Political mailbag

Support for O'Day

We support Don O'Day's reelection to the Board of Education this year and urge you to do the same.

O'Day's four years on the board have been marked by notable student achievement and performance in the classroom, and by careful spending/allocation of our tax dollars. Westport students ranked first statewide, for example, in reading, math and writing in the latest round of SAT scores -- an accomplishment for which our students and the entire school system should be most proud. More Westport students than ever are taking Advanced Placement courses and exams. CAPT and CMT scores are excellent and improving. Connecticut Magazine rated Staples High School as the best in the state, an honor richly deserved.

In special education, to which Don is particularly committed, there have been notable improvements over the last four years as well. Parent surveys are now a part of every PPT and staff levels have increased district wide.

Beyond playing an influential role on the board in helping to ensure these classroom successes, O'Day has brought financial discipline to bear on operational and budgetary matters by virtue of his strong professional background in finance. As many of you know, the board recently passed a budget with the lowest year-over-year increase in more than a decade, an accomplishment for which O'Day was appropriately singled out as "an exceptional leader" by the Westport News.

Furthermore, as all who attend or observe a board meeting can attest, O'Day conducts himself and the meetings in a respectful manner; all voices are heard and duly considered. O'Day has the intelligence and judgment to navigate effectively through complexity, and does so with a steadying yet forceful hand.

It is indeed both refreshing and reassuring to have O'Day "at the helm" during these challenging and frequently vitriolic times. His track record, personal integrity and continued commitment to our kids warrant returning him to the board.

Dan Corde and Jim MacDonald

Westport

Time has come for Zappi

The time has come for fiscal discipline in Westport. A vote for Bob Zappi will accomplish just that.

Zappi will provide much needed business expertise and will be instrumental in:

"� Consolidating wasteful duplication of town and school functions.

"� Reducing health care costs and pension liabilities.

"� Identifying cost savings by prioritizing and comparing spending/cost for services with neighboring towns.

"� Providing experienced fiscal leadership under the new chairman of the Board of Finance, Charlie Haberstroh.

Zappi's business knowledge and financial expertise will translate into financial savings and efficiencies for Westport, and therefore to all taxpayers.

Chris Greer

Westport

Anderson/LaFleur:

Leading Westport forward

Gavin Anderson has the vision and expertise to lead Westport forward with fiscal responsibility, superior schools, environmental respect and protection from high density development. I encourage you to vote for him for first selectman.

Great leaders care about the future well-being of all citizens not just re-election. I was impressed when I read Anderson's "Westport Perspective" which lays out a vision of what Westport can be in five to 20 years. Before you vote, I challenge you to read it at www.andersonlafleur.com. Then ask yourself if the current first selectman has publicly described his vision of a future Westport or even written one down. All I can assume is he spends a lot of time on his Westport Now photo-ops.

Anderson has detail knowledge of the issues facing our town gained from his many years of community service on the RTM, Board of Finance, Town Maintenance Committee, Mill Pond Assn. and other civic organizations. He has Fortune 100 management experience and a professional financial background to adeptly address the impending costs of inaction and to achieve a better Westport for all.

Anderson's running mate, Kristin LaFleur, has in-depth knowledge of Westport schools as a Board of Education member as well as having a child in the system. Imagine a Selectmen team that "talks" to the Superintendent and BOE about "getting it right" on both the school and town sides!

Since when is "good enough" acceptable to Westporters? Do you want a leader who does a "good" job or one that does an "outstanding" job? Do you want schools that are merely "good" or schools that are among the "Best in America"?

Vote for fiscal responsibility. Vote for superior schools. Vote for a clean environment. Vote to protect our town from over development. Vote for Anderson and LaFleur.

Steven Violette

Westport

It's time for a Board of Finance change

I have been pushing for combination of similar units in the town and schools since my initial election to the Board of Finance six years ago, the last three years as the BOF chairman of the Government Efficiency Subcommittee.

During that period I have heard every excuse in the book why we cannot combine units. During the last two fiscal years when the economy was contracting, the First Selectman and the majority on the Board chose to arbitrarily cut budgets while maintaining duplicate functions.

The Democrats have been in control of all town boards including the selectmen, finance and education for the last 12 years and could have acted to combine units if they had the political will.

It is time for a change.

My strong recommendation is for voters to re-elect Avi Kaner and elect Bob Zappi to the Board of Finance. With the majority on the board, I am confident that there will be tangible progress on consolidating similar units.

I also endorse Gavin Anderson and Kristin LaFleur to the Board of Selectmen. A business-minded Executive office and Board of Finance will certainly position Westport for the daunting financial challenges ahead.

Charlie Haberstroh,

Board of Finance,

Westport

Leadership and balance

Ron Corwin, as chairman of the P&Z, has ensured an environment where all voices and opinions are heard, all issues are weighed with thoroughness, fairness, and open-mindedness and decisions are made that show the balance needed to serve Westport's families, neighborhoods and businesses. Ron has done the hard work, and possesses the integrity and patience required for the position as chairman. I appreciate the demands of this role.

Howard Lathrop brings 40 years of experience as an architect to the commission. He also served as vice chairman of the Bedford Middle School Building Committee and as chairman of the Saugatuck Elementary School Building Committee.

Both Corwin and Lathrop, rather than steadfastly clinging to the philosophy "just because that's the way it was, that's the way it should be," have demonstrated toughness, and vision in developing their positions which interpret zoning regulations and that evaluate proposed modifications to the zoning regulations.

Nora Jinishian has demonstrated energetic commitment and enlightened involvement in meeting community needs through her years of service and leadership with Westport's schools and PTAs.

The credentials and actions of all three candidates have been and will remain focused on best serving Westport while our town continues to evolve.

I ask you to vote for all three, Corwin, Lathrop, and Jinishian, to protect the Westport P&Z Commission's ability to maintain balance and openness, and to continue the enlightened leadership embodied in Ron Corwin.

