The Board of Education has added an agenda item to their meeting tomorrow night (Thursday, January 18), inviting the Long Lots School Building Committee to provide an update to the community.
The meeting is in the Staples High School cafeteria, at 7 p.m. There will be ample time for public comment following the LLSBC update to the BOE.
The community has engaged in an ongoing debate regarding the use of the property adjacent to a planned new construction of Long Lots.
This matter will be brought before the Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday (January 22), when it is anticipated that the first selectwoman will resubmit a recommendation for the use of this property, based on feedback from P & Z at their previous meeting.
I want to emphasize the critical importance of this new construction project moving forward in a timely manner without delay. As determined by multiple professionals, the facility is at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. The decision to build a new construction was recommended by the BOE in June 2022.
Further delays of this project can present districtwide complications. As the town has experienced with Coleytown Middle School, major capital failures can lead to significant disruption for many students. Although a capital failure of that magnitude is not necessarily likely, other capital failures (e.g. failure of one of the 3 HVAC systems, increased water incursions, etc.) could necessitate alternative plans for a section of the school, warranting the displacement of a subsection of students.
Mold forced the closing – and subsequent renovation — of Coleytown Middle School.
Again, without a crystal ball, these events cannot be precisely predicted.
However, the recommendation for a new construction (a year and a half ago) was made to avoid any capital failures that could lead to significant disruption for the Long Lots community and other schools in Westport.
This is not only a Long Lots community issue. Advancing this project and maintaining the timeline for the opening of a new LLS in September 2026 is an issue for the entire school community, and larger Westport community.
Paul Lebowitz (D): 5,907 Michael Calise (R): 3,203 Amie Tesler (R): 3,052 Patrizia Zucaro (R): 2,980
John Bolton (R): 2,758
Joseph Strickland Jr. (CW): 1,629
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS James Ezzes (D): 5,955 Michelle Hopson (R): 3,433 Liz Wong (R): 3,618
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
Joseph Sledge (R): 3,500
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
Voters also chose 36 Representative Town Meeting members. Four of the 9 districts — 1, 2, 6 and 9 — had contested races.
Harris Falk (District 2) and Brien Buckman (District 6) were the only incumbents running for re-election who lost.
District 1
Matthew Mandell: 438 Andrew Bloom: 421 Chris Tait: 413 Kristin Mott Purcell: 372
Richard Jaffe: 293
District 2:
Melissa Levy: 543 Louis Mall: 436 Jay Keenan: 364 Mike Perry: 356
Harris Falk: 342
District 3:
Jimmy Izzo: 543 Don O’Day: 466 Lyn Hogan: 446 Ross Burkhardt: 418
The road to victory for a write-in candidate is daunting.
First, voters have to know he or she is running. They must learn how to fill in the ballot. At the polling place, they have to remember to do it.
Meanwhile, the candidate must somehow get his or her message out — without relying on traditional party machinery.
There’s a reason why Westporters cannot recall the last time — if ever – such a candidate won office here.
But Jill Dillon is undaunted. She’s running a write-in campaign for the Board of Education.
Jill Dillon
And she thinks she has a shot.
The long-time unaffiliated voter decided to run when she realized that because the Town Charter limits one party to no more than a bare majority on the BOE, one of two Republican candidates — Camilo Riano or Jamie Fitzgerald — seemed guaranteed a seat.
Their views worried Dillon, who served as PTA president at both Kings Highway Elementary and Coleytown Middle Schools, and generally supports the Westport Public Schools’ administrators and teachers (and the current Board of Ed).
Without speaking with Democratic Town Committee representatives, her hope was that voters would circle the names of Lee Goldstein and Neil Phillips — the 2 incumbent Dems in the race — and also bubble in the bottom of the ballot, then write “Jill Dillon.”
Her decision to run was solidified by support from friends — and strangers.
But “thank you for running” comments don’t translate into action. So Dillon and a dedicated corps of volunteers have been hard at work. They’re using social media, word of mouth, meet-and-greets and more.
Like all candidates, Jill Dillon has plenty of lawn signs.
