The Democratic and Republican Town Committees nominated candidates last night for the Board of Selectmen, and a variety of other boards and commissions. (Click here for that story.)
They’ll all be on the ballot on November 4.
Well — maybe not all.
The 2 Democratic candidates for Board of Education — incumbent member Abby Tolan and Representative Town Meeting deputy moderator Lauren Karpf — may face a primary challenge.
Former RTM member Steve Shackelford and outgoing Staples High School PTA co-president Jodi Harris plan to run against the endorsed slate. They’ll pick up petitions at Town Hall today.
If they receive enough signatures — 5% of registered Democrats (approximately 500 names) — the Democratic primary would be September 9.
Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris.
Harris and Shackelford are “proud registered Democrats. We think our party has historically served the town well on the Board of Education,” they told “06880.”
“More recently though, the BOE as a whole — including the Democratic majority — has lost its way in its prmary tasks of exercising true oversight over the Westport Public Schools administration, and being responsive to our community and its concerns. We believe we are the best people for that job.”
They add, “In talking through the many issues and conflicts facing the BOE this past year, we realized we see eye to eye on the type of role the Board should play, and the ways in which the BOE as currently constituted has fallen short.
“We believe the best way to make the BOE, and the administration, more accountable to the people of Westport is to run, and win, together.
“That way, we can ensure this push for meaningful and cnstructive oversight, accountbility and transparency is not just a one-person show, but a movement with real inquiry, discussion and momentum.”
The pair noted their complementary skill sets: Harris’ long involvement with Westport public schools at all levels, and Shackelford’s understanding of “good governance, acountability and proper risk management.”
Harris moved to Westport in 2008. Her daughters have gone through the Westport schools. She has volunteered from preschool through Staples, including as a member of the Bedford and Coleytown Middle Schools combined PTA, when those schools were merged.
She has spent her career in children’s book publishing, including most recently as editorial director at HarperCollins. She authored and ghost-wrote over 40 children’s books.
Shackelford has lived in Westport since 2016. His 4 children have gone through, or are still in, the district’s schools.
Inspired to serve in local government during the mold closure of CMS, he served 2 terms on the RTM.
A lawyer at Susman Godfrey, Shackelford was co-lead counsel for Dominion Voting System’s defamation case related to the 2020 presidential election. His team’s work led to Fox News’ historic $787.5 million settlement with Dominion.
He pledged to “make good use of legal advice when needed, without effectively delegating major decisions to outside lawyers.”
“Our kids get only one shot at their education,” the running mates say. They believe the Board of Ed can do more in terms of charting broad strategy, exercising rigorous oversight over the administration, ensuring transparency and accountability, and providing guidance to minimize conflict.
“Recent events also underscore a critical need to safeguard all Westport Public School employees,” they say.
“We believe immediate, decisive acction is necessary to implement clear policies and procedures that protect our students and staff. The current Board’s inaction on these serious, yet solvable, issues is unacceptable.”
(Click here for information on the Democratic Town Committee. Click here for information on the Republican Town Committee. For information on the primary campaign, email harris.shackelford@gmail.com)
In November Westporters will elect 3 selectpersons, plus members of the Board of Education, Board of Finance, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Assessment Appeals.
The Westport Democratic Town Committee invites registered Democrats interested in running to attend a Zoom forum on February 6 (7 p.m.). It’s a chance for potential candidates to hear what it’s like to serve on a local board, and learn the fundamentals of campaigning. The Zoom link can be found .
Speaking of local politics: There are 2 agenda items for the Planning & Zoning Commission’s February 3 meeting (6 p.m., remote).
One is a request for a sewer line extension to Ellery Lane.
The other — more controversial, no doubt — is a request from Public Works and the first selectwoman for a new Parks & Recreation Department building at Longshore.
Full details will be available closer to the meeting.
The current maintenance shed at Longshore.
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Yesterday’s “06880” highlighted the release of the draft of a Westport Safety Action Plan, prepared by consultants as part of our town’s Safe Streets for All program.
Residents can weigh in on the plan by submitting a comment to SS4A@westportct.govonline, and/or attending public meeting scheduled for next Wednesday (January 29, 7 p.m., Town Hall audigorium).
To read the Draft Westport Safety Action Plan, click here. For the Safe Streets for All website, click here.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between January 15 and 22.
A 26-year-od Bridgeport man was charged with identity theft, illegal possessio nof personal ID information, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, followin an investigation into an armed carjacking in Bridgeport in September. In October, a stolen vehicle was recovered after crashing into a Wilton police officer. While processing the recovered stolen vehicle, several checks belonging to residents of Westport and other towns were seized. The man is being held on $75,000 bond.
