Tag Archives: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie

Roundup: State Of The Town, MLK Day, Board Of Finance …

Posted on January 20, 2026 | 7 comments

The “State of the Town” meeting has become a mid-winter Westport tradition.

But this year’s event (February 1, 2 p.m., Westport Library) will feature 2 somewhat-new faces.

Kevin Christie makes his first appearance as 1st selectman. And Abby Tolan will represent the Board of Education, in place of chair Lee Goldstein.

They’ll speak about 2025 achievements, upcoming projects and initiatives, and answer questions. 

The event is co-sponsored by the Westport Sunrise Rotary and Westport Rotary Club. It will also be livestreamed; click here for the link.

Kevin Christie and Abby Tolan

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On Saturday, Professor Jelani Cobb inspired a large Westport Library crowd, with his words about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy.

The town’s Martin Luther King Day celebration continued last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

A free screening of “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality” drew another rapt audience. Trey Ellis — executive producer of the film about the noted civil rights attorney’s struggle to create greater fairness in the criminal justice system — was joined in conversation by TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey.

Ellis — a novelist, 2-time Emmy- and Peabody-winning filmmaker, playwright, essayist, and professor at Columbia University’s School of the Arts — also led the conversation with his Columbia colleague on Saturday.

Both events were a partnership with the Library, Playhouse, TEAM Westport, the Westport Museum for History & Culture, and the Westport/Weston Clergy Association. 

Trey Ellis (left) and Harold Bailey. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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The Board of Finance is one of Westport’s most important elected groups.

Members scrutinize and pass the town budget, and send it to the Representative Town meeting for final approval. They set the mill rate.

And although their meetings are open to the public — and their phone numbers and email addresses are on the town website — they’re looking for ways to be even more open and transparent.

Which is why they’re offering “office hours.”

Once a month at least one BOF member will be at the Westport Library, for casual conversations with Westport residents.

They’ll listen to concerns, answer questions, and explain how the town plans and oversees its finances.

There are 2 sessions each, on the third Thursday of each month: 10 to 11 a.m., and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The first is this Thursday (January 22).

No appointment is necessary. Just head up to the 2nd floor meeting rooms.

The fiscal year 2024 town (non-educational) budget.

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The Joggers Club is warming up for its 6th year of working with young runners/

It’s a fun group — organized by age and level, so everyone runs with friends.

All youngsters in kindergarten through 8th grade are welcome, regardless of experience. They meet every Sunday (April 5 through June 7), from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples High School track. The cost is $199.

There is a different theme each week., including long runs, games and races. The final session is a track meet and field day (with a free ice cream truck).

Email thejoggersclub@gmail.com for more information. Click here for the website.

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Westport’s favorite jazz singer — Melissa Newman — returns to “Jazz at the Post” this Thursday (January 22; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).

She’s backed by an equally talented band of popular regulars: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard. Click here for tickets.

Melissa Newman

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Amid all the white snow last weekend, Jill Grayson spotted one bit of red.

Enjoy her hopeful “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Jill Grayson)

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And finally … in honor (sort of) of the Joggers Club’s program for kids (item above):

(You don’t have to run anywhere, to support “06880.” You’re already at your device. Just click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution to your hyper-local blog. Thank you so much!)

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Posted in Children, Economy, Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Traffic Lights, Teen Honors, Sorelle Gallery …

Posted on January 9, 2026 | 5 comments

An alert and traffic-conscious “06880” reader emailed us the other day.

He included links to stories about “adaptive traffic signals” — lights that detect real-time traffic conditions and use a fiber-optic network to adjust timing — that have been adopted in Norwalk and Greenwich.

He wondered: Why not in Westport?

Why not indeed?

“06880” reached out to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie. He says:

“Norwalk and Greenwich have implemented adaptive traffic signal technology on signals that they own and operate.

“In Westport, we only have 2 traffic signals that we own and operate: Main Street and Myrtle Avenue, and Main Street and Avery Place. All other signals are under Connecticut Department of Transportation jurisdiction.

“Based on current traffic volumes, those two town-owned signals would not be candidates for this technology at this time.

“The signals that would most likely benefit from this type of technology are along the Route 1 corridor. CTDOT is developing plans to replace traffic signal controllers and install cellular modems at select state-owned traffic signals across several Connecticut towns and cities.

