webinar.
“Water in Westport: What’s Happening Now — A Look Behind the Scenes” will explore how water is managed in Connecticut, and what it means for our town’s future.
Between Aquarion’s presence in Westport; the utility’s upcoming ownership change, and questions about water quality and conservation, the event is both timely and interesting.
For more information — including the Zoom link — email smartwaterct@gmail.com.
Aquarion — whose North Avenue tank is shown here — has a large presence in Westport. What does it mean for the town? (Photo/Richard Fogel)
The facility at 180 Bayberry Lane is open — and busy.
Westport residents with valid proof of residency may dump up to six 30-gallon bags, or similar-sized containers full of leaves, without a fee at the facility (180 Bayberry Lane). There are charges for vans, pickups and trailers. Plastic bags are not allowed.
Lots of leaves, at the yard waste facility. (Photo/Mary Lou Roels)
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Earth Animal’s 18th annual Mitten Project is underway.
Once again, the popular local business has set an audacious goal: $80,000, to address hunger in Fairfield County. Last year, Earth Animal and its friends raised $75,737.66.
Once again, they’ll match every dollar raised.
This — due to federal funding cuts — Earth Animal’s partner CT Foodshare needs more help than ever.
There are severa; parts to the Mitten Project.
In November and December, shoppers can support the cause in many ways, including:
“Pin-Up Fundraiser”: Donate $5 or more, fill out a paper mitten, and hang it in the store window. Every dollar will be matched by Earth Animal.
Purchasing advent calendars (25 days of giving treats to pups!)
“Shop & Give” promotions: businesses donate percentages of sales (South Pine Creek Deli, Millie Rae’s, Bel Mondo, McLaughlin, Element50, Eleven11, Pet Pantry, Izzo’s Garden Center, 299 Design Gallery, The Post, Kelli & Crew, Westport Hardware, Scout & Molly’s, Vintage Gardens, La Moda, Capri, Athletic Shoe Factory, Lolli Sutton, Fox Trot Home and more)
Pies for Good: Wakeman Town Farm offers homemade apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb and pumpkin pie, plus homemade ice cream; $25 per pie, $10 per pint; order here (November 3-21).
Wreaths for Good (November 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Holiday wreath fundraiser, and a special appearance by Santa.
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Andrew Wilk’s free Westport Library Medical Series has attracted large audiences. For whatever reason, they’re primarily women.
The next session should draw many more men.
On November 17 (7 p.m.), noted internist Dr. Robert Altman and urologic oncologist Dr. John Graham will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
It’s the third most common cancer killer of American men. There have been many recent advances. Men should learn about them — and about the disease itself too.
The 90-minute event will include time for questions.
The 1973 Staples High School graduate has been a teacher, athlete and Fortune 100 CEO.
The former Orphenian is also a very talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a home filled with classical, folk, rock, blues and jazz.
After honing his skills as a session singer and performer in Greenwich Village, Barrett took a detour into the top ranks of the healthcare industry.
But his life took a significant turn in 2022, when he reconnected with musician/ composer/producer/Grammy-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane. They’ve collaborated on 2 albums.
The latest, “Rearrange Things,” combines the sophistication of jazz, the soul of ’70s pop, gospel harmonies, and a timeless message of empathy. Barrett’s influences include Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Beatles, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Sting and Norah Jones.
On November 16 (2 p.m.), Barrett and Keane take to the Westport Library stage. They’ll chat about their unique life journeys and unexpected reunion — hosted by “06880”‘s Dan Woog, who has known both for over 50 years — followed by a special performance by Barrett, his band, and Keane. It’s a fundraiser for the Library.
Barrett cut his teeth at Greenwich Village clubs like The Bitter End. He’ll perform there again, right before his Westport show.
And finally … To all those who put themselves on the line (and the ballot) yesterday: Win or lose, thank you for stepping up!
(I did not want to grow up to be a blogger. But — since 2009 — I’ve been one. For 16 years, you’ve supported “06880.” We need you now more than ever. Please click here — and thank you!)
Turnout was near 50% — high for a local Westport election. In 2021 — the last Board of Selectpersons race — 43% of eligible voters cast ballots.
Below are the final results. Though all votes have been counted, the results have not yet been certified as official. Winning candidates are in bold.