Besides the usual challenges — including not appearing in the League of Women Voters’ guide — she has had to answer questions about why one of her 2 daughters attends private school. (The other is at CMS.)
“It was the right decision for her,” Dillon explains. “People assume we thought Staples was deficient.
“Not at all. As parents, we all make the best decisions we can. We thought that environment was the best fit. It’s been very good for her.
“I love our schools. I am 100% committed to Staples, and the Westport Public Schools.”
Criticism has not bothered her.
“I know who I am, and who I am not,” Dillon says. “Name-calling doesn’t bother me.”
She does not engage in back-and-forth on social media. “It degenerates quickly” into personal attacks, she says.
“It’s ironic. We don’t want our kids to be bullies. But adults bully all the time.”
Democrats Goldstein and Phillips have been called names. So have Republicans Fitzgerald and Riano.
“You can disagree strongly with what they says,” Dillon notes of the GOP candidates she is running against. “But calling them names takes away from their arguments.
“I don’t think I’ve smeared Camilo. I’ve stated his positions, and where I disagree. I think I’ve provided factual evidence to back up my claims.”
As her campaign heads toward the November 7 election, Dillon has been surprised by support from people she does not know.
Wearing a t-shirt with her name at CVS, she was approached by a woman with young children. “Thank you for giving us a choice,” she told Dillon.
Jill Dillon with supporters, at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
It’s one thing for a write-in candidate to forage for votes in areas where she’s known — like parents with children in schools. But Dillon realizes she must get the word out to other groups, including older voters, empty nesters, and younger voters without children.
So she and her volunteers continue to post on social media. They hand out yard signs.
And they keep hoping that voters know there’s a bubble at the bottom of the ballot that must be filled in, with a name they remember.
In the wake of the Board of Education’s 4-2 vote against keeping the Westport Community Gardens at their present Long Lots Elementary School location, Republican BOE candidates Jamie Fitzgerald and Camilo Riano issued this statement:
“If we were seated members of the Board of Education, we each would have supported the amended motion regarding the preservation of the community gardens that was defeated 4-2 on Thursday, October 19. We believe Board of Education members have an obligation to take a holistic view of all decisions and the impact they have on all Westport constituents.”
On Thursday, a Westport resident placed a lone Israel flag on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
On Friday, it was replaced by dozens of flags, of a wide variety of nations.
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
Nothing nefarious was going on. The town of Westport was not trying to make a political statement.
The flags of world nations go up every year at this time, on the span named for the Westporter who spent her life volunteering for the United Nations (and started our town’s jUNe Day welcoming tradition, over 50 years ago).
The flags go up twice a year: on jUNe Day in the summer, and for UN Day. The holiday marking the founding of the organization is Tuesday.
Back to Israel: Today’s candlelight vigil supporting safe return of the hostages taken by Hamas is tonight (Sunday), 6 to 6:45 p.m. on Jesup Green. Attendees are asked to bring real or electric candles (in case of wind).
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Matthew Van Gessel returned to the Westport stage last night.
As he did throughout his Staples Players career, the 2011 graduate played a psychologically fraught character, with outstanding depth and nuance.
Van Gessel was one half of the cast of “Gentle Hacksaw.” The drama — combining religion, identity and violence — had its world premier staged reading as part of the Westport Library’s 6th annual StoryFest.
The event continues today (Sunday) with a TeachRock Workshop, Pink or Treat Halloween parade with children’s author Victoria Kann, and pitchfest for authors. Click here for details.
Matthew Van Gessel (left) and Ahmad Maksoud on the Westport Library stage. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes courtesy of Betsy Amitin. She writes:
“With so many atrocities all over the news, I am trying to shift my focus to notice sweet spot small moments that give me comfort or joy throughout the day.
“Looking out my kitchen window on yet another soggy fall day, I noticed this squirrel had found shelter from the downpour underneath our outdoor table umbrella. It cracked me up.
“It stood there a while, seeming as though it too was taking a quick break from the heaviness surrounding it.”
A wrong location was posted yesterday for this week’s candidate debates. Here’s the correct info:
Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the Town Hall auditorium stage tomorrow (Wednesday, October 11, 7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header on Thursday, October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.