A 51-year-old Weston woman was charged with interering with an officer/ resisting, and making a false statement, after an incident in august. A complaint was made that the woman — a former girlfirend — broke into the victim’s residence and created a disturbance. The woman made accusations against the complainant that could not be corroborated, and filed for a restraining order using facts that were proved to be false. She was released after posting $30,000 bond, and will appear in Stamford Superior Court.
A 36-year-old woman was charged with breach of peace and assault on an elderly victim, following a disturbance at Sakura. The woman asked a group of allegedly intoxicated diners to stop cursing and being disruptive. When the group left the restaurant, the woman followed them outside. They argued, and the woman grabbed the 62-year-old complainant’s hair, causing her to fall. The woman posted bond of $5,000, and will appear in Stamford Superior court.
A 20-year-old Wilton man was charged with breach of peace, criminal mischief and 2 counts of reckless endangerment, after someone sitting in their car in the McDonald’s parking lot complained they were shot by a paintball. A complaint was made almost immediately, by someone further east on the Post Road that he was shot several times while entering his car. Similar incidents were reported in Fairfield and Darien. Through surveillance footage, the mn and a juvenile were identified as suspects. He posted $70,000 bond, and will appear in Stamford Superior Court.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding over 70 mph: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
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Chris Grimm says that for about 2 weeks, this motor home has been parked in the Stop & Shop parking lot:
(Photo/Chris Grimm)
Has someone (or several people) taken up residence there?
Hey — at least they’re parked as far from the store as they can. They take up as few spaces as possible.
Betty Ann Jones — a 62-year resident of Westport — died at home, surrounded by her family, on Januaary 18. She was 97.
Betty Ann was a world traveler, avid reader and accomplished golfer. At Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Chhurch, she was a member of the altar guild and served on the vestry.
She was predeceased by her husband Howard, and sons David and Evan. She is survived by her children Howard (Barbara Smythe Jones) and daughter Barbara Jones; 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
The family expresses deep gratitude to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, for the exceptional care they provided the last 6 months.
A memorial service is set for February 15 (Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 10 a.m.).
And finally … in honor of the opening of Just Salad (story above):
(From politics to restaurants, Longshore to Stop & Shop — and for every other bit of news — “06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Yesterday — in the aftermath of the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania — the Democratic Town Committee said:
Dear Westport Community,
The Westport Democratic Town Committee denounces the violence perpetrated against former President Donald Trump, and all other acts of political violence.
We live in unusually divisive times, where conduct has devolved both nationally and locally. This is unacceptable. The Democratic Town Committee is committed to civility, community, and above all – safety.
Sincerely,
Michelle Mechanic, Chair
Nicole Klein, Vice Chair
Robin Weinberg, Secretary
Alan Shinbaum, Treasurer
This was posted on a Westport Republicans social media account:
There’s no place for political violence in our republic.
Civility & respect.
God bless Donald Trump, America and those harmed by these actions.
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Tickets for this year’s “Booked for the Evening” — featuring tennis legend and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King, set for September 12 — go on sale today (Monday, July 15) at 10 a.m.
Click here to purchase, for this sure-to-sell-out-quickly fundraiser. Click here for a seat map of the event.
The library notes: “All tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and we cannot guarantee access to tickets.” A livestream/watch-from-home ticket option is also available.
NOTE: If you don’t see tickets available on the website at 10 a.m., refresh your browser. The ticket link might be added to the page after you logged on.
King will come to the Library fresh off the 2024 US Open, whose grounds were named in her honor in 2006.
Onstage, she’ll chat with Chris McKendry, a Westport resident and host of ESPN’s tennis coverage.
Billie Jean King
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Decades ago, Functional Clothing sold used blue jeans in a basement-level Main Street store, near the current Gap.
Soon, a new used clothing store will open downtown this fall.
2nd Street takes over at 17 Main Street. Most recently, it was the site of Loft.
The chain’s originated in Japan in 1996. There are now more than 700 locations there.
The first 2nd Street in the US was in Los Angeles, in 2018. there are now about 3 dozen in the this country. The Westport and New Haven sites will be the first 2 in Connecticut.
The website boasts of “a huge selection of styles from street wear to vintage to Japanese designer and luxury accessories.” It also cites the company’s sustainability and waste-reduction efforts”
As part of our Hand2Hand project, we make sure to reuse all the clothing that arrives in our stores. Any items that we cannot sell are donated to a partner company that will recycle the clothing to clean up oil spills in factories, while other items are resold to create job opportunities and provide clothing to those in need.