“However, Westport is not included in this initial rollout, as CTDOT is still piloting the technology and evaluating its effectiveness under different state highway conditions before pursuing broader implementation.

“That said, we will continue to advocate for Westport by maintaining strong relationships and ongoing communication with CTDOT.”

Main Street and Myrtle Avenue: 1 of only 2 traffic lights owned and operated by the town.

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On Wednesday, the Westport Police Department honored Emmah Tait.

In August, the Staples High School graduate and Colorado State University sophomore rescued a man whose kayak had overturned in Long Island Sound.

The commendation cited Emmah for displaying “exceptional situational awareness and keen observation skills (and) swift and decisive action …. (She)  acted selflessly and without hesitation. Her calm, courageous response exemplified the highest standards of maritime safety and civic responsibility.”

From left: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Police Chief Dave Farrell, Emmah Tait, and her parents Denise and Chris Tait.

Remarkably, this was not the first commendation given to a Tait family member, for a marine rescue.

In November 1970 Doug Tait — Chris’ older brother, and a Long Lots Junior High School 9th grader — rescued 2 men from a boat that caught fire, 2 miles off shore.

A photo of his ceremony mirrors that of Emmah’s, 56 years later.

From left: 1st Selectman John Kemish, Lieutenant Joseph McAleenan, Doug Tait, Doug’s parents Doug Sr. and Elizabeth Tait.

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Congratulations to Nolan Francis!

The Staples High School senior has just been named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar.

If that’s not familiar — well, it used to be called the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. It’s one of the most prestigious student awards in the nation.

Nolan — who has worked at Yale University’s Choate Lab, researching a rare skin condition called ichthyosis that can lead to fatal heart disease, and raised funds for research with a long-distance swim last summer — is the first Staples student to earn the honor from Staples’ new science research program.

Nolan is one of the top 300 competitors in the Regeneron program. He was selected from 2,612 students — the largest and most competitive pool since the 1960s.

Staples will receive $2,000, for use toward STEM-related activities.

Forty finalists will be announced January 21. Each receives $25,000, and be eligible for a first-place prize of $250,000.

If Nolan wins, he would be Staples’ second honoree. In 2001, Mariangela Lisanti won what was then called the Siemens Westinghouse Science & Technology Competition (then worth $100,000). She also won the Intel Science Talent Search, earning another $100,000 scholarship.

PS: A bit more about Nolan. He is on Staples’ STEM Journal editorial board, and is vice president of the Science National Honors Society. He’s an AP Scholar with Distinction, founded the current iteration of Staples’ National English Honor Society, has volunteered at Norwalk Hospital’s Catheterization Lab, and was a counselor at Camp Discovery, for children unable to attend mainstream sleepaway camps due to medical conditions.

Nolan also plays violin in the Symphonic Orchestra. He was the first-ever junior captain of the boys swim team. He received the inaugural Junior Leadership Award at the Scholar-Athlete banquet. And he’s been involved with the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Special Olympics swim program since 2018.

Nolan Francis

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A new year begins, and a new chapter unfolds for Sorelle Gallery.

Reacting to shifting trends in the art world — with clients going online more, for support and purchases — the gallery moves on January 27 from Bedford Square to a smaller, by-appointment space at 25 Sylvan Road South.

Meanwhile, they’ll expand their art advisory model. Click here for more information.

Closing soon, and moving to Sylvan Road South.

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Charlie Capalbo — a Fairfield Ludlowe High School graduate and ice hockey player whose battle with 4 separate cancers inspired friends, neighbors, the sports world and countless strangers — died 3 years ago. He was 1 month shy of his 24th birthday.

Charlie’s Westport ties were long and deep. His grandmother is the writer/poet/storyteller Ina Chadwick. Her husband, Richard Epstein (Charlie’s grandfather) is a Westport native; his parents moved here in 1958. Charlie’s mother, Jennifer Wilde Capalbo (Ina’s youngest daughter) is a Staples graduate.

The young athlete’s memory lives on. Next Wednesday (January 14, 5:15 p.m., Sacred Heart University), the Staples-Norwalk-Brien McMahon coop hockey team plays the Fairfield Ludlowe-Warde coop squad.

Fairfield has organized it as “Charlie Capalbo Night,” raising awareness of the National Marrow Donor Program, and raising funds for research.

Fairfield’s head coach is a pediatric leukemia survivor. Parents of current players supported Charlie, when he first got sick. Several years later, they continue to step up, as a community and friends.