Steven Halstead

Former Chairman, Board of Education,

Westport

We don't need fear tactics

Westporters are smart. They see it coming: Scare tactics, little regard for facts. "The P&Z is going to turn Westport into Stamford; we need to build 1,000 apartments to get a moratorium on affordable housing, property owners will lose their rights "�" The sky is falling.

Affordable housing is complicated. The facts are: Connecticut requires each community have 10 percent of its housing affordable. For Westport, affordable means rented or sold to households with yearly family income less than $68,560 (seniors, teachers, firefighters, police, Westport employees) Below 10 percent, developers can build affordable housing and trump local regulations -- height, setbacks and, importantly, location. Westport has received four of these applications.

Ask residents of the historic Gorham Avenue neighborhood -- a project caused them to settle for five new houses adjacent to back yards of existing homes; ask neighbors in Easton -- 74 housing units proposed in a residential neighborhood ended with Easton buying the land. There go your taxes. It can happen again.

How to disarm developers? Get 201 points from the state and receive a four-year moratorium. At a modest pace, and in appropriate locations, the current Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission has made progress. If all approved affordable units are built we will have 126 points. Add some mixed market rate/affordable housing next to and above commercial buildings and affordable units on town property -- we'll be close to or at moratorium levels. That's protecting neighborhoods.

P&Z denying property rights? Residents have the right to speak to changes and appeal P&Z decisions through courts or in some cases, the RTM. No P&Z action can take that right away.

We don't need fear tactics; we need measured, calm action that lets Westport address State regulations and keep Westport's character. On P&Z, Ron Corwin, Nora Jinishian and Howard Lathrop will do that.

Ellie Lowenstein,

Vice Chairman,

Westport Planning and Zoning Commission,

Westport

Selectmen delivered on promises

Many people who move to Westport move here for the first-rate schools. Sure, there is also the beach, parks, Levitt Pavillion and a vibrant arts community, but for most, it is the schools. Our first and second selectmen, Gordon Joseloff and Shelly Kassen, understand how import public education is in Westport.

Selectmen Joseloff and Kassen have spent the past four years delivering on their campaign promises made in 2005. They promised us sound fiscal management, improved safety and security, and more efficient and accessible government. Not only did they deliver on those promises through low taxes, advanced planning for potential emergencies and an ambitious technology initiative, but they also spent considerable time and effort supporting our schools.

Although the Board of Education and its employees have the primary leadership role for our town's schools, the first and second selectmen play an important supporting role. By keeping the town's administrative expenditures low, they ensured that a larger percent of our taxes can be spent on education. Additionally, First Selectman Joseloff showed extraordinary leadership on health and safety issues at Kings Highway Elementary School.

For those of us who have been lucky enough to attend Westport's public schools, we know the true value in a Westport public education. It has opened doors for me to pursue my interests in college and beyond. With First Selectman Joseloff and Second Selectman Kassen at Westport's helm, the opportunity for a first-rate public education in Westport will surely be available for years to come.

Galen O'Brien Blumenthal,

Student Assembly President 2007-2008,

Westport

Who is Soli?

Who is Desiree Soli? Her candidacy is partly sponsored by Save Westport Now (SWN), whose ads describe her as "grassroots" and "non-partisan". But is Soli just shilling for SWN? Her literature doesn't identify her as a Republican, although she's the Republican Town Committee leader for District 5. What's really interesting is Soli's Facebook page (as of Oct. 19): she's a fan of Rush Limbaugh and her favorite book is Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. Her friends are Michael Steele, Republican National Committee chairman, Jeb Bush, and G. Gordon Liddy, Nixon's head "plumber" for the Watergate break-in. So not only does Soli appear to be very Republican, but she's a "dittohead" (Rush Limbaugh's favorite term for his listeners) and a devotee of the "selfishness is good" philosophy. "Non-partisan" -- doesn't seem like it.

What about SWN? Since she's the only candidate they've endorsed, you would expect she agrees with their positions. If so, then why did she agree with the P&Z's recent decision to approve limited lighting on some school athletic fields? I ask because in the same edition of the paper where Soli said that, there was a letter from Valerie Jacobs (on SWN's nominating committee) endorsing Soli. In her endorsement, Jacobs denounced the P&Z's approval of the same lights Soli says she likes.

So who is Soli? Someone who's a follower of Rand and Rush? Someone who's misrepresenting herself, and maybe her real agenda? Is she really "transparently" looking out for the interests of Westport residents as she claims, or once elected will she revert to the no regulation, developer-friendly policies of the Republican party? Who knows? What I do know is that you should please vote for all three of the open, experienced, rational, balanced slate of P&Z commissioners: Ron Corwin, Nora Jinishian and Howard Lathrop.

Joe Scordato

Westport

Save Westport Now taps Soli for P&Z

If you want Westport's New England town character preserved, then you should vote for Desiree Soli. She is a vibrant and dedicated individual ready to take on this burden.

Her opponents, two incumbents and a new partner, are running on a ticket of "the right balance for Westport." The problem is, that's hard to achieve when a thumb is being placed on the scale in the name of "progress." This term, which seems out of touch with the mainstream, was proudly embraced by this team of three when defining their platform during the debate.

Is Westport so behind the times that such a proactive approach is really needed? Progress, in the blink of an eye, can become greater development, increased density, a strained infrastructure and in the end higher taxes.

What Westport needs is a change in P&Z, to have members who will look to temper new development and most assuredly protect residents from encroachment. Save Westport Now has identified that change in the candidacy of Desiree Soli.

This independent party, with their own line on the ballot, endorsed the two incumbents four years ago, as did I, but this time it's sadly not the case. Simply put the expectations of a P&Z more interested in preservation than growth were not met. Soli has committed to protecting the single family residential character of Westport and won't let us down.

