On Friday, Gail Kelly finishes her 15-year stint as Westport’s assistant town attorney. (She doesn’t say “retiring” — just moving on to new things in life.)
Everyone working at Town Hall is sorry to see her go.
But none more than Ira Bloom.
“It’s a tremendous loss for the town government — and me,” says the longtime town attorney. “Gail has done an excellent job.”
Gail Kelly
Working out of a Town Hall office — though, like Bloom, she is employed by the private Berchem, Moses & Devlin law firm — Kelly handles Westport’s day-to-day legal affairs.
That means reviewing contracts and RFPs; handling Freedom of Information inquiries; coordinating with the Representative Town Meeting on ordinances, and attending board of selectmen meetings.
Kelly is available to all Town Hall personnel, in offices ranging from the town clerk to public works to conservation.
“A lot of lawyers know the charter and ordinances,” Bloom says. “But what distinguishes Gail is her uncommon common sense, her excellent judgment and her terrific sense of humor.”
She is adept at “defusing difficult situations. She’ll tell you the law, and then she’ll have a sensible answer people accept,” Bloom adds.
For 15 years, Kelly has served the town with efficiency, poise and professionalism — and not many kudos.
Congratulations, Gail Kelly — and good luck as you retire move on!
(Know of an unsung hero we should celebrate? Email details to dwoog@optonline.net)