Questions must be submitted in advance. They will not be taken from the floor. Email: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
The debates are sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport.
An overflow crowd of 1,000 — including Governor Ned Lamont and Senator Richard Blumenthal, local officials and many clergy — packed Temple Israel last night, for a “We Stand With Israel” solidarity gathering.
Representatives from nearly 2 dozen area synagogues and other organizations hosted the event, which was organized in just 48 hours by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (bottom center), at last night’s “We Stand With Israel” gathering.
Religious leaders and others, at Temple Israel. (Photos/Allison Wachstein)
Westporters Arthur and Lisa Hayes are in Paris this week.
On a boat in the Seine yesterday night, they saw from a distance that the Eiffel Tower was not lit in white, as usual. One half seemed to be dark; the other was very dark blue.
As they got closer, they all understood. The tour boat grew very quiet, as they passed by.
In this week’s timely “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker discusses a recent study on the growing lack of civility in small towns, and her own public comments on the issue.
The podcasts are sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Click below to listen:
Owner/chef Federico Perandin will appear on Guy Fieri’s legendary “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” Food Network show. The episode airs this Friday (October 13, 9 p.m.).
Westport’s own David Briggs will conduct an Instagram interview tonight (Tuesday, October 10, 7:30 p.m., @westportlibrary) with Rhone co-founder and CEO Nate Checketts. They’ll talk about how the men’s wellness brand — which opened on Main Street this summer — is committed to men’s mental health issues.
From left: ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky and Nate Checketts at Rhone’s Westport store.
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Longtime Westporter Marty Yellen offered a presentation on aging — and a cancer treatment update — at yesterday’s Y’s Women meeting.
Yellen was an engineer on the Hubble Space Telescope. He then earned a doctorate in medical biology engineering. He works now with Yale scientists, biologists and engineers on diseases that come with aging, researching techniques and treatments to alleviate them.
Yellen warned the large audience to stay away from beef (particularly grilling), processed meats that can stand at room temperature like salami, and animal fats.
He suggested instead lamb, chicken, fish, plenty of fiber and vegetables, nuts, yogurt, beans — and most importantly, virgin olive oil rather than butter.
Daily exercise daily — for example, 30 minutes of walking — is especially important.
“You are your own doctor,” Yellen said. “Take care of your body, eat right, exercise daily — and don’t smoke!”
Speaking of health: The 29th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Fairfield County event is always a celebration of courage and hope
Over 5,000 participants will gather this Sunday (October 15, 9 a.m. to noon), at Sherwood Island State Park.
Over 3 decades, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s 3- to 5-mile walks have provided a supportive community for survivors, caregivers and families. The event funds breast cancer research, programs and services.
From Azerbaijan to Westport: Amina Figarova has moved from her upbringing behind the Iron Curtain to become a celebrated jazz pianist and composer.
On Thursday (October 12, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399) she makes her “Jazz at the Post” debut. Rudy Royston, Boots Maleson, Bart Platteau and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall join her for two shows: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Their first-ever dance performance this Saturday (October 14, 7 p.m.) features the East Coast Contemporary Ballet Company, in collaboration with Alturas Duo and Yale University’s Calllisto Quartet.
“Strings and Asymmetry” offers a fusion of styles, instruments and artistic
expressions.
Tickets include admission to the current exhibit. For details and tickets, click here or call (203) 222-7070.
And finally … on this day in 1845, the Naval School opened with 50 students in Annapolis, Maryland.
Today it’s known as the United States Naval Academy. Its enrollment is about 4,450.
(Another Roundup filled with political, entertainment, restaurant and health news — and another reminder that “06880” relies entirely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Who you gonna believe: the comments section of “06880,” or your own ears?
With local elections looming, Westport’s League of Women Voters has scheduled 3 important debates. All take place in the Town Hall auditorium.
Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the stage October 11 (7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.
This is your chance to hear — and assess — the men and women vying to lead our town. Come to Town Hall; then make an informed decision.
Yesterday, with the help of the Waterbury Police Department, Westport detectives took 22-year-old Garrett Gibbs of Waterbury into custody for his involvement in the September 17th carjacking incident.
