By Gretchen Webster

WESTPORT — The Board of Finance elected a new chairwoman Wednesday night — Democrat Sheri Gordon, a six-year veteran of the board, who replaces fellow Democrat Brian Stern.

Gordon was nominated to the position by fellow Democrat Lee Caney and unanimously voted in to lead the seven-person board.

James Foster, a Republican, was elected vice chairman, also unanimously. That continues the board’s recent bipartisan practice of having its top two positions held by members of the two major political parties.

Foster replaces Andrea Moore as vice chairman, who was elected a selectwoman in the November municipal election.

Gordon started the meeting by thanking Stern for his six years serving as the board’s chairman. During those years, she said, the town had seen “flat mill rates,” as well as the completion of special projects, including the new Levitt Pavilion and the renovation of the Westport Library. 

Calling the Board of Finance, “a very congenial board,” Gordon also welcomed new board member Michael Keller, a Republican elected last month.

Lease backed for Homes with Hope on North Compo house

The board also recommended approval of a $1 per year lease between the town and Homes with Hope, a Westport-based nonprofit that runs programs to address homelessness and hunger in Fairfield County. 

The lease is for town-owned property and a house at 124 North Compo Road — known as “Susie’s House” — which Homes with Hope took over from Project Return, a program supporting women in crisis who need housing. 

Homes with Hope, founded as the Interfaith Housing Association in 1984, now manages an emergency shelter, supportive housing, food-support services and youth programs. 

“This new lease will allow us to support people for longer periods of time,” Helen McAlinden, president and CEO of Homes with Hope told the Board of Finance. 

The board voted unanimously to recommend approval  of the lease to the Board of Selectmen.