Charlie Capalbo (Photo/Dave Gunn)

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Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport is gearing up for an exciting year.

Since 1963, the organization has brought together new arrivals and longtime residents for social events.

On the calendar this month: Couples’ Night Out; a sound bath experience at Hummingbird Healing Center, and book and cooking groups. Click here for more information.

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Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo from Post Road West, and adds: “Winter’s on its way out! Or maybe I’m being too optimistic?”

(Photo/Pam Docters)

Perhaps not. Today’s high is expected to be be 49 degrees. Daytime temperatures should remain in the 40s through Wednesday.

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And finally … on this date in 1788, Connecticut became the 5th state to ratify the US constitution.

But that’s not why we are officially “The Constitution State.” That refers to the   Fundamental Orders, adopted by the Connecticut Colony in 1639. It is considered by some to be the first written constitution in Western history.

So let’s hear it for us, with our official state song:

(“06880” is where Westport — and Connecticut — meet the world. If you enjoy our hyper-local coverage, connecting our town to our state and beyond, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Arts, Local business, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

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Herbertson “Disappointed And Dismayed” By Removal As DPIC Chair

Posted on January 5, 2026 | 29 comments

Members of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee were not the only ones surprised to learn that chair Randy Herbertson had been replaced.

He was too.

Herbertson — who joined the organization in 2016, and led it since 2021 — met with selectpersons Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich 2 weeks ago. It was his first conversation ever, he says, with the 1st selectman.

Randy Herbertson

Several days later he received an email from Christie, saying there would be a change in leadership. Herbertson said he asked for an explanation, but received no response.

“06880” asked Christie for a comment. He replied, “This was a change in leadership for the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee. I appreciate Randy’s service to our town.”

Herbertson — whose full-time job is owner of The Visual Brand, a Church Lane branding firm he founded — was first appointed to DPIC by 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. He stepped down as president of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association when Marpe tapped him as chair.

Herbertson is proud of his tenure. “We’ve done a lot of planning,” he says. “But it’s difficult to get things done through town bodies.”

Major accomplishments, he says, include renovations of the Baldwin and Elm Street parking lots; a parking study, and “lots of public engagement.”

Two years ago, the Planning & Zoning Commission said it would approve an update to the Parker Harding lot, if DPIC could find 40 spots to replace those that would be lost.

Parking plan for Parker Harding Plaza.

They devised a plan for Jesup Green. However, opposition to removal of part of that open space sent DPIC back to the drawing board.

Now, Herbertson says, “Public Works has identified most of those spots outside of Parking Harding.” DPIC may soon ask P&Z for approval.

Under Herbertson, DPIC also explored the feasibility of a parking deck. However, he says, “our goal was to change parking behavior in the downtown core, before building a structure.”

Herbertson calls his removal “disappointing and dismaying. (Christie) can make whatever choice he wants.  But I would have liked an explanation.”

Christie says that he and the Select Board will look at the makeup of all appointed town boards and commissions.

Downtown Plan Implementation Committee report.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished,” Herberston says. “It is what it is.”

Members of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee hailed Herbertson. They said:

On behalf of the Westport community, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for your many years of dedicated service as chair of the Downtown Planning Implementation Committee.

Your leadership of a diverse group of stakeholders was marked by diligence, patience, and an extraordinary work ethic. You consistently devoted countless hours in preparation, coordinating with experts and public officials, setting an agenda, and running public meetings with fairness, clarity, and professionalism. Through your steady guidance, complex issues were addressed constructively, and progress was achieved in a collaborative spirit.

As a volunteer in public service, you set a high standard and made a lasting, positive impact on our downtown and our community. We, members of the DPIC, are deeply grateful for your commitment and exemplary leadership.

(“06880” regularly covers town politics, downtown, transportation — and much more. If you enjoy stories like these, and this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local politics

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Here’s A Poem For ’25: Hey, We Made It Out Alive!

Posted on December 29, 2025 | 19 comments

With 2025 now almost finished
365 days diminished
Some goals achieved; some (sadly) dashed
Some bills came due; some checks were cashed
We’re older now by near a year
And closer to our end, I fear
Our thoughts turn this morning to “auld lang syne”
A phrase I’m sure that once was fine
Though what it means I have no clue
So let’s move on, and give our due
To folks in town who merit praise
(And probably too, a nice fat raise).

