Editor’s note: following are opinions submitted by Westporters Dan Chiazza and Ari Benmosche.
A leader for all of Westport
As our town begins writing its next chapter, I believe our community deserves a leader who brings people together — someone who listens first, acts with integrity, and puts Westport above all else. That’s why I’m supporting David Rosenwaks for First Selectman.
I’ve come to know David as a thoughtful, grounded, and deeply engaged member of our town. He’s not running to make a name for himself or to serve a one-sided agenda — he’s running because he knows that real progress comes from engaging the community and working together. Whether coaching youth soccer, serving on the RTM, or volunteering on local committees, David has always shown up for Westport.
What stands out most about David is his approach to leadership: practical, transparent, and human. He listens carefully, weighs different perspectives, and works tirelessly to find common ground. His vision for Westport isn’t about left or right — it’s about forward. From ensuring fiscal responsibility and supporting our schools to improving traffic safety and preserving the character of our town, David’s priorities reflect what most of us want — smart, sustainable progress rooted in respect for Westport’s history and optimism for its future.
At a time when our town is confronted with pivotal choices about its future — how to grow, where to invest, and how to maintain the qualities that make Westport special — we need a leader who can bridge divides and bring people together. David embodies the kind of temperament and vision we need at this defining moment.
I’m proud to support him, not as a politician, but as a neighbor, a father, and a dedicated citizen who wants the best for all of us. Westport would be lucky to have his steady hand and open heart leading the way.
Dan Chiazza
Reichert Circle
Westport
If we had not had an opportunity to meet in Town, our family moved here about 14 years ago, and I serve as an RTM for District 8. I am not seeking reelection, and I could not be happier with our decision to move here, and my decision to serve in our local government. It was a rewarding experience, and I have gained insight into how I would take this amazing place and lead it forward. The leadership choice I am most aligned with is David Rosenwaks.
My reasons for joining the RTM were driven by concerns over the scope of the Parker Harding/Jesup Project and the Hamlet. I was not prepared to learn that my first order of business was to understand what was happening with Long Lots, the Garden, and Parks and Rec. The fact that both of the other Selectman candidates are sitting on the LLSBC (Long Lots School Building Committee) is a reason alone for me to vote otherwise, unless they can say how they helped mitigate a $10M budget bust and the FOIA lawsuit.
David and I served together on the RTM, and I believe he will bring consensus and transparency back to the Board of Selectman. If I could have run as his Second, I would have. We have a terrific amount of talent both in Town Hall and amongst our residents. With the right collaborative mindset that David brings, and the attitude to get it right, not just be right, I know we can only thrive as a town.
Ari Benmosche, RTM D8
Arlen Road
Westport
Well said Dan!
Mr. Benmosche says he can’t vote for the other Selectmen candidates (O’Day and Christie) unless they can show how they helped mitigate a “FOIA lawsuit.” Unfortunately Mr. Benmosche appears to be misinformed as to the issues and defendants in that lawsuit, which has absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Christie.
Here are the facts: a Freedom of Information complaint was filed on July 2, 2025 against respondent RTM Finance Committee. It alleges that the Chair and Members of the RTM Finance Committee conducted an unlawful closed-door executive session on June 10, 2025 related to its deliberations on the $103 million Long Lots School appropriation. Mr. O’Day and Mr. Benmosche both serve as members on that RTM Committee. Mr. Christie is not a member of the RTM and never has been.
I would urge Mr. Benmosche to correct his comment which falsely and recklessly implies that Mr. Christie is the subject of FOI litigation. And he should continue to ask Mr. O’Day and his fellow Committee members why the RTM Finance Committee chose to hide the ball when the public had right to understand what was being done ahead of this highly consequential vote.
Ari since you served along with Rosenwaks on the RTM can you please share with Journal readers how many times David Rosenwaks stood up at the podium to address an issue before the RTM (aside from a single announcement about his own campaign event at the Library)? If the answer is zero (as many prior commentators have noted), how can the public expect him to stand up on hard issues when he didn’t bother to do so for his District constituents?
So David Rosenwaks is not qualified to be First Selectman because he didn’t walk up to the podium to address an issue at the RTM? How trivial is that comment. Then the attacks he has served one term on the RTM. Abraham Lincoln served one term in the House of Representatives and only one term. Are you prepared to attack Abraham Lincoln?
The two residents who are supporting David Rosenwaks in their editorial are like David Rosenwaks being attacked by the Westport Democrats who fear they will lose the election. David Rosenwaks is not a spoiler for he is going to win and be the next First Selectman.