1st and 2nd Selectpersons Kevin Christie, Amy Wistreich – D (4,947 votes; 52.84%) Don O’Day, Andrea Moore – R (3,256; 34.59%)
David Rosenwaks – I (1,184; 12.58%)
Board of Finance Elaine Whitney – D (6,262) Allyson Stollenwerck – D (6,101) Brian Gaines – R (4,201)
Board of Education* Abby Tolan – D (5,951) Stephen Shackelford – D (5,668) Jodi Harris – D(5,657) Dorie Hordon – R (3,020) Andy Frankel – R (2,866) Michelle Hopson – R (2,822)
Kaitlin Zucaro – R (2,560)
Robert Harrington – R (300)
* Because one party can have only a bare majority on the Board of Education, Jodi Harris will not be seated.
Planning & Zoning Commission Craig Schiavone – D, CFW (6,654) Michael Cammeyer – D (5,757) Breanne Injeski – D (5,489) Michele Paquette – R (3,860)
Zoning Board of Appeals Sheri Gordon – D (6,190) Joseph Scordato – D (5,428) Scott Schuster – R (3,298)
Board of Assessment Appeals Ifeseyi Gayle – D (5,361)
Lynette Pineda – D (5,798)
Thomas Bloch – R (3,336)
RTM District 1 Chris Tait (497) Matthew Mandell (488)
Kristin Mott Purcell (460) Gail Coykendall (408) Andrew Bloom (398)
RTM District 2 Jenna Petok (477) Melissa Levy (434) Louis Mall (424) Jay Keenan (345) Mike Perry (330)
Harris Falk (298)
RTM District 3 Jimmy Izzo (502) Pamela Troy-Kopack (395) Adam Drake (359) Ross Burkhardt (357)
Srikanth Puttagunta (312)
RTM District 4 Andrew Colabella (491) Jeffrey Wieser (447) Charles Lucas (374) Victoria Wylie (317)
Clarence Hayes (300)
RTM District 5 Dick Lowenstein (480) Peter Gold (469) Karen Kramer (458) Claudia Shaum (445)
RTM District 6 Candace Banks (584)
Lauren Karpf (561)
Seth Braunstein (548)
Alma Sarelli (488)
RTM District 7 Brandi Briggs (533) Ellen Lautenberg Hendel (517) Jack Klinge (494) Joseph Carson (445)
With a more than 2-to-1 edge in early voting — and strong leads in all 9 voting districts — Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich were elected 1st and 2nd selectpersons today. The pair received over half the votes — 53% — in a 3-way race.
With all 9 districts, early votes and absentee ballots counted, Christie and Wistreich polled 4,952 votes. The O’Day/Moore ticket got 3,249 (35%); Rosenwaks, 1,174 (12%).
The Democrats return to power in Town Hall for the first time since 2013. Republicans Jim Marpe (2 terms) and Jen Tooker (1) have been in office since.
Don O’Day and Andrea Moore finished second. The race was not as close as 4 years ago, when Tooker defeated Jonathan Steinberg by 69 votes. As the runner-up, O’Day becomes 3rd selectman.
David Rosenwaks, running on the Independent Party line, finished a distant third.
1st Selectman-elect Kevin Christie. (Photo/Catherine Campagnino)
All 3 1st selectman candidates have Democratic ties. O’Day — who becomes the 3rd Selectman — left the party this year, to become unaffiliated. He was endorsed by the Republicans.
Rosenwaks is also a former Democrat.
Many observers had called the election too close to call. Rosenwaks was seen as a potential spoiler for the Democrats. A lingering question was how O’Day would be treated by both Democrats (for leaving the party), and Republicans (for not joining the party).
Democrats — who have a more than 2-to-1 advantage in registration over Republicans, with unaffiliated voters numbering close to Democrats — led in all other races. They retain control of town boards, including Education, Planning & Zoning, and Finance.
In the closely watched contest for Board of Education, Democratic incumbent Abby Tolan led, with 5,702 votes.
Two petitioning candidates, Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris, were next, with 5,668 and 5,657 respectively. Because only 2 Democrats can be seated on the 7-person board — the Town Charter limits one party to a bare majority — Harris lost her race.
Republican incumbent Dorrie Hordon retained her seat on the BOE, with 3,020 votes. The second spot went to Andy Frankel (2,866), who beat fellow Republican Michelle Hopson by 44 votes. Kaitlin Zucaro trailed. Write-in candidate Robert Harrington was last, with 300 votes.
Three Democrats — Michael Cammeyer, Bre Injeski and Craig Schiavone — were elected to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Schiavone also ran on the Coalition for Westport line, and was endorsed by the Alliance for Westport.
The Board of Finance was uncontested. Democrats Elaine Whitney and Allyson Stollenwerck, and Republican Brian Gaines, all won seats.