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In other business news, Stop & Shop is closing 5 underperforming stores in Connecticut — and 27 others throughout the Northeast — by November.
The Westport location will remain open.
The 5 Nutmeg State stores to be shuttered are in Ansonia, Danbury, Milford, Stamford (West Main Street) and Torrington.
Nancy Anderson adds: “My father, Dr Arnold Pearlstone, moved to Westport in 1963 where he lived until his passing in 2020.
“In 1963 he and his partner Leonard Flom (they were both well known ophthalmologists) purchased adjacent plots of land on a road without a name. It is off North Ave extension, and was named “Arlen Road” after both of them.”
Dr. Leonard Flom
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Cali Carleton is a Westport mom of 5. A year ago, she launched Domino & Juliette.
They create high quality, safe, affordable and “educationally accurate” toys for children. Favorite items include alphabet and numbers puzzles. Made from food grade silicone, they are dishwasher safe (and great for crafts and messy play).
The toys are hailed by by parents of neuro-divergent children and therapists, because they are soft, flexible and chewable.
D&J also sells placemats for children of all ages to practice counting, spelling, sorting, geography and science.
With every order placed, the company donates a 24-pack of Crayolas to children in need, in places like Bridgeport.
Last month, Domino & Juliette entered retail space for the first time. They joined Honeypie, the children’s boutique on Riverside Avenue also run by a Westport mom.
Feeling safe, she hatched 5 tiny chicks. “It’s been amazing to watch,” he says of the process that led to today’s very cool “Westport … Naturally” photo.
And finally … on this date in 2006, Twitter was launched. The world has never been the same.
(From local roads and stores to national politics, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to help us keep those connections strong. Thank you!)
Local Republicans took a shellacking Tuesday, up and down the ballot. The result — which included a massive defeat of their 2-person Board of Education slate by a write-in candidate — surprised even longtime Westport political watchers.
Rick Himes — a Westporter for over 20 years, and parent of 2 Staples High School students — took a deep dive into the numbers, and posted his analysis on social media yesterday. It’s worth a look here. Rick says:
I’m no political expert, but here’s what I see in the results. (Spoiler alert: It was a massive rebuke to the local Republican Town Committee.)
But I’m not here to gloat. Please read on.
Turnout appeared to be about 7,400 voters.
Democrats outpolled Republicans 2 to 1 across the field. In the Board of Education race, Republicans were outpolled 3 to 1. A BOE write-in candidate outpolled both Republican candidates by more than 2 to 1.
This “landslide” held even in races where there were more seats open than Democrats running — for example, the Planning & Zoning Commission, where Paul Lebowitz received 5,907 votes, while no Republican received even half of that total.
Someone can check my math, but I think that means Lebowitz received one vote from 80% of voters. The closest Republican (Michael Calise) pulled a vote from only 43% of voters.
For the Zoning Board of Appeals, the numbers were nearly identical, 80% voted for the only Democrat, but only 43% for each of the Republicans in a race that allowed voters to vote for all the candidates.
The ZBA race allowed voters to choose 3 candidates – and there were 3 candidates. That means in a race for a town board where, let’s face it, most of us don’t really know the candidates or the major debate topics, Westport voters withheld their votes for any Republican.
Other numbers are similar. Joseph Sledge, running unopposed for Board of Assessment Appeals, only received a vote from 50% of voters. That means half of the off-cycle voters would rather vote for nobody than vote for any Republican, even an incumbent in a down ticket race.
I can’t say for sure whether the Board of Ed race was the root cause, but the results for write-in candidate Jill Dillon sure make it look that way. She received more votes than either Republican candidate did in 2021.
And in 2021, Republicans Robert Harrington and Dorie Hordon each received nearly twice as many votes as either Camilo Riano or Jamie Fitzgerald did in this cycle. (Turnout was larger in 2021, as best I can figure, but those are still large numbers.)
The Republican Town Committee has the right to nominate candidates. But that comes with the responsibility to field candidates who are not so divisive, out of step with the town, or manifestly unqualified that they, for example, help elect unvetted write-in candidates in numbers that a major party nominee would drool for.
Or cause down-ticket effects like unopposed, non-divisive candidates receiving less than 50% of the vote.
As for sitting elected Republicans: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker beat Jonathan Steinberg in 2021 by fewer than 100 votes. Anybody want to handicap that race if it were held Tuesday?