The arrest followed an intense investigation. Gibbs was charged with the following crimes:
Home Invasion
Burglary 1st degree
Robbery by carjacking
Assault 3rd degree
Larceny 1st degree
Conspiracy to commit larceny 1st degree
Robbery 1st degree
he is being held at the Westport Police Department on a $500,000.00 bond. He will appear in Stamford Superior Court on October 16.
Westport Police detectives are still working this case, and anticipate additional arrests.
Yesterday was a busy one for the WPD. They also arrested a 17-year-old juvenile from Stratford for an incident on July 11, when shots fired in Saugatuck.
The youth is currently incarcerated at Manson Youth Institute, following a previous arrest by another agency. The arrest came after a lengthy investigation by the Detective Bureau, involving multiple interviews and search warrants.
The teen was charged with:
Unlawful discharge of a firearm
Conspiracy to commit unlawful discharge of a firearm
Reckless endangerment 1st degree
Conspiracy to commit reckless endangerment 1s degree
Breach of peace
Conspiracy to commit breach of peace.
He will appear in Bridgeport Juvenile Court on October 13. Police anticipate additional arrests.
A twice-postponed Parks & Recreation Commission meeting has been rescheduled to October 18 (Town Hall Room 201, 7:30 p.m.). The agenda includes discussion of the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.
The first meeting was interrupted due to a medical emergency. The second — this past Thursday — was planned as a virtual session. It never began, due to technical issues.
Among the concerns of attendees: where on the property to place the planned pickleball courts.
Gaetano’s Deli is a favorite with Staples students.
So it’s a natural location for the high school radio station’s live broadcasts today.
Award-winning WWPT will set up a tent and remote facility outside the Post Road East spot. Everyone is welcome to stop by, and see these great young radio broadcasters in action.
And if you can’t be there, listen in: 90.3 FM, or online.
It’s tough: How can parents talk honestly with their children about drug use, without sounding preachy, unrealistic or clueless?
All this month, the Westport Prevention Coalition is offering free streaming access to a 52-minute documentary, “Don’t Wait.”e.
Substances have changed over the years. Cannabis concentrates can deliver 96% pure THC with no CBD or plant matter. Delivery mechanisms like vapes and pouches are relatively new too.
The film updates parents’ knowledge, and helps them answer tough questions from their kids. Click here to stream the video.
As follow-up for parents who want more information, WPC plans 2 Zoom sessions for parents (October 24 and 26). Click here to register.
PinkLand — the Pink Aid online auction, raising funds to help people with breast cancer — opens Monday. It runs through Thursday.
Over 300 items are available for online bidding. They include:
Brendan Murphy painting (value: $21,000)
Yankees Legends seats for 2024 ($3,000)
2 tickets to “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen (TBD)
4 VIP wristbands for Governor’s Ball Music Festival 2024 ($3,200)
3 night Oceanview King stay at Mauna Lani, including buffet breakfast ($5,000)
Clase Azul Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Reposado tequila ($4,999)
Keith Urban Guitar ($500)
Courtside Knicks tickets ($2,500)
4 tickets and field passes to Mets-Giants ($150)
Sholeh Janati painting ($5,800)
Tickets are still available for the October 12th luncheon at Mitchells of Westport (11 a.m.). Click here for more information — and to see all auction items, and bid.
Westport celebrates UN Day with a special Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Lecture.
Kuwait Ambassador to the UN Tareq Albanai will speak on “Identifying Opportunities for Creative Diplomacy to Solve Global Challenges: A View from the Arabian Gulf” (October 24, 7 p.m., Westport Library). He’ll take audience questions afterward.
Ambassador Albanai has long experience dealing with issues of disarmament. A graduate of George Washington University, he is fluent in Arabic, English and Spanish.
Click here to register for in-person participation or streaming. The event is co-sponsored by the Library, and the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut.
Kuwait Ambassador to the United Nations Tareq Albanai.
Rachel Rose is a 2014 Staples High School graduate. She now lives in Fairfield.
The former Orphenian, who studied privately with Cynthia Gibb, is now a professional singer. She calls her style achel calls her style “Jewish soul, contemporary soul and R&B.”
