Letter: “We believe this moment in time is not ‘politics as usual.’”
To the Editor:
We are inspired by Westport women who came before us – Republicans and Democrats alike – who rallied and door-knocked and wrote letters and took personal risks for over seven decades in pursuit of the right to vote.
Today, more than 100 years after the 19th amendment was added to our constitution, women are still not equal under the law. This is both unethical and un-American. Overturning Roe v Wade was, quite simply, a violation of our dignity and human rights.
Join us in mobilizing the power of the collective to promote women’s issues in 2022. Issues that are personal,familial and community focused. Issues that include privacy and individual freedoms and the education, safety and well-being of our children. Issues that impact the identity and vitality of our town.
When we cast our ballots in November, we must vote for policies, candidates and parties that validate our equal status, shared values and the survival of our democracy. Throughout history and in societies across the globe, women have united against marginalization. Demanding that our elected officials stand up for the rights of more than half the population is fundamental to our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
Committed to moving forward in our homes, our schools and workplaces, our village, our state and our country, we respectfully ask you,friends and neighbors from diverse political ideologies,to:
Recognize your power.
Accept your responsibility.
Vote in the best interests of yourself and your sisters, daughters, mothers, girlfriends and granddaughters.
As Westport suffragists Lillian Wald, Amelia Shaw MacDonald Cutler, Sara Buek Crawford, Anna Holden Mazzanovich, Laura Gardin Fraser, Rose O’Neill and others bravely did over 100 years ago, stand up for the women and girls you know and don’t yet know, in Westport and in destinations far from here. Our causes are also theirs.
Women of Westport unite. And V O T E.
Signed, Jessica Hill Jen Greely Kate McGarvey Trudie Gubitz Andrea Berkley Ebru Halper Nancy Axthelm Gery Grove Lindsay Weiner Miriamne DeMarrais Lisa Hofmeister Julia Marx Rebecca Martin Jen Gorin Michelle Mechanic Lauren MacNeill Liz Leggett Courtney McCrea Haley Lieberman Erin Loranger Danielle Teplica Denise Michalowski Kara Sullivan Gail Berritt Joelle Berger Vicki Volper Jill Saluck Abby Tolan Megan Rutstein Robin Weinberg Melissa Kane Anne Burmeister Amiee Altschul Sally Potter Annie Zimmerli-Haskell Amy Benjamin Linda Gordon Jill Nadel Sarah Benjamin Alexandra Benjamin Jordana Latzman Laila Latzman Liz Milwe Sarah Kelly Darcy Hicks Melissa Post Candace Banks Lorraine Pallumbo Lauren Kreizer Lisa Newman Danielle Dobin Laura Franklin Lauren Karpf Kris Jandora Netta Levy Donna Bacro Wendy G Batteau Sara Kempner Pegeen Rubinstein Hannah Spencer Ali Stanley Leslie Blank Haley Schulman Karen Salsgiver Coveney Shayna Green Marjorie Jacobson Stacie Curran Sivan Hong Karen Driscoll Miryha Fantegrossi Kate Tarrant Cynthia Cornell. Julie Cochran Linda Costello Anne Bowens Eliza Bowens Natasha Johnston Bonita Messman Rama Iyer Galia Gichon Mariana Servin Carrie Blasberg Jaimie Dockray Jenny Perlman Sara Jordan Sydney Hunter Esme Hunter Kate Kornfeld Jenny Lukens Jane Lukens Ifeseyi Gayle Marjorie Almansi Maureen Tarrant Elizabeth Kessler Stacie Waldman Kelli O’Hara Naughton Jen Meerow Berniker Sarah Green Caroline Motyl Tomira Wilcox Cathy Kim Walker Linda Mandel Weatherly Hammond Courtney McMahon Diana Mashia Ana Johnson Aline Kultgen Ronnie Aaron Hammer Ashley Moran Deborah Alexander Maria Freeman Melissa Levy Sara Holt Reiss-Schmidt Jas Silver Stephanie Tang Patra Kanchanagom Ellie Magnuson Kit Tingley Emily Croce Bihl Shannon Vindiola Inés Riera Brooke Davies Christina Trudeau Alison Luisi Deirdre Doran Julie Keil Riordan Michaela Rome Amy Herrera Eileen Winnick Jeanne B Klinge Jennifer DeLeonardo Seena Cushman Amanda Holt Corey Phyllis Freeman Carol Anne Ances Nancy Anderson Marcia Falk Helene Jacobs Dana Aussenberg Susan Eastman Dina Upton Hannah DeQuadros Lisa Eisen Sheri Gordon