So if you are a Democrat, a Republican or an unaffiliated voter you have the opportunity to be truly independent and cast your ballot for Desiree Soli on Line "C" Save Westport Now.

Matthew Mandell

Westport

Joseloff's false sense

of financial security

While the current first selectman pretends that all is well with our town's finances, Gavin Anderson and Kristin LaFleur know better. While Westporters may have been lulled into a "false sense of security" with this year's 0 percent tax increase, our financial outlook is daunting.

If we continue to employ short-term fixes, financial gimmicks, and ill-conceived cost saving plans like the disastrous early-retirement program, Westport's finances will rapidly deteriorate and we will face significant increases in property taxes, dramatic reductions in town services, or both.

The Anderson/LaFleur team will put Westport back on a strong financial footing, with proper planning, better controls, and increased accountability. They will seek out honest cost efficiencies, spend smarter, and bring much-needed discipline to the budget process. They will encourage greater collaboration between the town and the schools in the budgeting process. With declining residential and commercial property values, dwindling reserves, and unfunded employee benefit mandates, Westport's finances are in need of an experienced team of financial managers to deal effectively with the near-term and long-term challenges we face.

Join me in supporting Anderson and LaFleur for Westport Board of Selectman and bring much needed responsible and professional financial management to Town Hall.

Peter Thorner

Westport

Anderson's campaign green -- Joseloff's not

Gavin Anderson has always been an environmentalist. He belongs to countless environmental organizations working to keep our watershed and Sound clean. He has been advocating for years to have the Saugatuck River dredged as it gets more "silt clogged" yearly and is becoming near impassable for our crew teams and others. Anderson convinced our last selectman to file the applications to start the process. We are still waiting? Constant pressure is needed. Anderson will make it happen!

When Anderson decided to run for first selectman he wanted his campaign to be green. He supported the RTM's ordinance to ban plastic bags and was proud to announce that his campaign is the "First in the Nation" to give away "reusable grocery shopping bags" to any citizen who wants one. Stop by headquarters at 606 Post Road E. or go to www.andersonlafleur.com to request one and learn about Anderson's commitment to the environment. In addition, all Anderson's campaign signs are 100 percent recyclable cardboard and union-made in America.

In contrast, the Joseloff/Kassen campaign is an environmental disaster. The vast majority of their campaign signs are the cheapest, "plastic bag" kind. In fact, if they were actual plastic bags, they would be banned under the town's own ordinance! Now we have hundreds of them outside blowing into sewers, streets and woodlands. Worse yet theirs are made from No. 4 plastic and our recycling center only accepts No. 1 and No. 2 plastic containers. So ultimately, the Joseloff/Kassen "plastic bag" signs will end up in our waters, buried for a thousand years or be incinerated into noxious chemicals released into the environment.

It's not what you "say" that makes you green, it's what you do. I'm voting for Anderson, as I know he is truly committed to the environment and will make Westport a cleaner, healthier community.

Jane Dally

Westport

Government needs

to act

These are times when Westport's town government needs to act, rather than as the trendy phrase calls it "kick the can down the road" for the next officeholder to deal with. In recent years we have had problems with the reevaluations of property and we have had problems with more than 1,000 properties with building permits for improvements not reevaluated. Westport needs Gavin Anderson for first selectman to end years of "kicking cans down the road!"

We need a first selectman with vision, who can make the Westport of the future the town we all bought into when we bought our homes; a town continuously improving and planning for the future. As a P&Z commissioner, I have had a front-row seat observing Westport's government, but only the first selectman really supervises the town's operations.

Anderson had a successful corporate management and finance career and has devoted years to volunteering in Westport. He has served on Westport's Board of Finance and Town-wide Maintenance Committee. Anderson is a fixer and a doer. He is an excellent manager and manager of managers, who Westport needs now to improve the efficiency and performance of the town departments that report to the first selectman.

Stop kicking that can down the road, delaying improvements that Westport needs. Carpe diem! Seize the day on Nov. 3. Grab the pen at your voting place and mark your ballot for Anderson and Kristin LaFleur. The time is now to improve Westport's town government and put a manager in the first selectman's office.

David Press

Westport

Dems have

earned trust

Several years ago our neighborhood of Old Saugatuck, and especially my street of Hiawatha Lane Extension, became the target of a developer intent on demolishing all twenty single family homes on the street and replacing them with about eighty condominiums.

In our effort to prevent this destructive incursion, we began a process of citizen education and activity in Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) matters. We formed Save Old Saugatuck and we learned how to voice our concerns. The language of current Westport P&Z regulations served us effectively.

Our most important challenge was to speak before the P&Z meeting, where citizens have an opportunity to speak to the commission members about their concerns in respect to land use issues.

Since 2005 I have spoken many times at P&Z meetings and despite certain frustrations with the process, there has never been a lack of transparency. Though others might suggest differently, the process has always been an open one.

Others would have us believe the commission is selectively choosing not to enforce zoning regulations. This is a recklessly inaccurate statement. It implies criminality where there is none.

Because Old Saugatuck continues to be vulnerable as do many of our other Westport neighborhoods, I want to keep the continuity and the stability that the Democratic team of Ron Corwin, Nora Jinishian and Howard Lathrop represent on the P&Z Commission.

As the newest member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Jinishian will bring us a calm, non-confrontational style of leadership, a critical asset for an effective P&Z Commissioner.

The Democratic team has earned our trust and our confidence and on Nov. 3, I urge that our vote keep them as our P&Z commissioners for another four years of service.

Carolanne Curry

Westport

Kaner and Zappi

at my side

Last spring with neighbors losing their jobs, taking pay cuts and watching their retirement nest eggs disappear, Avi Kaner, Charlie Haberstroh and I, as members of the Board of Finance, fought successfully against any tax increase.