We say congrats to our selectmen
Led most ably by Christie (Kevin)
With help from Wistreich and O’Day
All chosen the electoral way
“Selectmen,” though, sounds anachronistic
It doesn’t take a seer or mystic
To divine that all of them ain’t male
But let’s not gnash our teeth, or wail
We only need to change one word
And presto: Hail, our new Select Board!

Sure, the year brings challenges new
Along with the ones old, tried and true
Like what to do with the bridge Cribari
A span that has been used to carry
Cars and light trucks — no eighteen-wheelers
Though now state pooh-bahs put out feelers
To build a replacement — wider, higher
An idea some locals fear is dire
The process may drag on for years
Cue agita, angst, frustration, fears.

And though the Hamlet plan is dead
Another may rise there soon, instead
Affordable housing? An 8-30g?
More retail? More restaurants? We wait to see
What some developer has up his sleeve
With a vision, a dream, in which to believe
For a sliver, a slice of old Saugatuck
Let’s hope we don’t say, “What the f—?”

To all board chairs: Goldstein and Dobin,
Lebowitz, Ezzes et al, we’re hopin’
That instead of blather, bitching, moaning
And meetings filled with speakers droning
That we all act like family: sisters and brothers
(And adults like adults: fathers and mothers)
Show civil discourse, speak with respect
Despite ideas we must reject
Let’s not be filled with bombast and bile
Come on, you guys! At least, try to smile!

To schools superintendent Tom Scarice
We wish you a year filled with peace
May classes proceed without buzzing phones
And hordes of kids busting teaches’ stones
With their pleas, “pretty please, are Air Pods fine?
I’ll be quiet, I promise. I won’t ever whine.”

Let’s shout to the rafters our thanks for the wonders
Of all our spectacular, great first responders
Police, EMS, and (for sure) firefighters
Whatever the need, they pull all-nighters
We hope too that Christmas was merry
For new parks director, Eric Barbieri
He’s taken over with insight and smarts
Its programs, its staff – all its many parts
He’s learned about every Rec cranny and nook
And – hosannas will ring! – he will give Hook’d the hook.

We cannot forget all our organizations
And volunteers who, with hard work and patience
Keep us warm and inspired, healthy and fed
Offering food pantries, hot meals, a bed
At the top of the list is the great Homes with Hope
But so many others groups help us to cope
Like VFW Post 3-Nine-Nine
Where everyone’s welcome to drink and to dine
And American Legion – that’s Post 63
Plus of course their great female auxiliary.

ABC gives young scholars A (Much) Better Chance
The Woman’s Club offers plenty of grants
Westport Pride (for the LGBTQ-plus crowd)
Westport10, for Black men, active and proud
Start-up Westport, our entrepreneurs’ hub
And for disabled adults, there’s the 203 Club
Town Farm, Farmers’ Market and (forget not) Earthplace
Fill the very important green-eco- town space
Along with Sustainable Westport, we add
If we’ve forgotten some others – well sorry, our bad.

The Playhouse has been here for (it’s true!) 90 years
Its shows and productions still draw (mostly) cheers
Huzzahs too to the Levitt, our favorite pavilion
For all those free evenings – Bravo! Thanks a million
A few yards away, ‘cross a shared parking lot
Stands a building that helps make Westport so hot
Our library is books, sure, but also much more
It’s concerts, it’s artwork, it’s programs galore
You can meet there and make things, and even record
Your own podcast or music – you’ll never be bored.

Let’s raise now our glasses, and toast all our teachers
Rabbis and imams, pastors and preachers
Custodians, paras, bus drivers and cooks
Tutors and tweeters (but not DC crooks)
Mommies and daddies and day care magicians
Dentists and vets and our favorite physicians
The heroes who gave us our “great generation”
And today’s servicemembers: our grand veneration
Young  people and teens: the hope for tomorrow
Though today we pass on a world brimming with sorrow.

We’re nearing the end of this holiday poem
Hailing the wonders that make our town “home”
So let’s cram in as many more as we can
Of all of these others, we are a huge fan:
Downtown merchants, like Savvy + Grace
Old Mill Grocery & Deli – we must save that place!
All of our realtors (like KMS Team)
The YMCA – livin’ the dream
Restaurants galore, like Pook’s Jeera Thai
The great Dylan Curran – we all love that guy.
And hey – thanks a lot to Westport’s other news source
The Journal (we check it daily, of course).