Speaking at a packed Little Barn celebration, Christie said, “This race wasn’t about me and Amy. It was about you.”
Wistreich added, “We’re ready to get to work.”
Christie then fielded a congratulatory call from Governor Ned Lamont.
His first tasks, he told “06880” reporter Catherine Campagnino, will be “spending time with department heads, and meeting with town boards.” He, Wistreich and other officials will be sworn in later this month.
Wistreich said, “This means so much, because I have been working in land use for Westport for 6 years. This means I get to put the shovel in the grond in some of these projects.”
Kevin Christie (center rear) addresses the Democratic crowd, at Little Barn. (Photo/Catherine Campagnino)
O’Day said the results “reflect the will of the people. I wish Kevin well, and I will do whatever I have to to help him out.”
O’Day and Rosenwaks headed to Little Barn, where they spoke with Christie. The conversations were constructive and affable, said Democratic Town Committee chair Michelle Mechanic.
Complete results, including the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), will be posted tomorrow morning.
(Reporting by Dylan Robbin, Catherine Campagnino, Will Enquist and Zara Saliba)
Posted onNovember 4, 2025|Comments Off on Half Results In: Christie Has The Lead
With 5 of the 9 RTM districts (2, 3, 4, 5 and 8) reporting, along with early voting, Democrats Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich have a substantial lead in the Board of Selectpersons race.
Their 3,129 votes are more than 1,000 more than Republican candidates Don O’Day and Andrea Moore’s 2,090.
Independent Party candidate David Rosenwaks trails,. with 690.
There are still 4 RTM districts outstanding, along with absentee ballots.
In the tightly contested race for Board of Education, Democrat Abby Tolan leads petitioning candidates Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris. Only 2 of them can be seated.
Incumbent Dorie Hordon has a slight edge, on the Republican BOE side.
Comments Off on Half Results In: Christie Has The Lead
Though new tabulating machines are fast, absentee votes must be counted.
“06880” reporter Dylan Robbin says the mood is noisy and energetic at Rizzuto’s, where the Republicans are gathered.
Selectperson candidates Don O’Day and Andrea Moore spent the day hitting each polling place — twice.
The Democrats gathered at Little Barn. “06880” reporter Catherine Campagnino says that 2nd selectwoman candidate Amy Wistreich is eating dinner, waiting for her running mate — 1st Selectman candidate Kevin Christie — to arrive.
Independent party candidate David Rosenwaks is awaiting the returns at The Blondinit restaurant.
The end of a long day: 7 p.m., at the Coleytown Middle School polls. (Photo/Johanna Shields)
These SLOBs — members of Staples’ Service League of Boys — are not yet old enough to vote. But they handed out plenty of “I Voted!” stickers today. (Photo/Johanna Shields)
The Republicans gather at Rizzuto’s. (Photo/Dylan Robbin)
As of 3 p.m., 36.72% of eligible Westport voters — 6,986, out of the total of 19,023 — had cast ballots, either in person today or during early voting, or by absentee.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 3,531 out of 7,497 eligible voters (44.43%)
Republicans: 1,231 out of 3,332 eligible voters (36.94%)
Unaffiliated: 2,179 out of 7,589 (28.71%).
Polls are open until 8 p.m. Will we reach 50% of eligible voters, to determine (in part) our town’s future?
Of course, “06880” will report the results tonight, as soon as they are available.
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) is non-partisan — and (mostly) collegial. Today, 5 of the 6 District 9 candidates posed for a photo. Only 4 will win.
Annie Keefe has served the Westport Country Playhouse, in many capacities, since 1973.
She helped with the renovation earlier this century, and spent many years as associate and co-artistic director with Joanne Woodward. She also initiated and curated the very popular Script in Hand series.
Annie has been involved for 35 years with the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp gala; served on the Playhouse board, and the board of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
She also also taught at the Yale School of Drama. And she is in the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.
The other day Annie stopped by the Westport Library, to chat for our “06880” podcast. Our conversation ranged from the past, present and future of the Playhouse, to arts in America generally, and some of the most famous (and interesting) professionals she’s worked with.
Annie Keefe is a legend. Click here or below, to see and hear her in action.
As of 11 a.m., 29.05% of eligible Westport voters — 5,527, out of the total of 19,023 — had cast ballots, either in person today or during early voting, or by absentee.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 2,869 out of 7,497 eligible voters (36.10%)
Republicans: 936 out of 3,332 eligible voters (28.09%)
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