Unfortunately, much of the savings were achieved through one time events and can not be repeated. What we had wanted to see instead were permanent structural changes that yield real, recurring savings for decades to come.

Wherever possible, we must share personnel and back office functions between the municipal departments and the schools. Combining the two health care plans may provide the greatest opportunity of all.

Kaner and Bob Zappi understand that while there will be resistance, we must enact these structural changes in order to protect our world class schools and town services while keeping the tax burden manageable for everyone.

Kaner has a keen business sense and knows the value of providing superior products while closely managing costs. He introduced the concept of benchmarking to the town and helped us evaluate our costs relative to comparable towns and identified areas that need further investigation.

Zappi is a successful entrepreneur who has worked with both large bureaucratic companies and smaller nimble ones and has led organizations to change. His knowledge of the town, creativity and analytical ability will be tremendous assets on the board.

There has been talk of combining town departments for more than a decade. Enough talk. We must reign in costs now to preserve our schools and town services.

We have difficult decisions to make this budget cycle and I would like very much to have Kaner and Zappi at my side.

Ed Iannone

Member, Westport Board of Finance

Soli will put

neighborhoods first

Desiree Soli is the sole person for whom I will cast my ballot for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Soli is also being supported by Save Westport Now.

As a former member of both our Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) and the Zoning Board of Appeals, I care a great deal about this town. Westport needs an immediate change in leadership. Here is why:

1. The current majority of the P&Z wants to pass a regulation which would enormously expand development. Instead of fighting at state level to preserve our town, the current P&Z is capitulating to the developer's interests. This is not an abstract issue. If your property borders property which borders the Post Road, you will be directly affected by this new law.

2. The Mahackeno/Y hearings revealed that the P&Z, led by Ron Corwin, puts the interests of developers ahead of residents. The fact that the P&Z allowed this application to go forward as a non-commercial use of property tells me, a practicing attorney, that the current members of the P&Z simply do not understand the meaning of the language they enforce.

3. This P&Z has been nurturing a plan to create a subcommittee that would "screen" our applications before they get to the whole P & Z. We are a town of only 27,000 people! If this P&Z cannot do the job that others have done for 70 years, let them resign.

4. This P&Z allowed permanent, 70 foot tall football lights to be erected in a 2 acre neighborhood for the first time. Temporary lights for important games had been established as a precedent to balance the interests of the neighborhood with the school. Why change?

The only hope we have for a policy change is to elect Desiree Soli to the P & Z. Desiree has publicly advocated against the affordable housing regulation (No. 1). I met her. She told me that she will put our neighborhoods first. I believe her.

Lisa Wexler

Host, The Lisa Wexler Show,

Westport

Wanted: Leaders who will tell it straight

It's been some time since I've had children in the school system, but when I did I was president of every PTA my children attended. I've had a strong interest in education ever since and I continue to closely monitor educational matters and important decisions.

Gavin Anderson's claim to support education is simply not convincing. Today he likes to talk about his work on the town's Maintenance Committee, and how committed he is to making sure the building and air systems are sound. He doesn't say much about his tenure on the RTM and Board of Finance.

In November 1998, while on the RTM, he voted against funding for construction of the Bedford Middle School. While serving on the Board of Finance in the first half of this decade, he lobbied on at least five occasions to cut funding either to school programs or construction.

In April 2001, he offered a motion to cut $1 million from the school budget. A week later, the Board of Education requested a small restoration of an earlier budget cut. Anderson voted against, but the majority passed it over his objections.

In June 2002, he tried to drastically cut the budget for renovating Staples by $12.5 million. Later that year, he cast the deciding vote to kill the effort to replace the school's football bleachers.

Twice he voted to stop the Senior Center, once in June 2001 when design money was requested, and again in January 2002 when the town was ready to move forward with construction.

Taxes are another area where Anderson's rhetoric doesn't match his actions. Anderson voted against reducing the mill rate in May 2004 and actually voted to raise the rate in May 2006.

Elections have consequences, and it's not enough for candidates to talk a good game about having a vision and a plan. I want leaders who have shown they will invest wisely in building for the future while holding the line on everyday costs. I want leaders who tell it straight and do what they say. I'm voting for Gordon Joseloff and Shelly Kassen.

Cecile D. Newberg

Westport

Don't throw away vote

Westport voters: Please don't "throw" away your vote by voting for John Izzo. Make your vote mean something. Izzo, running as a "write-in" candidate for first selectman, "without a running mate" has zero chance of winning.

No candidate for first selectman has ever won as a "write-in." Izzo, "with a party designation and ballot line" lost by wide margins in the previous two elections for selectman and was thoroughly "trounced" by Gordon Joseloff last election. A "write in" vote win is a total impossibility.

Sadly, Izzo, a "two time loser," wants to play the role of "spoiler" and go for three. Unfortunately, his "ego driven" effort distracts from the time for Westporters to hear the two real candidates, Gavin Anderson and Joseloff discuss the issues. Izzo also embarrassed the town and was disruptive after his last loss by ungracefully refusing to accept the office and his responsibility of third selectman, where he would have had the official platform to express his views (and vote) if that's what he really wanted?

Also, do not be fooled by Izzo's claim of representing Independents in order to get your vote! Izzo only recently changed his voter registration to be able to make such a claim. Almost one-third of Westporters prefer to remain unaffiliated or Independent, which reflects their desire to "pick the best" person(s) without regard for party affiliation and that is exactly what they should do. I urge all Independent voters to get out and vote their best interest, but Izzo is certainly not that candidate or by any stretch of the imagination the candidate of Independents.

This election is very important and probably affects your family's life, property values and quality of schools more than any other. It is also shaping up to be a very close election which will probably be decided by a few hundred votes. Yours can make a difference. Vote for the team of your choice, but please don't waste it on Izzo. Vote for the candidate who you think has the best chance of leading Westport forward.