She entered a Jimmy Fallon “Battle of the Instant Songwriters” contest a year ago. On Wednesday, a representative called to see if she wanted to appear on the show.
On Thursday, there she was: on national TV. She and a fellow musician were given an hour to write a song, then perform it.
The title she was provided: “I Think This Airbnb is Haunted.”
Alert “06880” reader Rita Corridon was checking out the New York Times’ “The Morning” feature today.
One piece began:
My hometown has a gardening store so lavish, so over-the-top curated with weather-stained terra-cotta planters the size of vintners’ casks, crumbling concrete birdbaths rescued from Eden and a jungle’s worth of fronds and boughs and leaves that it is a destination.
Out-of-towners come to gaze at its tableaux of mosses, hand-forged shears and fairy lights, to dine on seasonal produce at its in-house café. I think there might be an actual waterfall back by the table linens.
I love going to this store, wandering its aisles and imagining how different my life would be if I could inhabit its forever-green promise, like Keats gazing on the Grecian urn.
“That must be Terrain!” Rita thought.
She looked up the author, Melissa Kirsch.
Sure enough, the “hometown” she talks about is Westport.
Another teardown: Tom Lowrie reports: “A week ago, the house at 148 Old Road was demolished.
148 Old Road then … (Photo/courtesy of Google Maps)
“The site was covered with large trees and brush. The following week all but the best trees were cut down. A mountain of wood chips, logs and house materials were carted away.
“Then the CAT machines went to work, digging out stumps and and piling all the topsoil for future leveling of the site.”
Just another day in the world of Westport real estate.
Westporter Howard Matson — a past international president of the Circumnavigators Club — hosted a dinner last nigh at New York’s Union League Club honoring Tony and Maureen Wheeler, writers and publishers of the Lonely Planet guidebook empire. The couple received the club’s highest recognition: the Order of Magellan.
Matson, who now serves on the club’s Board of Governors, has hosted in past years Jacques Cousteau, Walter Cronkite and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Howard Matson (center) with Maureen and Tony Wheeler.
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“Westport … Naturally” features our town’s natural wonders. Horseshoe crabs — which have been around for 440 million years — certainly qualify.
But these guys didn’t climb on the (man-made) Burying Hill Beach pier by themselves.
They needed help from humans. Our species is about 300,000 years old.
And finally … speaking of the candidates’ debates next week (story above):
(“06880” is your place for healthy debate — and local journalism. If you appreciate our work, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here — thank you!)
Before being named 3rd Selectwoman, Democrat Candice Savin served as Board of Education chair. She writes:
In the wake of the Republican party’s nomination of Camilo Riano as a candidate for our Board of Education I am left shocked, disappointed and, as the former chair of the Board of Education, highly concerned about what this means for the future of our top ranked school district.
Camilo Riano
The Republican Town Committee’s nomination of Mr. Riano marks a departure from a longstanding tradition of responsibility and civility in Westport in more ways than one.
Already, one of the 3 sitting elected Republican BOE members, Robert Harrington, has objected to Mr. Riano’s long and highly public record of incivility and extremism.
(You can click here to see what Mr. Harrington said. And you can click here for a taste of Mr. Riano in his own words.)
Particularly objectionable and out of bounds is Mr. Riano’s irresponsible use of the terms “groomer” and “child sex grooming” in reference to Superintendent Scarice and other members of our world-class educational staff.
Will the Westport schools continue to attract top talent in an environment where members of the BOE falsely disparage professional educators? Will our well-liked and highly respected superintendent of schools stay in Westport under such conditions?
Here’s another question: Where are the voices of other Republican leaders in town?
Of course, the typical response to candidates one might find objectionable is to simply not vote for them. But elections in Westport are different.
Due to our town charter, both the Republican and Democratic Town Committees have outsized power in determining who will serve on our governing boards. The dharter requires a certain balance of party representation, regardless of how people vote. A Republican candidate, even one as objectionable as Mr. Riano, can lose the popular vote by a wide margin and still be seated on the BOE.
This is how things work in Westport. It is virtually impossible for the voters to truly reject candidates they find unacceptable.