Now finally, a hat tip to all of our readers
Some just moved here; some are town leaders
Some comment often; most, never at all
Some email us daily; some text or call
Some suggest stories; some like to complain
Some think our town’s sunny; some just see the rain
But all are important; you’re the reason we post
Without you, this blog would soon be just toast
So to all of you out in the “06880” sphere
Here’s wishing you all a spectacular year
May two-thousand-and-two-six be a small bit of heaven
And let’s pray we all make it to year ‘27.

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics, Westport Country Playhouse

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Town Officials React To Rise In Teen Parties

Posted on December 23, 2025 | 13 comments

Teenage parties have long been part of Westport — and American — life.

But several recent ones have caused local leaders to take notice.

An email sent yesterday on behalf of 1st selectman Kevin Christie — and signed by Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, Police Chief David Farrell, and 4 other town officials who work with youth — said that since September, Westport Police have responded to 7 “large scale” parties, each with over 100 teenagers.

One had “several hundred teens, including middle school students.”

(Stock photo)

When they were shut down, “many teens walked in the dark to reconvene at other homes and local businesses.”

Several young people were hospitalized for “severe alcohol intoxication.” Arrests were made for assault and “social hosting.”

Police and Christie call this “a troubling rise in large, unsafe gatherings of youth where alcohol and other substances are present.”

Police Captain Jillian Cabana adds, “This is a larger problem than just a year ago. Social media like Snapchat can quickly turn a small gathering into a large, unmanageable event. We encourage residents to call us for assistance when a situation is beyond their control.”

Police cite risks, including driving under the influence, walking in streets in the dark, alcohol poisoning, potential for assault, and risk of property damage.

The Westport Prevention Coalition — whose members include parents and professionals, with representatives from the Aspetuck Health District, Positive Directions, the Police Department, Westport Public Schools, and Westport Human/Youth Services — urges “parents to talk with their teens now, and make clear safety plans together.”

Kevin Godburn, director of Westport Youth Services, recommends teaching children “refusal skills” starting at an early age. “It’s also critical to have an agreed-upon exit strategy for risky situations,” he says.

Parents are also at risk. Connecticut’s Social Host Law holds adults responsible when youngsters consume alcohol or use cannabis on their property – even if the adults were unaware that it was happening.

Social hosting is punishable by up to a year in prison —  with fines of up to $2,000 per youth involved.

However, Positive Directions prevention director Margaret Watt says, “It’s not just about following the law. Research shows that early substance use can damage teens’ brain development, and increase the risk of mental illness and addiction.”

The Police and Westport Prevention Coalition encourage parents to “create their own zero-tolerance policies for underage drinking and cannabis use.” The Coalition offers free resources such as Operation Parent books, lock bags for safe storage of prescription drugs and adult-use marijuana, and liquor stickers to deter access to alcohol at home.

For more information, email Watt (mwatt@positivedirections.org) or Godburn (kgodburn@westportct.gov).

In addition to Christie, Farrell and Scarice, the email was signed by:

  • Elaine Daignault, director, Westport Human Services
  • Kevin Godburn, program director, Westport Youth/Human Services
  • Luci Bango, director of health, Aspetuck Health District
  • Margaret Watt, prevention director, Positive Directions — The Center for Prevention & Counseling

In the 1970s, the legal drinking age in Connecticut was 18. This photo appeared in the 1975 Staples High School yearbook.

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Posted in Police, Teenagers

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Christie’s Community Conversation: First Meeting Earns Applause

Posted on December 18, 2025 | 8 comments

Traffic. The environment. Parks & Recreation. Enforcement of regulations.

Those were some of the topics that came up frequently yesterday, at the Select Board’s first “community conversation.”

But the idea voiced most frequently was a simple “thank you” to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, for convening the meeting in the first place.

He and fellow selectpersons Amy Wistreich and Don O’Day listened patiently, as a dozen attendees listed items of concern.

1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with 2nd selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day, at yesterday’s community conversation. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Transparency was raised  often. There was applause when Christie said that all town meetings will be recorded and put on the town website.

Valerie Seiling Jacobs and Wendy Batteau spoke about sustainability. Issues included the Parks & Rec Department’s use of pesticides and battery-powered leaf blowers, and the ongoing discussion about synthetic turf athletic fields.