Dewey Loselle

Westport

Trust Anderson/

LaFleur to navigate

tough times

Westport's great schools are why we moved here. Given the hard hit our local economy has taken as Wall Street imploded, I am worried about our property values, our taxes, and our ability to keep our great schools great.

We need a first and second selectman team like Gavin Anderson and Kristin LaFleur who can sit down with the Board of Finance, the Board of Education, and the superintendent of schools to find workable solutions that balance the educational needs of our kids with the financial realities we all must deal with.

Everyone realizes we need to save money, but I believe Anderson and LaFleur can work with the schools and the town to find ways to save money that won't affect our kids in the classroom. Please join me in voting for Anderson and LaFleur for Board of Selectman on Nov. 3.

Michael C. Delli Carpini

Westport

Trio will oppose over-development

Ron Corwin and Howard Lathrop have earned reelection for the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) with their new colleague Nora Jinishian.

In the last four years, Corwin and Lathrop have made a difference. They revised outdated restrictions on outdoor dining. They helped to improve the level of customer service in Town Hall. With Gordon Joseloff's support, they have sought to streamline processes, reducing the paperwork burdens on permit applicants and the long delays and frustrations that we have experienced for too long.

More importantly, they have been tireless in trying to protect the interests of every Westport homeowner in preventing random, multi-family housing developments throughout our residential neighborhoods.

By contrast, their opponent has taken the surprising position of opposing development on the Post Road, thereby making it virtually inevitable that our residential streets will suddenly be threatened by such development. Rarely has a choice been so clear.

Jinishian promises to apply to P&Z her long record of professionalism, hard work, intelligence and common sense which she built as co-head of the PTA Council. She has already proven to be an articulate opponent of the undisciplined sprawl that Corwin and Lathrop have also fought against.

Together with Ellie Lowenstein they can be counted on to oppose over-development and continue the overhaul of our outdated zoning ordinances.

Jeffrey Mayer,

Chairman, Board of Finance,

Westport

Kaner will keep things in check

I would like to express my fundamental support for Avi Kaner who is running for re-election to the Westport board of finance.

As a friend I'd like to provide brief insight into the essence of Kaner's character. Kaner is a compassionate and highly considerate individual who has a hand in charitable causes, of which the positive results I've experienced firsthand by those directly impacted. He is highly regarded by his community and has earned trust and respect through unbinding loyalty to his family and friends. Kaner comes with a pleasant disposition; his calm and collected temperament gives him the ability to make arguments which are cogent and relevant and will ensure Westport's continued capacity to provide a first class public school system, clean inviting beaches, terrific policing and public services, the arts, shopping and other amenities.

Over the past four years Kaner chose to advocate the correct and ethical course of action; that is to review, scrutinize, analyze, question and reason in order to establish how costs may be cut while maintaining services. With the vociferous support of Kaner -- the Board of Finance ultimately held to a 0 percent tax increase. As revenues continue to slide as a result of battered real estate values, expenses are projected to climb in tandem. He has identified areas of superfluous spending and has targeted Westport's $26 million unfunded pension liability which has a measurable effect on the budget. His aim is to revise and adapt municipal pension plans in order to limit the vulnerability of tax payer money in this case.

With Kaner, school and town services will remain and taxes will be kept in check. Let's keep life in Westport on the right track by re-electing Avi Kaner to the Westport Board of Finance.

Steve Perkins

Westport

Defense

I write in defense of Sidney Kramer and John Izzo.

Recently, letters to the editor were published which reflected the viewpoints of two residents as to two prominent Westport citizens, Sidney Kramer and John Izzo. One letter was critical of Kramer, the other of Izzo. The letter writers set forth strong words of criticism and contentions which, if true, reflected poorly on Kramer and Izzo. As I read the characterizations of Kramer and Izzo and their "actions," I thought about those characterizations and what, in effect, was being asserted. In my judgment those assertions, in the case of Kramer, that he made a "threat" respecting the Democrats nominees to P&Z, and, in the case of Izzo, that he is "ego driven," suggest to me that both letters to the editor independently challenge the integrity of Kramer and Izzo. I ask myself, are Kramer and Izzo men of integrity, and if so would a person of integrity engage in what was described?

Kramer has, for most of his long life, been on the side of the angels. From The Remarkable Book Shop, the efforts respecting Gorham Island and his ongoing work still, even at 90-plus years of age, Kramer has stood tall and strong for his commitment to Westport and its quality of life. His integrity over those years has always been prominent. It has often been annoyingly uncompromising.

When Izzo raised the possibility of an independent race for first selectman, I inquired of some Westporters I knew about the likelihood of success. While the responses were varied, nearly all spoke of Izzo's great integrity. Those responses conformed both to the "public" Izzo and to my personal interactions with Izzo over many years.

So, when I read criticisms of Kramer and Izzo, criticisms that challenge the integrity of each of them, I reach only one conclusion. I believe that those who read or learned of these two Letters to the Editor about Sidney and John, should not focus on the nature and qualities of Kramer and Izzo. Rather, the focus should be on the nature and qualities of the two authors of those letters.

Don Bergmann

Westport

Joseloff, Kassen

improve quality

of life

When they ran four years ago, Joseloff and Kassen promised to make our lives easier through technology -- and have they ever delivered.

No more standing in line for town permits and tax payments. We can check online for property assessments, and land and vital records.

As a commuter, not usually able to attend town meetings, I thank Josleoff for the town's e-calendar, live video streaming of town meetings, video archiving of recent meetings, and online minutes of town meetings.

When I'm at Saugatuck station, I appreciate the new WiFi, and additional security cameras for our protection. Of course, WiFi extends now to Compo Beach, Town Hall, the Senior Center and Longshore.

Yes, Joseloff has used technology to enrich and streamline our lives. But most importantly, he's protected us and our property through an upgraded police and fire dispatch, and CodeRed reverse 911-type emergency notification systems.

