By John Schwing

WESTPORT — Call them a “troika” or a “triumvirate,” Planning and Zoning Commission members, with a touch of levity, last week unanimously re-elected the panel’s three-person leadership team for the coming year.

Paul Lebowitz was chosen as chairman for a second term since taking over the post after the 2023 election, Neil Cohn was selected as vice chairman and Michael Cammeyer was backed as secretary.

Lebowitz, who in 2023 ran as an unaffiliated candidate with Democrats’ endorsement, previously served as P&Z chairman from 2017-19.

He has “unmatched dedication” to the job, Cohn said in nominating Lebowitz for another term, adding that he is “the most prepared and inquisitive commissioner in the history of the P&Z.”

The nomination was seconded by Cammeyer, and Lebowitz was re-elected with the votes of all seven commissioners — including his own — at the Dec. 9 meeting.

The chairman thanked fellow commissioners for their support, saying it was a little “weird listening to people say nice stuff about you,” but he would try to live up to their praise.

Cohn, a Democrat nominated to serve again as vice chairman by Cammeyer, who said he has done “a great job” when called on to fill in for Lebowitz, and is “beyond thorough and passionate” in reviewing issues brought before the P&Z.

Lebowitz, who seconded Cohn’s nomination, called him a “breath of fresh air.” Cohn, too, won unanimous backing for a new term, adding he “is ready for it.”

Cammeyer, a Democrat, was nominated for a new term as secretary by Cohn, saying he’s kept “us all in order” and his record keeping is much appreciated by the P&Z staff.

Seconded by John Bolton, the vote for Cammeyer’s new term also was unanimous. He responded by saying he appreciated the vote of confidence.