The Parks & Rec Commission was criticized for canceling recent meetings, and not taking sea level rise at Compo Beach more seriously.

Christie — who said his administration is in the early phases of looking at the makeup of, and “refreshing,” all appointed boards and commissions — called Parks & Rec “a top priority.”

In response to Sal Liccione’s concerns about downtown, Christie pledged “holistic thinking. We’ll move away from the chessboard idea of finding 40 spots. There will be a more creative solution.”

Westport has studied downtown extensively. 1st Selectman Kevin Christie hopes to move forward “holistically.”

A business owner urged Christie to “reject partisanship and cronyism,” in favor of a meeting with all stakeholders to determine the future of downtown parking.

Jennifer Johnson reiterated the ongoing topic of traffic. She asked Christie to consider “a more holistic and systematic approach.”

Looking ahead to tonight’s Connecticut Department of Transportation meeting about the Cribari Bridge, Christie said he is in preliminary discussions with state officials. “We don’t want 18-wheelers, and we don’t want the bridge to fail,” he added.

Other issues included the upcoming loss of police officers and firefighters, due in part to the lack of a pension; the need for enforcement of teen drinking parties, and the possibility of cameras to catch motor vehicle violations.

Christie promised more community conversations in the future.

And, he said, they will be at many different times of day, so all Westporters will have a chance to attend.

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Local politics, Police, Transportation

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Kevin Christie: “Westport Is Strongest When We Work Together”

Posted on November 26, 2025 | 2 comments

It was a busy summer and fall for Kevin Christie.

And — since his election November 4, and his swearing-in 13 days later — it’s been even busier.

But Westport’s new 1st selectman took time this week to answer questions from “06880” about his campaign, and the next 4 years.

That campaign “stayed true to its foundation from the start,” Christie says.

He and running mate Amy Wistreich “focused on listening, community engagement and execution.” They began with a listening tour. Knocking on doors and convening voters at “Coffee and Conversation” Westport Library events, they heard from seniors, young families, business owners and more.

Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich, during the campaign.

The conversations “helped shape our platform and guided how we engaged throughout the fall,” says Christie.

“We built a strong volunteer network, connected with thousands of residents, and had meaningful conversations about Westport’s future. It was uplifting to see so many Westporters come together around positive, solutions-focused leadership.”

Christie learned — “or perhaps the campaign reinforced,” he says — “how deeply people care about this town. Whether talking about traffic, open space, schools or development, most Westporters want to be heard and want local government to work better.”

He calls the campaign conversations “thoughtful, forward-looking, and grounded in a shared pride in Westport. It was a good reminder that real engagement happens when we talk with one another directly.”

A moment of relaxation. (Photo/Cat Malkin)

He felt “an eerie calmness” the night before the election.

“I wanted to run a campaign with no regrets, and I had none. Election Day, similar to my Board of Education race 4 years ago, was one of the most enjoyable parts of the campaign.”

He spent most of the day at polling places, thanking Westporters for exercising their right to vote.

After the polls closed, but before any results came in, he was surrounded by supporters.

“The overwhelming feeling was gratitude,” Christie says. “So many people had invested their time and energy in this campaign, and I was truly grateful for that.

Early results — borne out in the next hour — showed strong support throughout town. Christie says, “Westporters showed confidence in our message and in the kind of leadership we want to bring to Town Hall. I’m deeply appreciative of that.”

Kevin Christie (rear), at the Democratic Party gathering at Little Barn on Election Night. (Photo/Catherine Campagnino)

His 2 opponents, Don O’Day and David Rosenwaks, and 2nd selectwoman incumbent and candidate Andrea Moore all went to the Democrats’ gathering, at Little Barn.

“We had gracious and respectful conversations, as we’ve had before, during and after the campaign. We all care about Westport,” Christie says.

The transition began immediately. From his time on the Board of Education, he already had relationships in Town Hall,

He met with department heads, board chairs and outgoing officials to ensure a smooth handoff.

“Our town is fortunate to have a strong team in place,” Christie notes. Outgoing selectwomen Jen Tooker and Moore were “gracious and helpful.”

Moments after he was sworn in, Kevin Christie took this selfie at Town Hall. 

The 1st selectman’s first day in office was “welcoming, smooth and productive.” Thanks to the Town Hall team and IT staff, he “hit the ground running.”

Christie met with town employees, visited departments in the building, and began preliminary budget discussions.