Joseloff and Kassen don't rest on their laurels, talking about all that they have done -- they're too busy searching for new ways to improve our quality of life here!

Joseloff's technological leadership will be more critical than ever in the next four years. Please join me in supporting him enthusiastically on Nov. 3, so he can continue his work.

Allan Siegert

Westport

Correction

I incorrectly associated Donald O'Day with the 4 to 3 vote to cut the budget $1.4 million and want to correct the record.

John F. Manley

Westport

Milwe will be asset

to District 1

We moved to Westport 12 years ago because of Liz Milwe. She told us Westport was a great place to raise a family. We came to know in time that it is people like her that help make Westport great. Milwe moved to Westport when she was in the second grade. She and her husband, Peter Wormser, came back to raise their children in Westport. Her youngest son, Jon, is now at Staples. Milwe lives just down the street from the house she was raised in and in which her mother still lives. We learned that it was in this home that she was taught the value of getting involved and giving back to her community from her parents, Sid and Bea Milwe.

Milwe understands that a great educational system is fundamental to a vibrant family community like Westport and that highly ranked schools help keep our real estate values high. Liz spearheaded the fundraising to create a park at the former Allen's Clam House, was one of the sponsors of the Plastic Bag Ordinance, helped work on the completion of the Nature Center at Sherwood Island State Park and was one of the founding members of the Westport Green Village Initiative.

Milwe served four years on the RTM in District 4. Every vote Milwe made was mindful of all of Westport's needs. She and her family moved last year from Compo Mill Cove back to Saugatuck Shores to be closer to her mother. She will be an asset to District 1 and a continued asset to the RTM as a whole. We are happy that we can now vote for our friend, Milwe, in District 1 and ask that all our neighbors do the same for the benefit of our town.

Lanny and Laura Bryer

Westport

Batteau will

benefit District 8

Wendy Batteau was one of the first people I met when I moved to Westport 11 years ago. We met in the locker room of the Y escorting our toddlers to swimming lessons. Over the years we were Art Smart volunteers, library workers, poetry reading attendees, "ladies who lunched" and advocates for later school start times among many other issues. Our conversations were filled with the merits of various school programs, questions about growth and development in Westport and the importance of protecting natural resources and the environment.

What I learned about Batteau through our friendship is this; she is a highly creative thinker, she is not intimidated by the complexity of ideas that are not familiar to her, she will listen with an open mind, she will devote much thought and research before drawing her conclusions and she will give 100 percent to the task at hand. Above all, she has integrity. Batteau's core values are strong and her reliance on those values to guide her through the decision making process is one of her greatest assets.

In her first term on the RTM Batteau has proved herself to be an important and hard working member. Batteau is not only an asset to the residents of District 8, but to the whole town. So I ask the residents of District 8 to please cast their vote for Batteau, so that the town of Westport can continue to benefit from her valuable contribution.

Barbara La Joie

Westport

Milwe, Batteau, thoughtful public servants

I am writing to recommend the reelection of Wendy Batteau (District 8) and Liz Milwe (District 1) to the RTM. I have worked with Batteau and Milwe closely on GVI projects and know they are both good people with great values who work tirelessly to protect and improve our town.

Milwe has been a District 4 rep but a year ago moved back to District 1, where she grew up. She was one of the representatives who banned the bag (for which she received awards from the federal EPA and the Westport Green Task Force) and created the beautiful and ecologically appropriate Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve. This and more, while she has seen two children through the Westport school system, has another at Staples, and has for years choreographed for the Westport School system.

Batteau has lived in District 8 for 17 years. As a rep she has worked to better protect Westport's aquifer, water supply and other natural resources -- and has recently been appointed to the Green Task Force. She's a veteran researcher who doesn't quit. Her efforts to bring the community together around our arts and to strengthen the health and quality of our schools (she also has a child at Staples) in new and fiscally responsible ways are well- informed by her work in publishing and educational-media creation..

Milwe and Batteau are true, thoughtful, giving public servants. I hope voters will return them to the RTM.

Dan Levinson

Westport

Judy Starr for RTM District 1

Judy Starr, like many RTM representatives, is hard working and cares deeply for our district and the town. However, Starr deserves special praise for her persistent advocacy and hundreds of hours spent in support of the sewer project for Saugatuck Shores. For years she has worked tirelessly with various town departments and elected officials to make it happen. This project will have a major positive impact for residents and the environment. We have known Starr and her family for more than 25 years. They are a family of excellent character, and we thank Judy for her years of service. We encourage everyone in our district to help Starr continue to represent us.

Susi and Franklin Rubenstein

Westport

Vote for Batteau

A pain in the rear? You betcha! Wendy Batteau will not let up or back down if she believes or believes that her constituents need her to protect them, their children or the environment. She is smart, knowledgeable, always well prepared and her heart is in the right place. The service she gives to our community is unparalleled. In fact, whenever I call her house, she is at a meeting. Vote Batteau for District 8.

Fran Southworth

Westport

Wise choice

A vote for Liz Milwe for RTM District 1 is a wise choice. From implementing the Plastic Bag Ordinance to the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve, Milwe has an impressive list of recent accomplishments because community service is in Milwe's heart and soul.

At Staples High School in the early '70s it was evident that Milwe was a community advocate and leader. Many students at the time felt most comfortable socializing in their interest group or peer cluster outside the Staples cafeteria, but Milwe could be found amongst any of them as she comfortably and happily intermingled with everyone, hearing their points of view. Elected to be a SGB (Staples Governing Board) representative, it was apparent that Milwe had a calling. Her parents, Bea and Sid Milwe, were caring community activists and volunteers by whom Milwe was inspired.

Milwe has served District 4 well and is ready to serve District 1 (where she was raised and Bea still resides) with the same boundless energy and compassion that she has always displayed. She relates well to people of all ages and political parties and achieves what she sets out to do. This results in outcomes that are good for everyone because Milwe really has her finger on the pulse of the community.