We live in a 2- party system. We need the push/pull of different viewpoints for the system to work. Compromise between those viewpoints is how all of our views are represented, and it is critical for a functioning government at any level — but particularly at the local level where pure partisanship, tribalism and the resultant gridlock has almost immediate effects on our daily lives. Nobody runs the table in a functioning 2-party system.
So what happens next? I suppose it depends on what the RTC was actually thinking when they nominated their BoE candidates.
If they are true believers in the culture war, it may be curtains for Westport Republicans up and down the ticket. If voters are willing to withhold votes for unopposed candidates on non-partisan boards, based purely on their party affiliation, we are likely to see more centrist write-in options — who will be more successful — up and down the ticket.
If the RTC doubles down, there will be a multiple-cycle shadow effect, and I think people will start sussing out the partisan leanings of even the non-partisan RTM candidates.
If the RTC was just floating Mr. Riano as some kind of favor or test balloon, they may pull back. But they’ve done a huge amount of damage that voters won’t soon forget. At least they may have a path out of the crater.
Either way, their next cocktail party should be interesting…
(If you appreciate our “06880” coverage of local issues — politics, education, zoning, you name it — please consider a tax-deductible contribute. Just click here. Thank you!)
With all 9 RTM districts reporting — but absentee ballots still not counted — it appeared that Democratic candidates won their races, by wide margins.
It is unlikely that absentee ballots will change any race.
But the biggest headline belongs to Jill Dillon, a write-in candidate for the Board of Education. Though her 4,939 votes trailed the Democratic incumbents, chair Lee Goldstein (5,707) and Neil Phillips (5,684), she swamped Republicans Jamie Fitzgerald (1,961) and Camilo Riano (1,830).
Dillon — an unaffiliated voter — ran to the left of the hard-right Republicans. By Town Charter, one political party can have no more than 4 seats on the 7-seat Board of Ed.
Goldstein and Phillips return to the BOE, joining Democrats Kevin Christie and Christina Torres, who were not up for re-election.
Dillon joins them, along with Republicans Robert Harrington, Liz Heyer and Dorie Hordon, all of whom are also in the middle of their 4-year terms.
Harrington took the unusual step of speaking out against Fitzgerald and Riano.
Meanwhile, Board of Ed vice chair Heyer was one of 4 members — out of 5 candidates — elected to the Board of Finance.
Danielle Dobin — current Planning & Zoning Commission chair — led all Finance candidates, with 5,456 votes. Fellow Democrat Jeffrey Hammer, an incumbent, was second, with 5,363.
Republicans Heyer (2,991) and Rich Hightower (2,854) also won Board of Finance seats. Republican Perry Winter — a current member — was not re-elected.
The Finance Board remains in Democratic hands.
So does the Planning & Zoning Commission. Paul Lebowitz — the only Democrat on the ballot — led all candidates with 5,283 votes.
Also elected were Republican newcomer (though a longtime Westporter) Michael Calise (2,916), and current members Amie Tesler (2,760) and Patrizia Zucaro (2,693).
Alternate John Bolton (2,490) and Coalition for Westport candidate Joseph Strickland (1,422) were not elected.
A vacancy will occur when Dobin leaves the P&Z, to take her Board of Finance seat.
There were 2 contests in which every candidate won.
Republican incumbent Joseph Sledge (3,173) was re-elected to the Board of Assessment Appeals.
All 3 incumbents were re-elected to the Zoning Board of Appeals: Democrat James Ezzes (5,346), and Republicans Liz Wong (3,262) and Michelle Hopson (3,119).
Representative Town Meeting results will be announced later.
Dr. Nikki Gorman (right) and Danielle Dobin, hard at work. Gorman and Galia Gichon are the crosswalk’s sponsors.
A hardy crew of 11 — including Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore; crosswalk sponsor Dr. Nikki Gorman; Public Works Department director Pete Ratkiewich; RTM members Harris Falk and Sal Liccione; Planning & Zoning commission chair Danielle Dobin; Westport Pride founder Brian McGunagle, and members Nicole Klein, Bethany Eppner and Geoff Gaspar — gathered at the Jesup Road/Taylor Place intersection at 5 a.m. today, to install the crosswalk.
Putting down the crosswalk, as the sun rose.
The selectwomen unanimously approved the installation, for the month of June. If it holds up under traffic, it will become permanent.
On June 9, the Market’s partnership with Grow-a-Row Westport begins again. The organization helps market goers fight food insecurity in the area, by donating wholesome, home grown produce.
Home gardeners drop off their fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at the Grow-a-Row Westport collection cooler, by the WFM information booth. Volunteers from Food Rescue US – Fairfield County bring the fresh produce to Fairfield County agencies serving food-insecure residents.
