By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — Planning and Zoning Commission alternate member John Bolton was unanimously approved to serve two more years by his peers Monday.

“I really am delighted to nominate John Bolton, or John B., as he’s referred to around these parts, for a second term as our GOP alternate,” commission Chairwoman Danielle Dobin said at Monday night’s meeting.

“John always shows up, even when we call him at the very last minute,” Dobin said. “He reads everything, all the materials, sometimes hundreds of pages.”

“As most people who watch this commission closely know, John B. and I almost never vote the same way,” she said. “We’re members of two different political parties, and yet, we both very much play for the same team — the Westport team.”

Dobin said Bolton has his own style, and elicits answers to questions important for everyone to hear.

Several members offered seconds to the motion.

“He’s been there,” said Neil Cohn. “He’s held up his part of the bargain. And, again, we don’t vote the same way all the time, but John we’re happy to have you on the commission and we know you’re fighting the good fight. Thank you.”

Patrizia Zucaro deferred her second to Cohn.

“I just want to say thank you both, those were really great words, and I’m sure John is really appreciative of it, and I’m excited that we’re part of the P&Z family,” Zucaro said.

“The amount of effort and research that you put into things is — you knock it out of the ballpark,” she said.

Bolton thanked fellow commission members.

“Westport’s been really good to me, so hopefully I can give back as much as this town has given to me and my son,” Bolton said.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 35 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.