Deborah and Michael Lonsdale

Westport

Starr deserves

support

As a 31-year resident of Saugatuck Shores, I enthusiastically endorse Judy Starr's re-election to the RTM for District 1.

Starr's tireless efforts for the residents of Saugatuck Shores are most notable in her work on the very necessary sewer system for the area. She has advocated for the new sewers, recognizing how environmentally important they are, not only for us, as residents, but for all of the surrounding areas, as our tired septic systems become saturated.

Starr is also one the best communicators I ever seen, for any politician. She is constantly keeping constituents informed on the happenings at Town Hall, and seeks out their issues, as well. She has worked selflessly to earn her seat on the RTM and deserves our support for another term.

Dick Del Bello

Westport

Support for Soli

In this year's race for the Planning & Zoning Commission, there is one simple question that needs to be answered before casting your vote: Why does the Democrat majority on the P&Z want to take away your right to appeal future approvals of apartment and condominium developments? Recently, in the name of providing "affordable housing," the Democrat majority on the Planning and Zoning Commission proposed just such at change to our Zoning Ordinances. A change that would make the approval process easier for developers, and potentially change the character of Westport forever. These changes would put an undue burden on our school system, recreation programs, infrastructure, and they would increase traffic.

As a former member of Westport's P&Z, I think it is troubling that affordable housing is being used as the vehicle for such a change. During my tenure on the commission, the one thing that was universally agreed to is that the state mandate to providing 10 percent affordable housing in Westport was unattainable due to stringent state requirements and their narrow definitions of "affordable". The P&Z could have easily proposed the very same amendment keeping the appeals process in place. Instead they choose to eliminate the same appeals process used by Turkey Hill area residents to stop this type of development just a few years ago.

I was also disheartened by Chairman Ron Corwin's contention that the neighbors who object to any such development should just sue. Voters should expect more from our elected officials. That is why I support Desiree Soli for P&Z. Soli is the only candidate opposed to this amendment and the dismissive attitudes displayed by the Democrat slate for the P&Z. A four-person majority on the P&Z should not be allowed to change the very character of Westport without the simplest of checks and balances in place.

Tim Wetmore

Westport

Wetmore is the acting chairman of the Westport Republican Town Committee

Joseloff, Kassen for children's futures

Whether we like it or not, our world is changing. The needs of yesterday are not the same as tomorrows needs. This is important for all of us to consider, but especially important for today's students. When a student graduates from the Westport school system he or she must be ready to compete internationally.

Gordon Joseloff and Shelly Kassen realize that. They realize that the old three R's aren't good enough for today's students. Our students need a diverse education that will prepare them for entering the workforce, attending a vocational school, or pursuing a college degree. Joseloff and Kassen are also mindful that we can't pour money into this venture, but must find efficiencies in the current system and allocate our resources wisely.

I'll be voting on Nov. 3 for the children's future. I'm asking Westport to join me in supporting Joseloff and Kassen for first and second selectman.

Salpi Tokatlian

Westport

Vote for Anderson

for change

Westporters, vote for Gavin Anderson and Kristin LaFleur for selectmen as well as Avi Kaner and Bob Zappi for Board of Finance. We need their leadership and competence in these difficult times. If you are inclined to vote for John Izzo because you recognize the need for change, please reconsider and vote for Anderson. The contest is between Anderson and the incumbent. A vote for Izzo is a wasted vote.

Pete Wolgast

Westport

Not good enough

If I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't have believed it. The town of Westport, the very same town that has banned plastic bags, is spraying poisonous chemicals on residential streets.

In June 2009, I saw a Trugreen Chemical truck being led by a Westport town truck, with a man holding a hose out the window, spraying along Hillspoint Road without warning anyone -- where residents jog and bike, people and pets walk and kids wait for the school bus.

Aside from the fact that there are alternative methods of killing weeds, I want to, and I'm certain that other residents want to, be informed prior to the spraying of herbicides in our neighborhoods.

To this end, I met with Gordon Joseloff. I was told that this spraying has been routine in Westport during his administration, and that the specific wording of a state law precluded him from having to inform residents or post warning signs that all homeowners and landscapers must when using pesticides. He isn't telling us because he doesn't have to? That just isn't good enough. For this and other reasons, I'm supporting Gavin Anderson in November. I urge everyone to call the town hall and find out when your street was sprayed.

Debbi Mirti,

Master Gardener,

Westport

Outstanding leaders among us

I am writing to endorse two candidates in this letter; Liz Milwe, District 1, and Wendy Batteau, District 8. Having worked closely with both women, I feel strongly that they are a vital part of the success of our RTM.

Liz Milwe has moved to RTM district 1. She is probably best known as one of the four RTM members who pushed through our town's plastic bag ordinance last year. Milwe was also instrumental in launching the student internship program at Sherwood State Park Nature Center. She just completing the successful installation of the Sherwood Mill Pond preserve; which she helped make a reality, on many levels. Milwe is one of four founders of Westport Green Village Initiative (GVI), a grass roots organization working to make Westport a model green town. Her incredible success in the passing and implementation of the bag ban made our group realize that we can be a community that makes a difference. Thank you Liz, for all that you do, and the passion in which you do it.

Batteau, RTM District 8, is an outstanding leader amongst us, with a steadfast approach to tackling difficult issues that affect us all. Batteau has been focusing particularly on water quality and how it affects our health. She has also played a key role in preserving open space in Westport, namely the Newman and Poses property. This past year Batteau also worked diligently to find solutions during the difficult BOE budgeting process. Wendy has served on many RTM committees including Environment, Education, Library, Ordinance and Rules, as well as several committees outside of RTM. We are certainly lucky to have Batteau serving our community now and hopefully for many years to come.