Last year, donated produce was shared among Westport Housing Authority’s 221 households, including seniors and children. It’s considered a luxury by many recipients.
The Westport Farmers’ Market takes place at the Imperial Avenue parking lot every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through November.
Westporter Cornelia Olsen donated a huge rutabaga last year.
The Democratic Town Committee’s slate of suggested candidates for November’s local elections has many familiar names.
But one of those names is in an unfamiliar slot.
The Nominations Committee has recommended these candidates to run for re-election: Lee Goldstein and Neil Phlllips (Board of Education); Paul Lebowitz (Planning & Zoning Commission); Jim Ezzes (Zoning Board of Appeals), and Nancy Dupier (Board of Finance).
The one surprise: Danielle Dobin, Planning & Zoning chair, was recommended to run for the Board of Finance.
Dobin — who has served on the P&Z since 2017 — is in the middle of her 2nd 4-year term. An attorney, she has a background in land use, real estate, acquisitions and business development.
The DTC will vote formally on the recommendations on July 18.
Last weekend, 150 artists from around the country came to town, for the 50th annual Fine Arts Festival.
Soon, hundreds of local students will display their own works. They’re the Fine Arts Festival artists of the future.
The Westport Public Schools’ visual arts exhibition — SPARK — is on view June 8-11 at MoCA Westport. Works of students from pre-K through 12th grade will be on display.
New at SPARK this year is a special exhibit by Westport professional artist Mark Yurkiw: “Help Build the Bridge: Westport-France-Ukraine.” Constructed by Yurkiw, and adorned with art from students, the goal is to extend messages of good will to children in Westport’s sister cities.
A reception is set for June 11 (2 to 4 p.m.).
Artwork by Staples High School student Sophia Kuhner.
Sherwood Island State Park celebrates Trails Day this weekend with 4 great (and free) events.
Kayak paddle (Saturday, June 3; 9:30 a.m.; arrive by 9:15, east end of East Beach parking lot). Bring your own kayak, canoe or other paddlecraft, plus a pump/bailer; life vest and whistle or horn are required. Bring waterproof binoculars for spotting birds, and/or a waterproof camera. It’s a long carry over the beach, so bring a kayak cart with wide wheels for sand if you have one.
Butterfly walk (Saturday, June 3; 2 p.m., Nature Center). Michele Sorensen leads an exploration of the gardens and natural areas of caterpillars, skippers, moths and butterflies. Bring binoculars, and a camera. Children are welcome (ages 4 and up).
Nature walk (Saturday, June 3; 2 p.m., Nature Center). Walk the beach; discover habitats, inhabitants and special features like the 9/11 Memorial, model airport, wetlands and pine forest).
Horseshoe crab walk (Sunday, June 4; 11 a.m., Nature Center). Be prepared to wade in shallow water. Learn about crabs’ distinctive biology, life cycle, medical uses and conservation needs.
Archaeology walk (Sunday, June 4; 1 p.m., Nature Center). Archaeologists Dawn Brown and Ernie Wiegand will highlight points of interest, terrain, and examine traces of past inhabitants of Sherwood Island, from 1000 BC to the 1940s, including Native American, early settlers and onion farmers. Artifacts, maps, old photos and recent recoveries will be used.
Among Westport’s many hidden gems, Blau House & Gardens may be the most unknown of all.
Located at the end of Bayberry Ridge — a narrow, rutted road off Bayberry — the house was designed by theatrical stage set designer Ralph Alswang. It’s set between towering great oaks.
The grand gardens — by advertising executive Barry Blau — were created in response to the house. They incorporate native plants interspersed with a blend of exotics. They must be seen to be believed.
On June 11, you’ll get your chance.
“The Last Lallapaloosa” includes a host of activities.
Tour of Blau Gardens: 10 a.m.; $20 per person (maximum 36 people)
Book reading and signing of “Pinkalicious: Fairy House” by author/ illustrator Victoria Kann: 11 a.m.; $15 per child (maximum 25 children). Each child received 2 Pinkalicious books; other activities include coloring, plant a bean to take home and watch grow; find the fairy houses in the garden.
Gentle yoga with Millie: 1 p.m.; $20 per person (maximum 20 people)
Book reading and signing of “The Frog Who Wanted to See the Sea” by author/illustrator Guy Billout: 2:30 p.m.; $20 per child (maximum 20 children). Also: find a frog along the stream; plant a bean to take home and watch grow.