Lauren Gladstein Elizabeth Malaspina Coe Tracy Brenner Tyndale Brickey Bloom Michelle Backus Mia Anderson Allison O’Dell Sarah Caro Elizabeth Woodson Katie Apton Libby Spader Alex Cirasuolo Pam Barkentin Elise Zimmerman Jodi Christensen-Hardin Carolanne Curry Melinda Greenlee Lindsey Allen Emma Allen Georgia Allen Margo Amgott Lindsay Blass Vicki Lopez Marley Lopez-Paul Leslie Gransberry Kathryn Sonne Elizabeth Sonne Joan Polayes Dalma Heyn Josephine Deignan Lindsay Shurman Lauri Weiser Cathy Brodows Kate Frascella Diane McCoy Celeste Lacroix Joan Gillman Allyson Stollenwerck Jill Totenberg Jenae Weinbrenner Jessica Newshel Bobbi Essagof Elizabeth Canner Susan Hendee Patricia Gabal Betsy Sunderji Marjorie Donalds Jodi Ross Aviva Ross Georgette Geller Julia Petro Valerie Greenberg Michelle D’Auria Kiana Danial Diana Shayon Nathalie Jacob Barbra Utting Angela Benzan Linda Pryde Helene Jacobs Prill Boyle
To add your name to this letter, email Jessica Hill at jmbhill24@gmail.com
We invite Westport women and high school girls (able / soon able to vote) to add their names. The letter will be published locally in advance of the November election.
State Senate, Representative Seat Debate to be Held on October 18th
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and the Westport Library are pleased to once again bring a vibrant and informative debate to the community this election season. This year three races will be covered in this interactive and moderated candidate forum, that of State Senate and two State Representatives districts.
The event will be held live in the Library and on Vimeo on Tuesday October 18th at noon.
The debate will feature; Toni Boucher and Ceci Maher vying for the State Senate in district 26, Jonathan Steinberg and Alma Sarelli for Representative of the 136th district, and Nicole Hampton and Dominique Johnson for the 143rd Representative district.
“We have been doing these types of debates for years with the Library,” said Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the Chamber. “This one will cover a lot of ground, giving the candidates room to explain their positions and what they stand for.”
“This is all part of our mission to bring information to the community in this case through a debate,” said Bill Harmer, Executive Director of the Library. “It’s also another collaboration with the Chamber who we enjoy being partners with on so many things.”
The debate will be moderated by Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the Chamber.
For further information and streaming go to www.westportwestonchamber.com/debate2022
Letter: “they should vote for Ceci Maher.” says Naughton
To The Editor,
I’ve been working for the past five years to pass a Medical Aid in Dying law in Connecticut. I’ve testified multiple times before the Public Health Committee of our State Legislature, given interviews on the subject to newspapers, TV, and talk radio programs, and now I’m writing in support of Ceci Maher’s candidacy for State Senator from the 26th district.
Maher is an ardent supporter of medical aid-in-dying, and her opponent, Toni Boucher, is not.
I spoke with Toni Boucher a few days ago and asked her where she stood on the issue. She repeated to me the words I’ve heard all too frequently from legislators who want to defeat this reasonable measure. She used the code words expressing concern for “people with disabilities and old people” who might be pressured into seeking “assisted suicide,” pejoratives far too often used by opponents.
Let’s get it straight: In the 25 years since Oregon first passed this law, and now with 10 more states and D.C. on board, there just hasn’t been such a problem reported. And, it would be a felony. In the past three years, the CT Medical Society (Physicians) have gone from “against, to neutral.” The CT Nurses Association moved from “opposed to favorable.”
And recent Connecticut polling is clear: 75% of CT residents want this legislation passed.
If your readers want it passed, they should write to their State Legislators, and if they are residents of the 26th District, they should vote for Ceci Maher.