This arrangement places a significant responsibility on the political parties when they nominate candidates. Historically, both parties have put forward candidates for the BOE who were committed to working constructively with the superintendent and fellow Board members.
Candice Savin
I served on the Board of Education for 5 years. And although I sometimes disagreed with both my Republican and Democratic colleagues, my experience was that we treated each other and our educators with respect, and worked collaboratively to create the top school system in Connecticut.
As we all have learned by now, Mr. Riano is not cut from that mold. As Election Day approaches, we can only hope that the community speaks loudly and clearly with their votes to place more constructive candidates on our BOE.
Thus far, aside from Robert Harrington, the members of the RTC and local Republican leaders – the people who nominated Mr. Riano — have been silent as to why they think he is an appropriate candidate, and whether or not they support his many outlandish and divisive positions. We need to hear from more Republican leaders of good will.
No doubt there will be commenters to this article who will try to normalize Mr. Riano and engage in a whole lot of “what-about-ism.” Having witnessed many of Mr. Riano’s broadsides as I chaired the BOE, I know firsthand how outside of the norm his comments have been.
It is not character assassination to call out someone’s incendiary public remarks and accusations. Quite the contrary, it is exactly what decency requires.
The nomination of Mr. Riano marks a turning point for our community, a turn away from civility and towards extremism, enabled and encouraged by the Republican political machine in Westport.
Let’s work together, Democrats and Republicans and Independents of good will and good sense, to stop it.
Yesterday, Save Westport Now — which describes itself as a 43-year-old grassroots organization dedicated to protecting residential neighborhoods, preserving Westport’s small-town New England appeal, ensuring smart growth, preventing over-commercialization, and preserving open space — e-mailed every member of the Board of Selectwomen, Board of Education, Long Lots School Building Committee, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.
The subject: the possible relocation of the Westport Community Gardens, as part of the Long Lots renovation or rebuilding plan. Save Westport Now says:
As the Town mulls its options regarding the Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve, we offer the following observations:
First, we believe that the Long Lots School Building Committee, appointed by First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, has inadvertently overstepped its authority in thinking that they have the unfettered right to determine the future of this cherished municipal asset.
We have reviewed the RTM minutes concerning the acquisition of this property and note that, although 2.2 acres were earmarked for additional school parking, the remaining 4.5 acres were acquired for other municipal purposes.
The Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve are just south of parking for Long Lots Elementary School (green), which is just south of the current building (yellow).
Indeed, in 2001 when the RTM was debating the acquisition, then-School Superintendent Elliot Landon assured the RTM that they would “work cooperatively and collaboratively” with the town to develop the parking in such a way that “it enhanced municipal uses as well.”
Thus, while it is true that playing fields (as well as affordable housing) were mentioned during the debate, the future use of that extra acreage was specifically left open.
Since then, of course, the property has been designated as a community garden and preserve and, for the last 20 or so years, the property has been under the supervision of Parks & Rec — 2 indisputable facts that buttress the argument that a school building committee does not have the unilateral authority to deal with this property.
Second, we note that removing these Gardens and the Preserve in favor of other uses runs counter to the Town’s Net Zero promise, as well as its most recent Plan of Conservation and Development, which explicitly calls for the preservation and enhancement of open space.
As the Plan recognizes: “Open space helps protect natural resources; provide flood storage, wildlife habitat, and tree canopy; enhance overall community appearance; and enhance the quality of life of residents and visitors.”
In fact, the town has long been concerned with this issue since Westport has
very little open space, especially compared to other towns in Fairfield County. If anything, we need to be creating more gardens, preserves, and open space — not less.
And third, we believe that equity and fairness dictate preservation of the Gardens and Preserve in their current locations.
Aerial view of the Westport Community Gardens, with 100-plus plots. The Long Lots Preserve is located on its perimeter.
While adding additional playing fields to our town’s inventory may be
desirable, the town currently has approximately 20 playing fields that can conceivably be made available during the 18- or 24-month construction period contemplated for the new school facility.
Alternatively, other temporary sites can be identified and used for sports during the construction period.
Once construction is complete, the town could then build new field(s) on the site of old building. There is, however, only one town garden, and it simply cannot be moved or replicated within that time frame — if at all.