Tour of Blau Gardens: 4:30 p.m.; $20 per person (maximum 36 people)
Garden reception: 6 to 8 p.m.; $75 per person (maximum 50 people). Help create a Blau House & Garden future.
Click here to register (deadline: June 5), and for information on payment and shuttle transportation from Coleytown Elementary School.
A small part of Blau Gardens.
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Did you hear the one about the dozen comedians who are taking the stage to raise money for writers?
Not the striking TV writers in LA. This event — “Lit & Wit” — is for the Westport Writers’ Workshop outreach program. It provides free writing instruction to underserved populations and communities.
The event is June 7 (7 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club; $50 per ticket).
Click here for tickets. And enjoy Jerry Kuyper’s very witty lit-minded logo below.
Longtime Westporter Marty Resnick casts off this week, on a month-long sailing voyage to Portsmouth, England. His crew mates are Roger Townsend and Gareth Thomas.
Fair winds!
Marty Resnick (left) and crew. (Photo and hat tip/Tom Roth)
Ken Bernhard spent 8 years representing Westport in Connecticut’s General Assembly. He rose to assistant minority leader.
Now Bernhard — who was was also 3rd selectman from 1987 to ’89, then served on the Zoning Board of Appeals — wants to return to Hartford.
He’s running for Will Haskell’s 26th District State Senate seat. The legislator is heading to law school, not running for a 3rd term.
And Bernhard — who spent his entire political life as a Republican — is doing it as a Democrat.
Ken Bernhard (Photo/Dave Matlow)
The longtime Westporter and civic volunteer — he’s been a board member of the Westport Library, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Human Services Council, Earthplace, Westport Historical Society, Levitt Pavilion, Aspetuck Land Trust, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, and Connecticut League of Conservation Voters — told “06880”:
I was disappointed to learn that Will Haskell is planning to vacate his senate seat, but I admire him for his decision to attend law school and to focus on his future.
Having received the news about Will’s decision, I felt a sense of responsibility to ensure that the 26th District will continue to be well represented, and that it will remain a part of the Democratic Party caucus. I would consider it a privilege to represent our community in Hartford once again, this time as a Democratic state senator.
As an experienced legislator, I understand the political process and how it works in Hartford. If elected, I would be ready to represent the district effectively on day one. Additionally, I am available to devote my full time and attention to this important work.
When I served as Westport’s State Representative in the role of assistant minority leader, I was recognized as a moderate-to-liberal legislator who advocated for a woman’s right to choose, promoted the protection of the environment, voted for sensible gun control legislation, and supported voting rights. My record in public and private life embodies those values and I am eager to take on a more active role in advancing them in Hartford and around the nation.
Our republic is under assault. Every day we see this happening in Washington, DC and throughout the United States. We cannot allow it to happen here in Connecticut.
There is much work to be done at the state capitol to address the ongoing threat and ravages of climate change, to ensure that the state’s fiscal house is in order, to improve our transportation infrastructure, to guard against racial injustice, and to enhance community “safety nets.” I want to make certain that the interests of our Fairfield County communities are not overlooked in Hartford.
I believe my record will attract the support of moderate and conservative-leaning Democrats, like-minded Republicans and unaffiliated voters, all of whom want and deserve a state senator who will exercise good judgment, common sense and work hard to get things done. That’s why I am announcing my candidacy for State Senator from the 26th District.
I look forward to meeting with the voters and to have a dialogue about Connecticut’s future. In a couple of weeks, I will be registering my campaign with the State and will shortly create a web page where we can engage. Thank you in advance.
In addition to his Westport activities, Bernhard helped found the Syria Fund, which provides support and education to refugees in Jordan. He’s deeply involved with the Tree of Life Orphanage in Haiti, which educates and feeds over 200 children, while creating jobs for adults.
He organizes shoe collection drives for Soles4Souls, shipping thousands of shoes to children around the world. He and his wife Alice have also raised 7 guide dogs.
Other potential candidates in the 26th district — which has been newly redrawn, eliminating Bethel but adding a bit of Stamford — are considering runs too.
Through Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs, Ken Bernhard — who once taught law in Ukraine — has been involved in efforts to reform legal education there. In 2018, he posed (left) with law students and a professor, and the Connecticut state flag.
The candidates for November’s local elections are set.
Meeting electronically last night, both parties endorsed slates with great enthusiasm, and little debate.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg and Board of Education chair Candice Savin were nominated for 1st and 2nd Selectman, respectively. Steinberg was endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee’s Nominating Committee, which interviewed 5 potential candidates. His vote was 57 for, 2 against and 1 abstention.