James Naughton
Weston
Republican, Democratic Town Primaries Tuesday, August 9th
The Town Clerk and Registrars of Voters announce the following regarding the Republican Primary and Democratic Primary scheduled for Tuesday, August 9, 2022.
When: Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Hours and Locations: As with any election, voting is between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. All polling locations are the exact same for every Westport voter as they would be for a general election. To find your polling location follow the link: https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/town-clerk-s-office/find-my-state-and-local-representatives.
Absentee ballot applications are already available through the Town Clerk’s office as they would be for any general election. The drop box is NOW available at the rear of Town Hall for receiving applications and absentee ballots. For more information on absentee ballots: https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/town-clerk-s-office/elections-voter-registration.
Only Enrolled Party Members May Vote in a Primary: Connecticut has a closed primary system. Only enrolled Democrats may vote in the Democratic Primary, and only enrolled Republicans may vote in the Republican Primary. The deadline for changing from one party to another to vote in the primary has already passed. However, an unaffiliated voter may select a party up to noon the day before the primary, changing to one of the major parties. If you are unsure of your party status, you can look up your voter registration at https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx.
Registration Cut-off: Applications to register by mail must be postmarked by the 5th day before a primary OR a person can apply online or in-person until noon on August 8.
Note: There is no election day registration for primaries. Accordingly, all electors must be properly registered before the day of the primaries.
Governor: Secretary of State Resigning “a tremendous loss for the people of Connecticut.”
Office of Governor Ned Lamont: Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement regarding the announcement made today by Secretary of the State Denise Merrill that she intends to resign from her elected office effective at noon on Thursday, June 30, 2022:
“Denise Merrill is a dear friend to me, and her exit from public service is a tremendous loss for the people of Connecticut. Denise has had a long history of serving the public good in Connecticut and has become one of the most respected secretaries of state in the country. I am proud to have partnered with her on our collected efforts to increase access to voter registration, increase access to casting a ballot, increase election transparency, and streamline the way businesses interact with our state government. It can’t go without noting that our most recent statewide election resulted in the highest number of registered voters casting ballots in our state’s history, which is a credit to Denise’s efforts to encourage voter participation. Denise has delivered results, and our state is stronger because of her efforts. My prayers are with her and her family, and I thank her for everything she has given to Connecticut.”
As required by state statute, when the legislature is not in session the responsibility to fill a vacancy for a constitutional officer falls to the governor. That appointee serves the remainder of the constitutional officer’s term. Governor Lamont will announce an appointment soon.
Save Westport Now Endorses Cammeyer, Dobin, Cohn Planning and Zoning Ticket
From Save Westport Now
Save Westport Now, a non-partisan political party devoted to preserving and enhancing Westport’s residential neighborhoods, historic resources, open spaces, and quality of life, announced its nomination of three candidates for Westport's November Planning and Zoning Commission election. P&Z incumbents Michael Cammeyer, Danielle Dobin, and Neil Cohn will all appear on line E, the Save Westport Now ballot line.
"Michael, Danielle, and Neil will continue to bring the fresh vision, ideas, and tone to P&Z that have been hallmarks of their leadership since they first joined the commission," says Ian Warburg, SWN Co-Chair. "As an organization with forty-plus years of service to the community, we welcome voters who care about appropriate development, prioritize environmental conservation, and wish to preserve what makes Westport such a desirable place to live."
“We're thrilled to receive the endorsement of SWN,” says P&Z Commission Chair Danielle Dobin. “My running mates and I share SWN's values – we balance our promotion of smart, sustainable growth, the creation of new sidewalks/bike lanes and regulation changes to prepare for climate change with a strong, intentional commitment to preserve Westport’s New England charm, our quality of life, open spaces and coastal resources."
The three SWN nominees bring to the ticket significant experience on the P&Z commission and a vision for a sustainable future that combines innovative new ideas with commitments to both environmental protection and preserving the town’s unique historic and scenic resources that comes with having lived in Westport for many years. Danielle serves as the current P & Z Chair, Michael serves as the Secretary, and Neil chairs the Economic Development Subcommittee. During their tenure, they’ve been responsible for initiatives such as: resisting state efforts to densely develop downtown and Saugatuck by broadly upzoning every town in Connecticut; pushing for stronger drainage requirements in response to increased storm activity; founding the P&Z’s Affordable Housing Subcommittee; passing a Text Amendment to allow for the development of affordable housing for Westporters with special needs; passing a Text Amendment to allow for much-needed bus shelters; and the thoughtful expansion of outdoor dining. As a team, they bring unrivaled wisdom and experience to the P&Z, plus a love for Westport and a desire to usher us into a more sustainable future.
