First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker is seeking Westport registered voters to serve on the following advisory bodies: Arts Advisory Committee, Maintenance Study Committee, International Hospitality Committee, TEAM Westport and Wakeman Town Farm Committee. The Town is making an effort to invite members of different political parties, interests and backgrounds to volunteer for these committees. Brief descriptions of these committees are below:

• Arts Advisory Committee: advises on the preservation of Westport’s legacy as an arts community, provides oversight of the Town Art Collection (WestPAC) and initiates ways to increase the visibility of the arts in our community. This committee's recommendations shall not be binding but shall be of an advisory nature only.

• Maintenance Study Committee: The Committee has completed studies of all major town buildings, and also reviewed buildings either recently purchased by the Town, or under consideration for purchase and/or demolition. The studies have involved site inspections, review meetings, and reports to the First Selectwoman. 

• International Hospitality Committee: advises the appropriate town officials as to activities in Westport related to the United Nations and international visitors. This committee's recommendations shall not be binding but shall be of an advisory nature only.

• TEAM Westport: advises the appropriate Town officials as to specific actions that may be taken to achieve and celebrate a more welcoming, multicultural Westport community. This Committee's recommendations shall not be binding but shall be of an advisory nature only.

• Wakeman Town Farm Committee: to see that the Farm serves the Westport community as an educational demonstration center for sustainable living.

Registered voters seeking an appointment are requested to submit a form and include a brief explanation, biography or resume indicating their areas of interest and relevant experience. Please submit to the Selectwoman’s Office (selectwoman@westportct.gov or 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880) on or before April 15, 2022: https://www.westportct.gov/home/showdocument?id=56855&t=637831267719526519

With few exceptions, non-elected members of Town boards, commissions and committees are appointed by the First Selectwoman. Ms. Tooker stated, “Westport’s electorate is dynamic and diverse - this community could not run successfully without the many citizens who willingly and enthusiastically give of their time to benefit us all.”

She continued, “Among the many appointed boards, commissions and committees, there are a number of vacancies that may filled by the members of our community who are seeking an opportunity to volunteer, gain knowledge of their municipal government, and provide service to the Town. Some boards have minimal commitments, others are more hands-on and skill-driven, but all play an important role in keeping our community strong and vibrant.”

A list of all Town Boards, Commissions and Committee is found here:

https://www.westportct.gov/government/appointed-boards-a-z

A comprehensive list of vacancies on other boards, commissions and committees seeking volunteer membership will be forthcoming.