Monique Bosch,

Member, Westport GVI

Soli for P&Z

It is critical that we cast our ballots for Desiree Soli for Planning and Zoning (P&Z). The alternative is a developer's dreamland and a Westport with a 60 percent increase in housing units within the next few years. Under proposed zone changes from the Democrat majority on P&Z, the Westport we know will be gone forever. This is a response to 8-30g, a state legislative mandate requiring communities such as Westport to have 10 percent affordable housing stock. We have more than 10,000 residences in Westport. This means that under the state mandate, we must provide a minimum of 1,000 affordable residences. Democrats on the P&Z have an answer. If we build 1,200 units, of which 200 are affordable by significantly increasing densities on currently developed property's we can get a moratorium from 8-30g developments. Trouble is, the moratorium is only for three years and if we get it, we have to build another 1,200 units for the next three-year moratorium. Five three-year periods is only 15 years and at that pace, we are at 16,000 total units. A 60 percent increase in housing units. We are being told that all of this development will not affect our schools, recreational facilities or road network. Many other communities have faced up to 8-30g with less destructive solutions. Westport must do the same.

Ron Corwin has stated that condos up and down the Saugatuck River would be good for Westport. Howard Lathrop has stated many times that Westport's regulations are exclusionary and need updating. Their plans will fundamentally change Westport's small-town character forever. On the other hand, Soli is the only P&Z candidate who has pledged to stop this long slow march to destruction of the town we know and love.

Michael Calise,

Candidate for the Zoning Board of Appeals

If it isn't broken, don't fix it!

Inspired and experienced, together Gordon Joseloff and Shelly Kassen have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life in Westport without compromising the fiscal health of the town. Indeed an outstanding Triple-A bond rating, thousands in savings and senior property tax relief are a testament to their superior management skills. Both are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing our excellent schools, one of the main reasons that Westport is one of the most desirable and sought after places to live in Connecticut. Aware of the environmental issues facing the town, they have implemented a Green Task Force, new recycling programs and hybrid vehicles for town use. They are deeply committed to the spirit of Westport, having been both a lifelong and 20-year resident of the town and they work ceaselessly and very skillfully on our behalf to guide Westport forward in these challenging times.

Marjorie and Philip Brous

Westport

Your neighborhood may be next

I can't let Ron Corwin's column on Planning & Zoning go by without comment. Several statements made could not be further from the truth based on what we on Ludlow Road experienced before the commission this past year.

Corwin says the board is "sensitive to neighborhood concerns," "has no personal agendas," "is impartial," "transparent," and "we need to preserve Westport's single family character." In our case, this was false. Corwin ignored neighbors, the Westport Police Department, P&Z's own traffic consultant, and even a Connecticut Superior Court opinion. He stated that our traffic and safety concerns were "de minimus."

Perhaps P&Z decisions have not affected you yet, but your neighborhood may be next. Corwin is for a Special Permit Use in our neighborhood, the Y in your neighborhood, lighting in other neighborhoods -- just as long as it is not in his. If you think he will listen to you, think again.

When it comes to my family's safety, I am not a Republican or a Democrat. I am a husband and a father, and I refuse to accept Ron Corwin's arrogance that he knows what's best for my family, our neighborhood and Westport.

Louis M. Mall

Westport

Supports O'Day

for BOE

Don O'Day is an impressive leader who encourages accountability and a non-partisan, collaborative approach to handling the many complex issues that come before the Board of Education. He is always straightforward. And he has a wealth of experience in financial matters.

As chairman of the BOE, he can be credited with successfully leading a diverse Board through a very difficult budgetary process, which resulted in a 5-2 vote not to seek restoration of a $1.4 million cut requested by the Board of Finance. He was honest about Westport's "new economic reality," a Westport with less expendable income and he had the courage to do what was right. He is "an exceptional leader" (Westport News editorial, "The 800 Pound Gorilla," April 8).

Furthermore, O'Day will do his best to ensure that Westport provides an excellent education for all children -- recognizing that children are unique individuals with different talents and abilities. Not only will he be mindful of Westport's educational goals, but he will also know how to manage Westport's educational system with the ongoing monetary constraints, without jeopardizing Westport's children's excellent education.

Thus, it is with great enthusiasm that we ask you to join us on Nov. 3, to re-elect O'Day, an outstanding volunteer, to the BOE.

Helen and Joe De Maiorebus

Westport

Vote for Marpe

and McGovern

I am elated that Jim Marpe and Mike McGovern are volunteering to serve once again on the Board of Education. As a result of my experience with town government as a former second selectman and with leadership roles with the PTA and the school building committees, I realize how they have demonstrated outstanding listening and communication skills along with their leadership and teamwork-an all too rare combination.

Marpe and McGovern bring outstanding credentials and broad experience to the BOE as well as a passion to do the very best job possible for Westport and its students. They understand how to collaborate and build consensus within the BOE and with other town bodies on complex issues in order to keep our schools great with the most cost effective budget. They will continue to look at consolidation of services in order to reduce duplication between the town and the schools.

Please join my husband and me in voting for Jim Marpe and Mike McGovern on Nov. 3.

Tammy and John Pincavage

Westport

Lois Schine for RTM

In town government, it's important to have a mix of old-timers and newcomers, to reflect the changing composition of the population -- but also to take advantage of the perspective that comes from living, working, and serving the town for decades.

Such perspective is only one of the attributes that Lois Schine brings to her service on the RTM -- she also brings experience as a professional and a volunteer, an analytical mind, a compassionate attitude, and the ability to see the "forest" rather than just "trees" (though anyone who has served on the RTM will tell you that trees are important, along with sewers, dogs, and parks"�).

Having known Schine for all her decades in town, and having served on the RTM with her for a decade, I would urge the voters of District 8 to return her to the RTM to continue to work to make our town a welcoming home for old-timers and newcomers, young and old, alike.

Ann Sheffer

Westport