First Selectwoman Speaks on Death of Westporter Julie Belaga, “a pioneer and trailblazer”
First Selectwoman Jen TookerIt was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Westporter Julie Belaga.
Julie was a pioneer and trailblazer in so many arenas, most notably in politics. As a public servant, and among her many accomplishments, Julie served on the Town of Westport Planning and Zoning Commission and on the Representative Town Meeting. She then moved into state politics when she was elected as a State House Representative in Hartford. She was the first woman nominated by the CT Republican party to run for Governor. Afterwards, she was named New England regional director of the Environmental Protection Agency in 1989 by George H.W. Bush and then to the board of Export-Import Bank of the U.S. by Bill Clinton.
Julie had a long, varied and impressive career, always remaining active in environmental causes and encouraging women to get involved in politics. Included in her resume of activities, Julie was an active participant in the Connecticut Fund for the Environment/Save the Sound, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and the Audubon Society. She was known to be fair-minded and calm, but bold and pointed in her convictions.
Although I did not know Julie personally, it speaks volumes that she was highly respected and loved by those she encountered throughout her life. Her patriotism, civic-minded community involvement and volunteer efforts for a number of worthy causes are her legacies.
On behalf of the Town of Westport, I send my sincerest condolences to Julie’s son and daughters and their families as well as to her many friends and colleagues in the community. May she Rest in Peace.
Governor Announces Executive Branch Employees Vaccinated or Testing - Except for 73 on Unpaid Leave
Governor Ned Lamont’s Office
Governor Ned Lamont today released updated data regarding compliance with his order requiring executive branch state employees to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive weekly testing for the virus.
Overall compliance remains high with 95% of executive branch state employees either fully vaccinated or current in their weekly testing. The overall vaccination rate among the executive branch is 84%, which is an increase from the most recent update on October 22 when it was 80.8%. A total of 11% have been receiving weekly testing.
Among the 5% of executive branch employees who are not in compliance:
31 have been separated from state employment;
35 have been placed on unpaid leave;
42 are in process of being put on unpaid leave due to refusal to comply; and
the remaining employees among the 5% not in compliance are late submitting their weekly test results but are working to comply with the requirements.
The judicial and legislative branches have each implemented vaccination and testing requirements among their employees, similar to the one implemented in the executive branch. Each branch of state government has been monitoring compliance and collecting data for those employees within their respective branches.
Morning Weather Report: Winter’s Cold Arrives
Today
Showers likely, mainly before 9am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Northwest wind 6 to 13 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Saugatuck Sun
Sun hits the treeline as seen from the Saugatuck Rowing & Fitness Club this afternoon.