MEET THE WINNERS 2015 WESTPORT BOARD OF FINANCE, BOARD OF EDUCATION AND PLANNING AND ZONING ELECTEES
IN QUOTES
BOARD OF FINANCE
BOARD OF FINANCE:
SHERI GORDON, JOHN HARTWELL, MICHAEL REA, CLARISSA MOORE
Sheri Gordon on how she wants to improve Westport: "I think Westport is a fantastic place with extraordinary schools and an incredible learning environment for our children, beautiful beaches, an outstanding golf course, skating rink and tennis courts at Longshore, and an unmatched outdoor entertainment pavilion. I think we need to continue to keep our schools ranked among the best while also creating a strong community environment that provides resources for all Westporters, young and old."
John Hartwell's favorite part of the campaign: "My favorite part of the campaign is the time actually talking to voters one-on-one—at the train station, outside the library, at the dump or on election day. You learn so much just listening to their stories and hearing what's important the them. Any improvements we want to do, like adding bathrooms to South Beach at Compo, comes directly from voters (as it should)."
Board of Finance winners (from left) Michael Rea, John Hartwell, Clarissa Moore and Sheri Gordon.
Clarissa Moore on how she wants to improve Westport: "As a former PTA President and parent with a daughter at BMS I understand the importance of supporting our school system. We have a sophisticated and demanding population. We must keep schools top rated and maintain our other amenities while spending wisely to keep the mill rate low."
BOARD OF EDUCATION
BOARD OF EDUCATION:
MICHAEL GORDON, MARK MATHIAS, PAUL BLOCK
Michael Gordon on his goals for his time in office: "Our primary goal as a board is to find a new superintendent to build on our district's successes and to take our schools to new heights."
Mark Mathias on how he wants to improve Westport: "...there are many ways in which education is changing and innovation is being fostered to support 21st century learning and needed skills. I look forward to working with our educators, parents, students and funding bodies to continue to provide world class education to our students."
Board of Education winners (from left) Paul Block, Michael Gordon and Mark Mathias.
Paul Block on his goals for his time in office: "I would like to see us put our academic agenda and our 21st century skills far beyond what is mandated by the state."
PLANNING AND ZONING
PLANNING AND ZONING
CHIP STEPHENS, CATHY WALSH, JACK WHITTLE, PAUL LEBOWITZ
Chip Stephens on the importance of this election and the committee: “I’m really proud…. even though we covered a bunch of topics… everything from open space to affordable housing, senior housing, all kinds of things, but we’ve got to continue to work on all these things; there’s needs in town and a lot of it goes right through us [the planning and zoning committee].”
Cathy Walsh's favorite part of the campaign: "I met with a lot of small groups of people of all age groups, which was just very interesting. Everybody has a different take on everything. When you're in this position, you assume everybody knows what you know all the time, and it's never that way. Everybody has a different set of interests and a different understanding of the issues."
Planning and Zoning Winners (from left) Cathy Walsh, Paul Lebowitz, Chip Stephens and Jack Whittle.
Jack Whittle on his goals for his time in office: "...ensure that, as we move forward with development in Town, we do so while preserving the town's charm and character with the best interests of the residents of Westport in mind."
Paul Lebowitz's favorite part of the campaign: "Without a doubt it was meeting the residents of Westport. Whether it was the early morning commuters at the train station, or the seniors at the Senior Center, or the many small groups of people who shared a cup of coffee and their opinions during the last three months."
OTHER IMAGES FROM WESTPORT'S ELECTION DAY
As the sun set on the campaign signs lining the parking lot at Coleytown Middle School, candidates began gathering to await the results. (Photo by Cooper Boardman '17)
Pollworkers await the final wave of voters as the clock strikes 6 p.m. at Coleytown Middle School. (Photo by Cooper Boardman '17)
Candidates Mark Mathias, Iain Bruce and Chip Stephens rose early to encourage voters to turn out at Saugatuck Elementary School. (Photo contributed by Westport Now)
Inklings News | Photos by Cooper Boardman '17, Nicolette Weinbaum '12 of Inklings News | Photos contributed by Westport Now, Westport News | Web design/interviews conducted by Cooper Boardman '17 and Brendan Massoud '17.