The Democrats also nominated incumbents Danielle Dobin, Michael Cammeyer and Neil Cohn for the Planning & Zoning Commission; Kevin Christie and Christina Torres for the Board of Education; incumbents Lee Caney and Brian Stern for the Board of Finance; Josh Newman and Amy Wistreich for the Zoning Board of Appeal, and Ifeseyi Gayle and incumber Lynette Pineda for the Board of Assessment Appeals.
In an acknowledgment of recent controversy, several DTC members — including Steinberg, nominating chair Andrew Nevas and Rob Simmelkjaer — spoke of the need for unity and cohesion.
Steinberg accepted the nomination promising a return to Westport values, closing with a commitment to “Westport, better than ever.”
Jen Tooker — current 2nd selectwoman — leads the Republican ticket, for 1st selectman. Her running mate is Board of Finance vice chair Andrea Moore.
The GOP also nominated Robert Harrington, Dorie Hordon and incumbent vice chair Karen Kleine for the Board of Education; Michael Keller for the Board of Finance; former Planning & Zoning Commission member Jack Whittle for that office, and incumbent Joe Sledge for the Board of Assessment Appeals.
“We are absolutely delighted with our strong slate of candidates,” said RTC nominating committee chair Jim Foster.
“I am convinced Westport’s future will remain bright. Our candidates understand the challenges and opportunities facing Westport, and they are the best prepared, most qualified public servants to lead us forward.”
I posted the wrong version of this story earlier today — and omitted photos. The correct date of the march is next Sunday — March 26. Here is the version with photos. My apologies!
It seems like decades. But it’s only been a few weeks since the beginning of the Trump administration.
That’s when Darcy Hicks was getting tired of her worldly concerns being confined to Facebook feeds.
She knew a few others. Soon, 10 friends assembled in her Westport home, to write postcards to politicans.
That grew to a group of 40 Westporters. All said the same thing: How can we be more active?
A couple of days later, “06880”‘s Friday Flashback highlighted Kathie Motes Bennewitz’s story about the Equal Franchise League. Way back in 1913, women demanded suffrage — and marched — right here in Westport.
As Darcy’s postcard group grew into (yes) a Facebook page — DefenDemocracy of CT — a few members reacted with nostalgia. As they met in kitchens, they shared stories of their own pasts as activists, and the role of Westport and Connecticut in activism.
Lauren Soloff, Lisa Bowman and Darcy Hicks, all actively engaged.
Lauren Soloff Malowitz — Darcy’s neighbor when she moved back here 23 years ago — had marched for women’s right to choose. Lisa Bowman — who drove to Pennsylvania with Darcy 8 years ago, to knock on doors during Barack Obama’s first presidential run — had grown up marching with her parents, against nuclear weapons.
Nita Prasad had been very active as a Berkeley student. She helped shut down the San Francisco Bay Bridge after the Rodney King verdict, and raised funds for Oxfam.
Darcy Hicks (front right) demanded that Smith College divest from South Africa — and made the cover of this Newsweek campus publication.
As a student herself, Darcy helped take over the Smith College administration building, until trustees divested from the apartheid regime in South Africa.
The women are still active, in a variety of ways.
Nita — a professor of world history at Quinnipiac University — helps mobilize students and faculty in support of the national popular vote project.
After a long career in broadcasting, Lisa has been a fundraiser for the Democratic State Central Committee and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
Lauren, a lawyer, fundraises for Homes With Hope. Darcy teaches children in Bridgeport and New Haven in Visual Literacy, an arts and language skills program she developed at Yale.
Darcy’s group wondered what their own kids — and others — who are so addicted to social media were learning about activism and social engagement. They decided that if a group of Westport women could march in 1913 — despite what must have been formidable obstacles — then they could do the same.
So on Sunday, March 26, a “CT on the Move March to Defend Democracy — One Small State, One Big Voice” march is set for downtown Westport. It begins at noon at Jesup Green, and ends at Veterans Green. Senator Chris Murphy is the keynote speaker.
“The idea is to celebrate Westport’s history of fighting for change,” Darcy says.
“Westport has often lived up to Connecticut’s ‘Constitution State’ nickname. From our revolutionary history to the examples we set advocating for abolition, women’s rights, civil rights and more, we are a community that does not stay quiet when we want change.”
This is more than a political rally, Darcy explains. “Really, it’s a reminder to all of us that we are part of a very special community — one that is fortunate, but that cares for those who aren’t. That is patriotism.”
Since first publicizing the march, Darcy’s group has joined with many others, new and established: Indivisible, Love in Action, 203 Action, Pantsuit Nation CT, the Westport Democratic Town Committee, and Staples High School’s Young Democrats and Social Activism clubs.