Save Westport Now’s mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Westport’s residential neighborhoods, historic resources, open spaces, and quality of life; to prevent over-building and over-commercialization via sensible planning and zoning enforcement; and to promote smart growth that preserves Westport’s small-town, New England charm. We accomplish our mission by supporting Westport residents, neighborhood groups, builders, and P&Z candidates who share these values.
CANDIDATE BIOS
Michael Cammeyer
Michael serves as the elected Secretary of the P&Z. Michael is a champion for the environment, open space and improved recreational spaces. He is spearheading stronger drainage regulations to ensure resilience to climate change as storms become more frequent. Michael holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and an MBA in Corporate Finance from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. He spent eleven years on Wall Street working for a large family office, and in 2010 joined his family’s Mergers and Acquisitions Healthcare business. Michael has lived in the area since 2011 with his wife Ali and their two sons.
Danielle Dobin is the elected Chair of the P&Z. Danielle founded the P&Z's Affordable Housing Subcommittee and co-created the P&Z Council of Chairs of Fairfield County, which successfully pushed back on state efforts to broadly upzone every town in CT. She is focused on ensuring that Westport proactively addresses state mandates to create affordable housing so that Westport residents, not private developers, choose where multifamily units are built, what they look like while ensuring quality for the families who will live there. Other interests on the committee include updating Westport's regulations to ensure sustainable economic development downtown, embracing climate change resilience and updating drainage regulations to protect neighbors. She earned her MS in Real Estate Finance from NYU, her JD from Georgetown Law and her BA in Political Communication from the George Washington University. Danielle is an active community volunteer who lives with her husband, their two teen boys and their beloved dog in the Compo/Longshore area.
Neil Cohn has spent the past three decades driving positive impact and sustainability through financial markets and investments, and he is passionate about public service. Neil co-founded Natsource Asset Management, the first private sector fund focused on carbon removal and renewable energy. Currently, Neil is building out Chia Network: an eco-friendly blockchain aimed to deliver the best intentions of cryptocurrency — sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity. Neil was an environmental advisor to Obama’s first Presidential Transition Team and has served locally on the Westport P & Z since January 2018. P&Z achievements include an active role on the Affordable Housing Subcommittee that was able to secure an 8-30G moratorium and establishing the P&Z’s Economic Growth Subcommittee, where Neil serves as the Chair. This new committee worked collaboratively to shepherd the successful adoption of a text amendment that enables public bus shelters – a basic need that had been stalled for decades. Neil has enjoyed living in Westport since 2012 with his wife and three kids in middle school.
Chamber of Commerce Announces Selectmen Candidate Debate
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and the Westport Library are pleased to once again bring a vibrant and informative debate to the community this election season. There will be a new First Selectman in Westport and this interactive and moderated forum will help residents decide who should lead the town next.
“We have been doing these types of debates for years with the Library,” said Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the Chamber. “But I think this one might be one of the most eagerly anticipated and meaningful.”
“This is all part of our mission to bring information to the community in this case through a debate,” said Bill Harmer, Executive Director of the Library. “It’s also another collaboration with the Chamber who we enjoy being partners with on so many things.”
The debate will be held live in the Library on Tuesday October 12th at noon. A limited number of tickets will be available, free, to those who would like to watch in person, in a socially distant manner. Tickets will be available starting on Wednesday at 10am. (note: all attendees must remain masked as per Town mandate)
The debate will also be televised live on Town Ch 79 and may also be watched via stream on vimeo. The debate will also be recorded and archived for later viewing. Both First and Second Selectman candidates from all parties; Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore, Jonathan Steinberg and Candi Savin, TJ Elgin and Louis D’Onofrio, will be attending and have agreed to the format and covid protocols put in place for health and safety.
The debate will be moderated by Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the Chamber.
