Editor’s note: following are opinions submitted by Westporters Jim Ezzes, Sydney Hunter, and Toni Simonetti and Jeff Neville. 

My family moved to Westport in 1953. The town had  just over 10,000 residents and that was before Parker Harding Plaza (the river went up to the rear of the buildings), Longshore, Long Lots and Coleytown Middle Schools, the library at Jesup Green and Interstate 95. The “gentlemen’s agreement” in many towns in Fairfield County prevailed but Westport was a welcoming town for diversity, artists, writers and actors. But like now, Westport was a town in transition. 

I have had the honor of serving on an elected  town board and as a local volunteer for over 30 years. During my many years as a resident change has been an integral part of our community. Change is inevitable and a good thing but it is ultimately how you manage the change that matters.  I have always thought that as a community we work hard for our neighbors to make Westport better for our efforts. The upcoming election on November 4th is a very important election for  Westport. We need to elect a team  who will respond to the future, who will listen to the people of the community and move the town forward in a positive and constructive way. Kevin Christie and Amy Weistreich are the most qualified candidates for first and second select persons  and who I know  are the best team for our town. 

Kevin has the proven management and financial acumen and experience to address the needs of the town. As a member of The Board of Education, Kevin demonstrated that he is a calm, thoughtful, and principled man. Amy has a broad knowledge of zoning issues that will be invaluable as we address the parking issues, development of Saugatuck and so many of the upcoming projects we will be addressing as a community. Prior to joining the Planning and Zoning Commission, Amy was a valued member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. 

The people we elect as our next First and Second Select Persons will be very 

significant. As a team, Kevin and Amy compliment each other’s knowledge and expertise and will be able to successfully bring together the divergent voices in our town. 

We all need to focus and work together for our future. Angry conversations and false accusations have no place in Westport. I am supporting Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich who have the proven experience for a successful community. 

Jim Ezzes
Punchbowl Drive
Westport

Experience and Decisive Leadership; Kevin Christie has my vote. 

I am genuinely excited to support Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich, the Democratic candidates for Westport First Selectmen. It is clear that Kevin possesses the finance and management experience to execute on his detailed vision for Westport, particularly with respect to infrastructure. Kevin managed 40 billion in strategic and financial transactions in the private sector, and has handled huge acquisitions for Madison Square Garden. As the Head of the Policy Committee for the Board of Education since 2021, Kevin has passed numerous policies that improved student outcomes and school climate, thus preserving the quality of Westport’s premier schools. Furthermore, Amy’s extensive background in land use in the private sector and with the P&Z, make Kevin and Amy a formidable team. Kevin’s incredible depth and breadth of experience and willingness to take a stand are clearly why he was chosen as the Democratic candidate, as opposed to David Rosenwaks, who also interviewed to represent the Democratic Party this cycle, and Don O’Day who applied to be the Democratic candidate last cycle. 

The “strong endorsement” from Governor Lamont, Senators Murphy and Blumenthal, and Congressman Himes, and their canvassing throughout Westport with Kevin and Amy, speak volumes. These representatives daily defend democratic values including due process and free speech, stand up to the national onslaught against the Department of Education, and keep Connecticut fiscally sound. The fact that these legislators identify in Kevin the necessary strength, and integrity, to protect our local schools and residents from similar attacks, as well as the ability to fiscally navigate, is significant. 

At a recent debate, each candidate was asked to define their campaign in a single word, Kevin was definitive; “infrastructure.” He does not hesitate when asked about his policies. He feels a new home could be found for the maintenance shed at Longshore which contains equipment for more than just Longshore and is currently a blight. Kevin will immediately address traffic issues with the DOT including the Cribari Bridge and traffic generated by state roads. He will develop a capital plan to preserve facilities that warrant preservation. Kevin is explicit that the two-hour parking limit for downtown is insufficient, requiring no additional studies, and pledges to include a merchant on the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee. Kevin is adamant that the Community Garden find a new home promptly, such that gardeners “not miss another growing season,” citing Burr Farms as a logical location. 

In contrast, the Republican candidate, Don O’Day professed that his campaign could be defined as a commitment to getting things done. Yet that rang hollow as he avoided utilizing specifics in addressing the future of the Community Garden, and vacillated on the potential to move the maintenance shed from Longshore. He appeared loath to take a stand. Moreover, when questioned about his recent embracement of the GOP, and when specifically asked by the moderator, how we could be sure O’Day would not capitulate to outside national extremist influences, this self described “life long Democrat,” theatrically responded; “I will not kiss the ring!” Yet one has to wonder why this “life long Democrat” would choose this particular moment in our nation’s history, July 2025, to suddenly abandon the ideals of the Democratic party. 

I have concerns with David Rosenwaks as well. Rosenwaks summed up his campaign as a commitment to transparency. Yet when performing due diligence, I noted that he previously voted against allowing a resident directed petition to advance at the RTM, and has been virtually mute at RTM meetings, repeatedly declining to express his opinions on critical issues. Unlike Kevin and Amy who procured the endorsements of the current CT governor, senators and congressmen, Rosenwaks touted his endorsement from a former NJ governor who has not been in office for twenty years. Lastly, I find it disconcerting that Rosenwaks was unable to secure a running mate. 

In conclusion, in terms of experience, decisive leadership and integrity, Kevin and Amy are overwhelmingly best suited to serve Westport at this pivotal juncture.

Sydney Hunter
Westport

There are many reasons why we believe Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich are the absolute best choices for First and Second Selectpersons for Westport.  Now more than ever. 

It is not because they are Democrats, but that is important now more than ever.  Our country, state, towns and cities… our people … are under attack by a Republican administration that has extended its reach to Westport, CT.  Do not give this short shrift because you think our cute affluent town is “outside the reach of national politics.”  We are not. 

Neither is it because they have more credible and relevant experience and real world credentials than any other candidate, though that is reason enough, now more than ever. 

It is not even because they have a proven track of LISTENING TO ALL OF US, no matter your stripes or predispositions.  But of course, having leaders that listen and respond to all of their constituents is critical, now more than ever. 

Today, the reason we’ve decided to put our endorsement in writing is because of the message we got from them today:

“How do the Selectmen decide what Town projects to do and how do they decide how to spend our taxpayer dollars? 

“We love this question.”

Here is a link to how they answer this question.  Every Westport taxpayer should read this! 

They are the only candidates to tackle this question with real chops and an inclusive and strategic approach. 

It is important to understand this, now more than ever, because the next 10 years of Westport’s identified capital spending needs add up to more than $500 million — on top of the most recent $120 million appropriation for an elementary school (an amount approved by their opponents behind closed doors). 

As we have gotten to know this slate of Christie/Wistreich in the past several months and years, we have grown more confident that they are decent, trustworthy, smart and knowledgeable. 

That’s what we need, now more than ever. 

Toni Simonetti
Jeff Neville
Evergreen Parkway
Westport, CT