Darcy and her band of once-and-future activists are excited to be back in action.
They’re even more excited that younger folks — like Staples senior Lulu Stracher — are joining them.
“This is one generation showing a younger one that real change needs to happen outside of social media,” Darcy says.
“Engagement lives on. We look forward to passing the torch!”
(For more information, click here or email darcyhicksdtt@gmail.com)
Lauren Soloff at a Planned Parenthood rally, back in the day. She’s third from the left (not counting President Reagan), standing next to Vice President Bush.
Posted onMarch 19, 2017|Comments Off on [UPDATE — CORRECT VERSION] Westport Women On The Move
I posted the wrong version of this story earlier today — and omitted photos. The correct date of the march is next Sunday — March 26. Here is the version with photos. My apologies!
It seems like decades. But it’s only been a few weeks since the beginning of the Trump administration.
That’s when Darcy Hicks was getting tired of her worldly concerns being confined to Facebook feeds.
She knew a few others. Soon, 10 friends assembled in her Westport home, to write postcards to politicans.
That grew to a group of 40 Westporters. All said the same thing: How can we be more active?
A couple of days later, “06880”‘s Friday Flashback highlighted Kathie Motes Bennewitz’s story about the Equal Franchise League. Way back in 1913, women demanded suffrage — and marched — right here in Westport.
As Darcy’s postcard group grew into (yes) a Facebook page — DefenDemocracy of CT — a few members reacted with nostalgia. As they met in kitchens, they shared stories of their own pasts as activists, and the role of Westport and Connecticut in activism.
Lauren Soloff, Lisa Bowman and Darcy Hicks, all actively engaged.
Lauren Soloff Malowitz — Darcy’s neighbor when she moved back here 23 years ago — had marched for women’s right to choose. Lisa Bowman — who drove to Pennsylvania with Darcy 8 years ago, to knock on doors during Barack Obama’s first presidential run — had grown up marching with her parents, against nuclear weapons.
Nita Prasad had been very active as a Berkeley student. She helped shut down the San Francisco Bay Bridge after the Rodney King verdict, and raised funds for Oxfam.
Darcy Hicks (front right) demanded that Smith College divest from South Africa — and made the cover of this Newsweek campus publication.
As a student herself, Darcy helped take over the Smith College administration building, until trustees divested from the apartheid regime in South Africa.
The women are still active, in a variety of ways.
Nita — a professor of world history at Quinnipiac University — helps mobilize students and faculty in support of the national popular vote project.
After a long career in broadcasting, Lisa has been a fundraiser for the Democratic State Central Committee and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
Lauren, a lawyer, fundraises for Homes With Hope. Darcy teaches children in Bridgeport and New Haven in Visual Literacy, an arts and language skills program she developed at Yale.
Darcy’s group wondered what their own kids — and others — who are so addicted to social media were learning about activism and social engagement. They decided that if a group of Westport women could march in 1913 — despite what must have been formidable obstacles — then they could do the same.
So on Sunday, March 26, a “CT on the Move March to Defend Democracy — One Small State, One Big Voice” march is set for downtown Westport. It begins at noon at Jesup Green, and ends at Veterans Green. Senator Chris Murphy is the keynote speaker.
“The idea is to celebrate Westport’s history of fighting for change,” Darcy says.
“Westport has often lived up to Connecticut’s ‘Constitution State’ nickname. From our revolutionary history to the examples we set advocating for abolition, women’s rights, civil rights and more, we are a community that does not stay quiet when we want change.”
This is more than a political rally, Darcy explains. “Really, it’s a reminder to all of us that we are part of a very special community — one that is fortunate, but that cares for those who aren’t. That is patriotism.”
Since first publicizing the march, Darcy’s group has joined with many others, new and established: Indivisible, Love in Action, 203 Action, Pantsuit Nation CT, the Westport Democratic Town Committee, and Staples High School’s Young Democrats and Social Activism clubs.
Darcy and her band of once-and-future activists are excited to be back in action.
They’re even more excited that younger folks — like Staples senior Lulu Stracher — are joining them.
“This is one generation showing a younger one that real change needs to happen outside of social media,” Darcy says.
“Engagement lives on. We look forward to passing the torch!”
(For more information, click here or email darcyhicksdtt@gmail.com)
Lauren Soloff at a Planned Parenthood rally, back in the day. She’s third from the left (not counting President Reagan), standing next to Vice President Bush.
Comments Off on [UPDATE — CORRECT VERSION] Westport Women On The Move
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