For further information on tickets and streaming go to www.westportwestonchamber.com/debate2021
Matthew Mandell matthew@westportwestonchamber.com 203-227-9234
Community Protests Texas Abortion Ban
Community members met on the historic Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge today in protest of the recent ban on abortions in Texas. Dozens of neighbors showed up to the protest in support of one another and the women affected in the South. Organized by local leaders and residents, the protest began at 10:00 AM and joined the many protests before it that have all been held on the historic spot in Downtown.
All photos by Jerri Graham Photography. Click to enlarge photos.
Steinberg, Savin: “We believe that Westport should join our neighboring communities in mandating masks indoors.”
Steinberg/Savin Selectmen Campaign Release“We believe that Westport should join our neighboring communities in mandating masks indoors. Fairfield County is currently classified as having "substantial transmission" of COVID by the CDC. While our town has made great progress in getting vaccinated, we must look out for our young children, seniors and immunocompromised residents who are still at great risk. The time is now to make the right decision for the safety of those who live and work in our community."
Westport Republican Town Committee Endorses Jen Tooker for Selectman Seat; Other Endorsements Announced
Back (L-R): Jack Whittle, Andrea Moore, Joe Sledge, Dorie Hordon; Front (L-R): Robert Harrington, Jen Tooker, Michael Keller, Karen Kleine. Contributed photo. Westport RTC Press ReleaseThe members of the Westport Republican Town Committee met last night to officially endorse Republican candidates for this November’s municipal elections. Among those receiving the unanimous endorsement of the Westport Republican Party are: Current Westport Second Selectwoman Jen Tooker for First Selectman; Westport Board of Finance Vice Chairwoman Andrea Moore for Second Selectman; Robert Harrington, Dorie Hordon and current Board of Education Vice Chair Karen Kleine for Board of Education, Michael Keller for Board of Finance; former Westport Planning and Zoning Commission member Jack Whittle for Planning and Zoning Commission; and Current Board of Assessment Appeals member Joe Sledge for re-election to the Board of Assessment Appeals.
“We are absolutely delighted with our strong slate of candidates led by our current Second Selectwoman, Jen Tooker,” noted RTC Nominating Committee Chair Jim Foster. “With principled, experienced leaders like Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore on the Board of Selectmen; Karen Kleine’s, Robert Harrington’s and Dorie Hordon’s passionate advocacy for our school community on the Board of Education, the excellent addition of Michael Keller to the Board of Finance, Jack Whittle’s unparalleled expertise on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Joe Sledge’s knowledge and thoughtfulness on the Zoning Board of Appeals, 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.”
Click Here to Expand Information About the Candidates:
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
JEN TOOKER – Candidate for First Selectman
Jennifer Tooker is the current Second Selectwoman of Westport, a position she has held since her election in 2017. She has previously served as a member of the Westport Board of Finance, the Westport Board of Education, and the Westport Conservation Commission. As Second Selectwoman, Jennifer has worked on several key initiatives. She launched Westport Together, an alliance between the Town, Westport Public Schools and local non-profits to promote the positive development of our youth. Jennifer also created and hosts Westport Means Business - a series of events that brings together local business owners and entrepreneurs to establish connections, exchange ideas and promote Westport as the best town in which to start and grow a successful business. Most recently, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, First Selectman Jim Marpe appointed Jennifer as Chair of the ReOpen Westport Advisory Team in May 2020. This team is tasked with helping Westport businesses open and operate safely during the global pandemic. Prior to her public service, Jennifer had a 22-year career as an executive with Gen Re, during which time she held various leadership and management positions in the U.S. and European reinsurance markets. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame. She is married to Mo Tooker and they have three children; Jack, Riley and Nicole.
