Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Westporter Kyla Sullivan.

This election, Westporters have the opportunity to vote for three Planning & Zoning candidates who have demonstrated true leadership and commitment to equity for female athletes in our community: Michael Cammeyer, Bre Injeski, and Craig Schiavone.

For decades, Westport families have voiced concern over the lack of equal access for girls to lighted sports fields for practices and games. Until recently, it was not even legal to light the Wakeman/Staples fields, where our exceptional girls’ soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey teams play. That changed earlier this year thanks to Michael Cammeyer, who championed a law allowing each field to be evaluated individually for lighting.

The Democratic majority on the P&Z supported this initiative, and though it passed on a split vote, the coalition advocating for our female athletes prevailed.

Why does this matter?

First, it’s fundamentally unfair for our female athletes to have fewer opportunities to play and practice. The notion that only the boys’ football field could be lit is outdated.

Second, without lit fields, girls are forced to miss school to accommodate earlier game times once daylight fades in fall and spring. Just this week, several female athletes missed end-of-quarter exams due to early game starts. In Westport, no student should have to choose between academics and athletics.

Third, more time on the field means less time on phones. At a time when social media increasingly captures our children’s attention, extending opportunities for outdoor play is a positive step for their well-being.

Fourth, the new regulation ensures that each field will be evaluated individually, with clear limits on sound and hours – protecting the rights of nearby residents.

Finally, while Michael’s initial motivation was to ensure equal access for girls, this change benefits the entire athletic community, including boys’ soccer, lacrosse, and other sports.

Michael’s tireless work through numerous subcommittee meetings – welcoming robust public comment and neighborhood input – set the stage for this progress. The next step is critical: approving applications to light individual fields. We need Michael Cammeyer, Bre Injeski, and Craig Schiavone on the P&Z to make that happen and to ensure that our girls finally have the same opportunities as the boys to play under the lights.

Please join me in supporting these three exceptional candidates for Planning & Zoning.

Kyla Sullivan
Colonial Road
Westport