Ditto for the Preserve.
In sum, the long-term pain for gardeners and the negative environmental ramifications for residents if the Gardens and Preserve are forced to vacate far outweigh the temporary sacrifice that sports teams may suffer if the Gardens and
Preserve are allowed to remain in place.
Finally, it is important to note that when the Long Lots School Building Committee was first proposed by the First Selectwoman, we and others voiced concern that the list of appointees did not include someone from Sustainable Westport.
Indeed, a number of RTM members objected to the formation of the Committee specifically on those grounds. They were adamant that SW needed to have a seat at the table — that SW needed to be involved at all stages of the project.
But the administration assured the RTM that the Committee had the necessary expertise to handle the project.
Recent events, however, have validated those concerns. The fact is that the Gardens and Preserve play a critical role in helping to sequester carbon and protect our pollinators.
Relaxing in the Westport Community Gardens.
Based on what we believe are a set of faulty assumptions and priorities, we are concerned that the Committee may make well-intended but misguided recommendations that result in the squandering of these important and critical assets.
And the idea that this will be “only” a temporary measure strikes us as short-sighted and failing to properly understand the value of what has been created here.
It took 20 years and almost 10,000 hours of volunteer labor to get the Gardens and Preserve to this point. They cannot be rebuilt overnight or easily replicated.
Please listen to the more than 1,800 people and organizations who have already signed petitions and letters, and act now to make the preservation of the Gardens and Preserve our highest priority when planning for the creation of what is sure to be a superb building where Westport’s children can continue to grow and learn.
Respectfully,
Ian Warburg
Co-chair, Save Westport Now
Last week, the RTM unanimously approved the 2022-23 town budget, of about $222.8 million.
That could be the most underrated, underreported — and astonishing — story of the year.
Each spring for decades, budget battles consumed us. The Board of Finance slashed the Board of Education request. The Board of Ed fought back, with the backing of some — but not all — residents.
Parents argued for and against teachers and/or administrators. Westporters with no kids in school screamed at those who did, and at each other.
The next step — final approval by the Representative Town Meeting — was just as brutal.
Petitions were filed. Referendums were held. An entire political party — the Taxwatchers — formed in the crucible of budget wars.
Dick Leonard, Westport Education Association president, during a budget battle.
Things calmed down in recent years. Still, town boards and the RTM did not always see eye to eye. Department heads were forced to plead their cases, sometimes for just a few thousand dollars.
As Washington has become more polarized, Westport politicians play nice. This year’s requests sailed through, with only a couple of adjustments made.
The numbers seem large: almost $138.7 million for education, about $84.1 million for other town operations,, plus the Library, health and transit districts, and Earthplace.
But the people who make the decisions — Democrats, Republicans and the non-partisan RTM (no Taxwatchers) — seem to agree that Westport is in very sound fiscal shape.
They like the bangs they get for our bucks.
Residents must agree. Peeps in town made very few peeps throughout the process.
Sometimes no news is good news. Washington, take note!
In 2008, Gen Re transferred Jen and Mo Tooker from the London office to their Stamford headquarters. The couple hunted for homes throughout Fairfield County.
On a February day, a realtor drove them around the corner to Compo Beach.
It was cold. The marina was empty. But, Tooker said, “We’re done!”
They had not seen any houses here yet. It did not matter. The Tookers soon found one.
Westport has been their home ever since.
Tooker soon became part of her new community. She joined the Conservation Commission; served on the Boards of Education and Finance, and was elected 2nd Selectwoman.
On Monday night at Town Hall, she’ll be sworn in for a new post: 1st Selectwoman. She and running mate Andrea Moore were elected last week to the town’s top 2 spots.
Jen Tooker (left) and Andrea Moore, Westport’s new selectwomen.
Though Tooker’s first attraction to Westport was its water, what’s kept her here are Westporters.
“The people here are fabulous,” she says. “They love living here. They get involved. They make things happen.”
Tooker has done more than her share of that. Knowing that this would be “home” for many years, within weeks of unpacking she sought ways to help.