ANDREA MOORE – Candidate for Second Selectman
Andrea Moore is the current Vice Chairwoman of the Westport Board of Finance. She was elected to the Board in 2017 and was selected by her fellow Board members as Vice Chair in 2019. She also serves on the Board of Finance’s Audit subcommittee. Prior to this, Andrea was an elected member of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM), representing District 9 and served on several key committees, including the Education, Public Protection, and the Library and Museum Committees. Andrea has had a 15+ year career in the financial services industry, holding positions in institutional equity sales, equity research and investment banking with some of the world’s leading firms, including UBS, BT Deutsche Bank and Salomon Brothers. She is also an active volunteer in the community and has served on the boards of several local non-profit organizations, including Staples Tuition Grants, the Saugatuck Elementary PTA, the Westport Weston Family YMCA, and the National Charity League, Westport Chapter. Andrea is a life long Westporter and a Staples High School graduate. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is married to Dave Moore and has three daughters; Tessa, Janna and Ella.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
KAREN KLEINE
Karen Kleine grew up in CT and has lived in Westport for over 20 years. Her three children all attended Westport Public Schools. Karen has served on the Westport Board of Education for eight years and is currently Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Policy Committee, a member of the Finance and Facilities Committee and holds regional BOE positions with CABE (the CT BOE) and Cooperative Educational Services, where we send some of our students who cannot learn in a traditional learning environment. In addition to the BOE, Karen is President of the Westport Women's Club and serves on the Board of the Friends of the Senior Center. Past Board positions include TEAM Westport and ABC.
ROBERT HARRINGTON
Robert Harrington has lived in Westport for more than 10 years. He is married to Claire Harrington and has four children including a Staples High School graduate and three daughters currently attending Staples. Robert has worked in finance for over 20 years in London, Geneva and New York, focusing on technology. He has been an active member of the Westport community and a vocal campaigner for protecting the Westport Public Schools budget, fully restoring Coleytown Middle School during the mold crisis, and advocating for COVID-19 vaccinations for Westport’s teachers. Born in the U.K., Robert recently became a U.S. citizen.
DORIE HORDON
Dorie Hordon has served on the Westport PTA for many years and just completed her tenure as PTA Council Co-President. She was previously President of the Bedford Middle School PTA and a member of the Executive Board at Greens Farms Elementary. She has a professional background as an educator, having taught in the lower school of the Spence School in New York for six years. She currently works as a local coordinator for Cultural Care, where she helps place and manage au pairs from foreign countries with area families. She is also an active volunteer as a member of Temple Israel. Prior to entering education, Dorie held various roles over the course of several years at JPMorgan Chase. Dorie has a Master’s in Education from Bank Street College and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the College of Wooster. She has lived in Westport for 14 years with her husband Rob and their three sons. Theo and Nate are both students at Staples, and Josh attends Greens Farms Elementary.
BOARD OF FINANCE
MICHAEL KELLER
Mike Keller is a partner with the Boston based law firm of Morrison Mahoney LLP and leads their Bridgeport office with a focus on civil litigation defense. Mike attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for his undergraduate degree in political science before continuing directly to law school on a full academic scholarship at Widener University School of Law in Delaware. After law school, he and his now wife, Courtney, lived in Philadelphia and then Boston, but traveled to Westport often to visit family and fell in love with the town. In 2015, they moved to Westport to start a family of their own. Their oldest son is a rising third grader at Coleytown Elementary School, and his younger brother is starting kindergarten at CES in the fall.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JACK WHITTLE
Jack Whittle grew up in Westport attending Westport schools, and after graduating Staples High School in 1981, he went on college at the University of Colorado (BA in Political Science, 1985) and then law school at Syracuse University (JD, 1988). He began his career in law as a litigator at the Wilson Elser law firm in New York City and continued to practice in that area at Mudge Rose before shifting focus to M&A and regulatory work in the insurance area at the New York City offices of LeBoeuf Lamb. Since 2009, Jack has worked at Odyssey Re in Stamford, CT where he is Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel. Jack and his wife Corrine have raised their family in Westport, with the last of their children graduating from Staples in 2021. Jack previously served on the Planning & Zoning Commission for five years, being elected in 2011 along with Chip Stephens, Cathy Walsh and Al Gratrix and then reelected in 2015.
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
JOE SLEDGE
Joseph Sledge is currently the Chair of the Westport Republican Town Committee, a position he has held since 2019. Joe currently serves our community as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals; has served on the Westport Historic District Commission; and as a Director of the Westport Transit District. Joe worked in investment management business for 42 years and retired as a partner of an investment advisor and principal investor of a national real estate investment management firm. He and his spouse, Darcy, have resided in Westport for over 30 years and have two children, Kyle and Christopher, both of whom attended Westport Public Schools. Joe has served as a director of The Community Preservation Corporation, The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., The Urban Land Institute, and the Mortgage Bankers Association of America. Joe received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy and MBA from the University of Houston.