Editor’s note: The following statement was submitted for publication by Kevin Christie, Board of Education member and a Democratic candidate for first selectman.
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I recognize how deeply the non-renewal of the Staples boys head soccer coach has affected our community. It speaks to how much we care about our town, our people and our schools.
I, too, have a personal connection to Coach Russ and the Westport soccer program, and one of my children currently plays for a former Staples soccer coach and regularly trains with a current Staples soccer coach. I have the utmost respect and appreciation for our coaches, as well as the entire Westport soccer community. Because of these close relationships, it was only right to recuse myself.
I believe we can move forward constructively. Westport public schools have long embraced a continuous cycle of improvement — from individual students to the system as a whole.
After the hearings, I would like the BOE policy committee to review the existing policies that have touched these hearings and consider whether improvements are warranted. To do this well, we need a constructive, respectful environment — one that invites thoughtful input.
I would like the BOE policy committee to review the existing policies that have touched these hearings and consider whether improvements are warranted.
Moving forward is about doing the hard, necessary work of governance, in part to ensure our community can have confidence in how decisions are made. We will not always agree, but we can disagree with civility.
I remain committed to the work of this board, to continuous improvement, and to ensuring that public voice and good governance both have a place in Westport.
This article, this man, in this moment is exactly what Westport does NOT need. He writes, “moving forward is about doing the hard, necessary work of governance.” That’s exactly what Christie ducked here, hiding behind an illegitimate “conflict.”
I’m not sure Kevin understands that ‘recusal’ ONLY covers voting. He decided to skip that Monday meeting entirely, unfortunately. He could’ve been there, on the dais.
Dave, I don’t think Kevin owed anyone an explanation about his personal connection and reason for recusal , but nevertheless he gave it. I find it strange for someone to proclaim that his own personal reasons are illegitimate.
It’s quite simple he does not have a conflict, he wanted to duck the controversy. That’s not leadership.
And you are worried that he won’t give the hamlet parking !!! As the traffic authority ! And without stealing commuter parking the hamlet is DOA ! So you rather disparage him. And get somebody else elected.
Let me tell you we are all wide awake.
No matter who gets elected Hartford is going to be lobbied. The parking regs at the railroad are going to be tightened to explicitly favor commuters.
The select person, whoever it is, will not be afforded the opportunity to misbehave.
Why don’t you go out and ask commuters if they think hamlet or they are entitled to the parking and in what pecking order.
We need a change at the top and Kevin Christie is a refreshing change. He is open, honest, transparent and shows personal integrity that we haven’t seen at the top of the house in 4 years.
Dave, you are a Tooker- Hamlet fan and that’s ok. It’s just not what Westport needs right now.
This is not about me, it’s about our town. Yes I’m a Tooker fan because she stands up for what she thinks is best for Westport and has done a terrific job. Yes I’m a Hamlet supporter because it would improve our town.
Can I have a better understanding, how has Tooker done a “terrific job?” She’s the master of the photo op – I’ll give you that. But her backroom dealings on LLS are going to (mark my words) get the whole project delayed because she wanted a field for her soccer friends.
She’s made absolutely no progress on downtown parking and seemed to bring everyone in Town together in opposition to her wanting to cut down trees on Jesup Green.
Most recently, in the aftermath of the clear-cutting at the state DOT maintenance land (where local GOP members were eager to blame the Democrats representing us in Hartford), we learned that she had simply ignored communication from the state, soliciting input. She didn’t seek feedback from constituents. She didn’t offer any of her own. And now the neighbors are facing a terrible eyesore because of her abject laziness.
Is there a signature accomplishment that you would cite, in defining her success?
Dave Briggs, and Max Crowley, in particular sit at DIPIC( downtown implementation committee) meetings, lording a snide and scornful, nasty look at those merchants who show up to the 8.30 am meetings on Thursdays.
Yes we have to sit through the meetings being snorted, and scoffed at., literally
It is quite an exercise in patience.
Those of us who go are there to represent the merchants in the downtown and because of the large investment we have made in downtown.
So to be effectively ridiculed by these 2 is not a pleasant start to a Thursday.
Hardly surprising since the DPIC have chosen to ignore completely ( that includes Matthew Mandell) what merchants have to say and take any idea Tooker has( no matter how bad it is) and push it forward whilst calling the “MERCHANTS” who run businesses down there obstructionists if we do not agree with the “experts” hired by the town to attempt to prove their point because they have been paid to give the towns administration the very answer they desire from the outset.
I used find it plain irritating, now it verges on comical mixed with irritating.
Mr. Briggs does not run a downtown business.
Mr. Crowley is a landlord.
Neither runs a retail business on Main Street or in the downtown.
Nobody going to those Thursday morning meetings is doing so to obfuscate.
I’d far rather be still in my bed.
And yes I’m sure they both think Tooker is doing a great job for the retail businesses.
But as a business owner representing half the businesses in town, those Thursday mornings, I’m here to tell you she is NOT.
Charlie:
As a long serving member of a town board I can clarify that the town attorney as always advised that if a member recuses themselves for whatever reason that they should not be present at either a live or zoom public hearing or meeting when a vote is going to be taken. The reason is that it is solely up to the individual to recuse themselves and being present might have the appearance of influence or even unintentional pressure on other members of a board. Whether you agree with Mr. Christie’s decision or not he handled his personal decision in a professional and transparent manner.
A remarkable “word salad” from Mr Christie. I’m no fan of the current FSW. Change is needed. But, is this guy the best the Dems can put up to replace her?
Mr Christie, now that the matter is concluded, tell us how you would have voted but for your silly recusal.
I find it funny to see 2 hamlet fans ( investors) commenting on this thread.
I know exactly why too !!!!
They have somebody else in mind for selectman who they hope will shuffle through their every whim ! Especially for the HAMLET.
And their goal here is to disparage Kevin Christie( who followed the town attorneys direction)
If you want to be mad at anyone maybe be mad at the town attorney.
I happen to think the treatment of the coach was disgusting, but let me tell you there are a lot of disgusting decisions being made by this administration.
I understand Kevin Christie to be a man of honor. Amy, likewise a woman of her word.
I presume Kevin had a valid reason to recuse himself from the vote.
Maybe go and witch hunt the folks who actually voted.