Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by members of the David Rosenwaks for Westport team.

For the first time in Westport’s history, we have the opportunity to elect a First Selectman formally endorsed by the Independent Party of Connecticut, David Rosenwaks. His name appears at the top of the ballot alongside the Republican and Democratic candidates. Supported by both the Independent and Forward Parties, David’s candidacy represents something larger than political endorsement. It signals a new era of leadership defined not by labels, but by the way he leads, with collaboration, transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to community over partisanship.

As members of David’s campaign team, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with him throughout this race.  We also know him from beyond the campaign – through town committees, the RTM, neighborhood projects, schools, and youth sports. David approaches every role with the same mindset – he listens carefully, builds consensus, and creates a sense of shared purpose. He is hardworking, keeps people informed, follows through on his commitments, and makes sure everyone feels included in the process. As First Selectman, his approach as a person and a leader, will help unify the community and strengthen the town’s essential functions, from planning and finance to safety, education, infrastructure, and sustainability. Government will work more effectively because people will be working together.

David is not running to advance a party or a personal agenda. He is running because he cares deeply about Westport and believes in the power of independent leadership to move our town forward. We believe Westport is ready for this next chapter, one defined by transparency, inclusion, and accountability.

We’ve watched David’s campaign bring new energy and optimism to town. He’s built a broad, bipartisan coalition, with support from Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Unaffiliateds alike. David is a serious contender as evidenced by his broad support around town, and with our support, he can become Westport’s first Independent First Selectman.

A vote for David Rosenwaks is a vote for independent, common-sense leadership. Let’s step up, move past party politics, and elect the leader Westport deserves.

We are proud to support David Rosenwaks for First Selectman.

Julie Gartin, SES/BMS parent, past LLS PTA President
Courtney Feldman, LLS/BMS parent, past LLS PTA Executive Board
Paul Block, past BOE Member
Huong Belpedio
Ari Benmosche, RTM District 8
Paula Shakos, Staples/LLS parent, past LLS PTA president, past BMS PTA Executive Board
Bill Shakos, Staples/LLS parent
Rozanne Gates
Suzanne Sheridan
Evan Siegel, Staples Graduate 20’
Louis D’Onofrio Jr., DNP, former Westport/Weston Health Department Clinic Director & LLS Parent
Sara Robbin, Staples and BMS parent, past LLS parent, past PTA Executive Board
Richard and Lisa Kent
Gianni Lorenzato, SHS, BMS and LLS parent
Debra Levin, Westport resident
Paul E. Cahill
Ellen Cahill
Neva Alsheik
Marc Angelico
Adam Glazer, LLS Parent
Stephanie Frankel, Staples Parent
Stephanie Fitzgerald, KHS Parent
Cristian Petrina, LLS parent
Eric and Stephanie Raphael
Matthew S. Brooklier – CES Parent
Katie Andrews, LLS/BMS Parent
Nicole Luciani, BMS & SES parent
Jennifer Ginsberg, Staples parent
Matt and Karen Usdin, LLS Parents
Brooke Koller-Faloon, LLS Parent
Dan Chiazza, SES parent, Westport youth sports coach
David Weisbard, LLS parent
Fred Lott
Saul Zion, BMS and LLS parent