WESTPORT–The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) is seeking candidates to fill the District 7 vacancy created by the death of longtime member Jack Klinge.

Any registered voter in District 7, on the east side of town, is eligible to be a candidate. No political party affiliation is required as Westport’s RTM is a nonpartisan legislative body. The new member will be appointed to fill the remainder of the term, which expires on Nov. 16, 2027.

Residents of RTM District 7 who are interested in being considered may submit a resume and a brief statement of interest by Monday, July 20 to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton at JDunkerton@westportct.gov.

The member will be chosen by the three other members of District 7: Brandi Briggs, Joseph Carson and Ellen Lautenberg. The RTM hopes to have the position filled in time for its Aug. 4 meeting, Moderator Jeff Wieser said.

District 7 is generally east of North Avenue, south of Cross Highway and north of Post Road East, on the town’s eastern border with Fairfield.

Klinge was the longest-serving member on the RTM when he died on June 9 at the age of 87. A marketing professional and a resident of Westport for 50 years, he was devoted to public and civic activities, including coaching youth baseball and softball, mentoring students, serving as a substitute teacher and becoming involved in the development and growth of the Westport Center for Senior Activities.  

“It is always exciting to have new members join the RTM, but this is a bittersweet appointment as our new member will take the seat of Jack Klinge,” Wieser said. “Jack’s 29-year tenure on the RTM was unparalleled, and his absence will be felt. He was a champion of education and the Senior Center, especially, but his guidance for all RTM members will be missed.”