Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Westporters Marc Angelico & Neva Alsheik
When dysfunction defines national politics, local leadership matters more than ever. Westport has the chance to get this right by electing David Rosenwaks for First Selectman.
This election isn’t about party labels—it’s about leadership that reflects who we are and where we’re headed. We want to acknowledge that all the candidates bring intelligence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to Westport—qualities that speak to the strength of our community.
That said, this moment calls for clear, pragmatic leadership grounded in common sense and independence. One party’s national platform poses real risks to the values that make Westport thrive: free thought and speech, educational excellence, diversity, and a balance of progressive ideals with fiscal discipline. The other, once a champion of those ideals, has lost touch with the broader base it claims to serve. David Rosenwaks is different.
He’s not a career politician—and that’s a strength. He is, however, a legitimate former executive who has successfully led teams and executed billions of dollars of financial transactions and investment. He has gone above and beyond in his role as a full-time, dedicated public servant in the RTM to understand the issues facing our town and forge real opportunities for change. David is a brilliant strategic thinker and a humble servant —someone who listens, builds coalitions, and delivers outcomes.
We live in a jewel of a town. We are reminded of that every time our children splash in the water at Compo, every time we pause to admire a neighbor’s garden, lovingly tended for 25 years; every time we are sick and soup magically shows up at our door.
You cannot manufacture that kind of community.
Westport is full of smart, generous people drawn here by something rare—an outsized quality of life, yes, but also a deep, unspoken promise of what it means to live well, together. And yet, as we look ahead, many of us feel an undercurrent of worry. Change is coming fast, and not always in ways that feel aligned with who we are.
Rising traffic. Oversized development. The challenge of preserving our exceptional schools—all without raising taxes. These aren’t partisan issues. They’re leadership issues. And they demand someone who can bring together the best ideas from both sides to deliver what’s best for Westport. Full stop.
David Rosenwaks reflects the best of what this town stands for. He is a business leader who knows how to attract smart, sustainable growth. He is an artist who honors Westport’s cultural soul. He is a father raising his family here, deeply invested in our future and what the next 30-40 years will look like for our community.
If you believe there’s a better choice than the ones we’re too often told are our only options—you’re right. And if you believe Westport deserves independent, capable, forward-thinking leadership, we invite you to join us in voting for David Rosenwaks.
Let’s choose the future we want to live in, together.
Marc Angelico & Neva Alsheik
Blind Brook Road
Westport
Marc & Neva,
I don’t know who is helping you write your letter of endorsement, but it appears obvious that they and you have not vetted Mr. Rosenwaks’ claims. According to SEC documents, it appears that he was never “a legitimate former executive who has successfully led teams and executed billions of dollars of financial transactions and investment”. He was a beneficial owner of a company, held zero SEC investment certifications, and was never even registered with the SEC. Not Ever. Zilch. Clearly you didn’t read my October 17 comment under Selectman Candidates Debate Westport’s Future.
David’s mundane, ineffectual and silent tenure on the RTM actually proves that your statement “David is a brilliant strategic thinker and a humble servant —someone who listens, builds coalitions, and delivers outcomes” is a purely fictitious rhetoric. AND his voting record there actually violated his promise to prioritize the environment, and broke his promises to the Community Gardeners.
And while you say “You cannot manufacture that kind of community”, unfortunately a candidate can manufacture his background and qualifications. That is why it is so important for the electorate to throughly “”vette” our candidates – particularly the new self-professed “rogue” ones who arrive in Town.
“Competence Isn’t Partisan” might be an evangelical slogan. However competence is not authenticated by campaign rhetoric and unsubstantiated assertions. True qualifications matter.
Before writing an endorsement, you and our Town would be better served if you first did your homework.
That is IF you actually care more about Westport than you do Mr. Rosenwaks.
Jay,
I did my homework. I am voting for David. I care about Westport. I can see why the Dem and Republican party are afraid of Independents. The time has come for a third party option locally and nationally. Things are not working as is.
Hello fellow Westport residents,
My name is Dr Mark Anderson. I am a physician who moved with my wife to Westport five years ago. I have spent many years visiting my wife’s family that has lived here since 1962. We both love this community and feel very privileged to live here.
I strongly support Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich for First and Second Selectpersons. Both have demonstrated the appropriate education, background, experience, and objective accomplishments to perform the complex duties that the job will require. Their individual skill sets combine into an extraordinary team to take on the challenges that Westport will face in the upcoming years.
In contrast, I cannot support the other two candidates. All three candidates started as Democrats, then two morphed into a Republican and an Independent because they did not get the Democratic nomination.
Mr Rosenwaks is a puzzle. I have listened to him, read his brief platform and seen the glowing accolades by his supporters in this journal but I have struggled to find real evidence of his achievements.
Dr Jay Walshon has clearly outlined David’s financial background in an October 17 entry. Dr Walshon includes documentation which refutes Mr. Rosenwaks’ claims. I have seen no record of employment for him since the age of 31 other than a part-time career in music. I viewed his video, “Breaking the Law” under his professional name Dave Rogue. It was disturbing. It’s crude content does not represent the values we would consider appropriate for the First Selectman of Westport.
Mr. Rosenwaks served on the RTM, but apparently attended meetings and did not have the initiative to “take the podium” to discuss his opinions and show leadership.
In contrast, Kevin Christie has extremely strong qualifications for the role of First Selectman. Unlike Mr Rosenwaks he has an MBA from the prestigious Northwestern University and subsequently worked in high level finance, executing over $40 billion in financial transactions. He has served on the Westport Board of Education, PTA and has been active in youth soccer leagues dwarfing the length and breadth of Mr Rosenwaks’ experience. Likewise his running mate, Amy Wistreich has a deep resume in real estate, land use, architecture and construction. She has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning and Zoning Commission for many years. Mr Rosenwaks does not have a Second Selectperson running with him.
In summary, Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich are the right team for Westport. Authentic years of experience and proven tangible track records define them. This is not a popularity contest It is too important to risk our town in the hands of someone with inadequate credentials. Please “do your homework” and look at the real facts and experience.
Respectfully,
Mark D. Anderson MD