With professional knowledge at Gen Re of flooding, wetlands and property maps, she was appointed to the Conservation Commission.
In 2011 — urged by people who said her skillset was a good fit for the Board of Education — she ran for, and won, a seat.
Democratic chair Don O’Day and Republican vice chair Jim Marpe led a “rock solid, bipartisan” board, Tooker says.
Two years later, she was asked to run for the Board of Finance. She retired from Gen Re, to devote time to public service and raising 3 children.
Jen Tooker, during the 2017 campaign.
In 2017, when Avi Kaner decided not to run for a second term as 2nd selectman, Marpe asked her to join him. She had a front run seat for all that the job entails — all the departmental collaboration, public meetings, budget deliberations, decision-making on issues like masks, weather-related disasters and more — plus the behind-the-scenes work that few people ever see.
Her skills, experience and goals suited her well for the top job. When Marpe announced he would not run for a 3rd term, Tooker was ready.
She and Moore jumped into campaigning. “Westporters are savvy,” Tooker says. “They want to know their elected officials. This was my 4th townwide race. Every time I’m amazed at how much people want to meet candidates, and ask tough questions.”
The questions came via Facebook, Instagram, texts and calls. They came in person too. Tooker and Moore held a number of public meetings — including the porch at The Porch — to answer the questions.
And to listen.
Tooker learned that “by and large, people are really happy to be here. They feel blessed, connected, and invested in the community. They’re super proud of Westport. Whether they’re new or been here for 45 years, that gives them pride.”
She and Moore “had a message, and it ran all through the campaign. We were very focused on local issues, to ensure that Westport remains the best place in the region to live, work and play.”
The ticket won, she believes, because “we had a message that resonated with a sophisticated electorate. Westporters wanted to know us, and vet our message.”
In addition, Tooker says, “We ran a positive campaign. Westporters care deeply about that.”
Though hard work does not always guarantee a win, “we were out there every day, for 7 months. That was critical for people to meet us, and ask the questions they needed to ask.”
Second selectman Jennifer Tooker sported a “Be Bold” shirt at a meeting featuring Westport businesswomen.
Twelve hours after next Monday’s swearing in, Tooker heads back to Town Hall. Her first task, she says, is to meet with department heads. She’ll hear their priorities, talk about collaboration and communication, and make plans for the immediate future.
“It’s important to be a good manager,” she says. “Employees need o feel supported, to go out and do a good job for residents.”
Every 1st selectperson brings a different style to Town Hall. Though she worked closely with Marpe, Tooker says, “in certain situations I may be less patient than Jim. I don’t fly off the handle, but I may push a process or strive for an outcome a little more quickly.”
She calls Marpe “an excellent listener. He processes information by listening to people. That’s an excellent quality in a leader. In this line of work, where we are here to ensure that democracy prevails, it’s crucial to hear every voice. I hope I can be as good a listener as Jim is.”
Jen and Mo Tooker with their children: Jack, Riley and Nicole.
She has always worked — professionally and as a volunteer — so that won’t be new. But 1st selectwoman is a full-time, 24/7/365 job. Tooker had many conversations with her family before deciding to run. They understand the demands of the job.
Her husband Mo, and their children — 20-year-old Jack (a junior at Santa Clara University), 18-year-old Riley (taking a gap year before Southern Methodist University) and Nicole, an 8th grader — are “fully supportive” of her, Tooker says.
Also supportive: Tooker’s parents. They moved here to be with their daughter and her family during the pandemic. Her father, 87-year-old Bob “Pops” Salmon, lives in the Tookers’ home. Her mother is in the memory care unit at The Residence.
Jen and Mo Tooker with her father, Bob “Pops” Salmon.
All are “incredibly proud” of her. And most will be on hand at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Town Hall, to see Jen Tooker sworn is as Westport’s next 1st selectwoman.
(Monday’s ceremony will also include the swearing in of all boards and commissioners. RTM members will be sworn in the next night, Tuesday, also at 7:30 p.m.)
FUN FACT: After 12 years in the public eye, there is little that Westporters don’t know about Tooker. They may be surprised though to find out that she is an ardent fan of Chelsea, the English Premier League soccer powerhouse.
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