He also attended the Long Lots School Building Committee meeting, and a Democratic Town Committee session that night.

“My focus from day one has been to listen, understand what is already working well, and make sure we are positioned to deliver results right from the start,” he says.

He continues to spend evenings at community meetings and events. “It has been energizing to see so many people engaged and committed to Westport.”

Moving forward, Christie will rely on “our experienced town staff, elected officials across boards and commissions, and community members with expertise in key areas. Collaboration is essential, and I value diverse perspectives.”

He also cites his “strong partnership with Amy, as we begin this work together.”

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Asked about a message for Westporters, Christie says, “Thank you. This is an incredible community, and I’m honored to serve it.

“My door will always be open. I’m committed to listening, planning responsibly, and getting things done the right way. Westport is strongest when we work together.

“I look forward to partnering with residents, town staff, and every board and commission in the work ahead.

“The work ahead belongs to all of us. Westport is a community that thrives when people come together, and our success depends on collaboration between residents, town staff, and every board and commission.

“I’m grateful for the trust Westporters have placed in me, and I look forward to the work we will do together.”

(“06880” covered the recent election thoroughly — and will continue to report on all local politics. Your support helps us do so. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local politics

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Christie Sworn In, Looks Ahead; Over 50 Others Take Oaths Too

Posted on November 18, 2025 | 9 comments

It’s official: Westport has a new 1st selectman.

In a high-energy, bipartisan, optimistic, fun and hugs-filled  ceremony, a packed Town Hall crowd of friends, relatives, and soon-to-be-sworn-in-themselves elected officials watched as Kevin Christie took the oath of office as the town’s chief executive.

Senator Richard Blumenthal did the honors. Christie was joined on stage by his wife and children.

Senator Richard Blumenthal swears in 1st Selectman Kevin Christie. His wife and children watch proudly.

His oath was followed quickly by others, administered by Christie and Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton.

Second selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day; the Boards of Finance, Education and Assessment Appeals; the Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals — incumbents and newcomers alike — all swore to uphold federal, state and local laws.

Kevin Christie swears in Board of Education members Abby Tolan, Stephen Shackelford and Andy Frankel. Dorie Hordon, unable to attend, took the oath of office earlier. 

Then came oaths for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Each of the 9 districts had its own ceremony.

Though quick, they were meaningful. Members of 2 districts brought their children on stage. One district paused for a selfie.

Kevin Christie smiles as RTM District 2 members Melissa Levy, Jenna Petok, Jay Keenan and Lou Mall are joined by Levy and Petok’s children.

After the 50-plus officials were sworn in, Christie delivered brief remarks.

He thanked the selectwomen for their service, then outlined his goals of “a clear vision for Westport; collaboration between the town and state government, and disciplined execution that will led to results.”

Specifically, he cited downtown parking, housing, sustainability and “an attractive mill rate” as areas of focus.

Christie noted the importance of collaboration at all, levels; the need for disciplined capital planning, and “the most meaningful part: “engagement with all Westporters.”

A sense of community brought him and his family to Westport, Christie said. That has been “the foundation of my service. And it will guide us in our work ahead.”

He concluded, “I look forward to the work ahead. Let’s get to it together.”

Kevin Christie, in his first official address to the town.

The evening began with remarks from other elected officials, and a noted Westporter.

Outgoing 1st selectwoman Jen Tooker spoke of her achievements. She saluted the first all-female Board of Selectwoman, and urged Christie to “enjoy every minute — or at least most of them — as you lead our wonderful town.”

Following up on Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas’ praise for Westport voters’ 50% turnout in this year’s race (the statewide average was 36%), Blumenthal noted the importance of “putting differences aside, to work for the common good.” He contrasted that with the current climate “where I work,” in Washington.

The ceremony included remarks by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer Trey Ellis; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Staples High School senior and Board of Education student representative Souleye Kebe; the national anthem sung by Staples senior Eva Slossberg; the Westport Police and Fire Honor Guard; an invocation by Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel, and a benediction from Reverend John Betit of Christ & Holy Trinity Church.

Souleye Kebe leads the Pledge of Allegiance.

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas.

Trey Ellis likens “E Pluribus Unum” — the motto on the US Great Seal meaning “Out of many, one” — to “DEI, but in Latin.”

Before the ceremony, a TV interview.

Kevin Christie and Senator Richard Blumenthal chat. The Police & Fire Honor Guard are in the background. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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