Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Westporter Rick Smilow.

I’m writing to endorse a range of candidates running for office in Westport in the November 4th election.  While there are myriad issues to consider that are important in Westport, my own primary interests include smart development planning, traffic, quality of life, the Cribari Bridge, and the future of the Saugatuck Business District, where the so-called Hamlet project was planned. 

During 2025, I have actively developed perspective, as one of the founding members and supporters of the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck. Now, I have a point of view as to which candidates I think are most likely to lead, steer and vote on direction for development in Saugatuck that results in the best plan for RTM District 1 residents like me, and the balance of Westport.  

Selectman’s Office

There are three men running to be First Selectman of Westport. I have had a preference for several months, but I went to last Thursday night’s candidates’ debate at GFA to learn more. I think that candidates Kevin Christie and Don O’Day would both be good for Westport. The independent party candidate, David Rosenwaks, impressed me with his fresh perspective, but he does not yet have as much experience in town management and politics as the other candidates.

Kevin and Don are smart, caring, say the right things, and have both corporate business experience, and service experience in Westport, to prepare them to be our “mayor.”

But in the end, I will be voting for Kevin Christie and his running mate Amy Wistreich, based on my respect and admiration for Amy.  As many of you know, she is currently on Westport’s P&Z and prior to that elected position, was on Westport’s Zoning Board of Appeals. Early on this year, she recognized that Roan Development’s application for the Hamlet was a project that was wrong for Westport, and that the earlier P&Z Text Amendment that made the application possible, was an error in judgement and policy.  During the Hamlet application process, Amy asked thoughtful questions, listened, and in the end, joined the majority on July 21st to reject the application.

I know that like me, Amy believes that development in the Saugatuck Business district is both inevitable, an opportunity and a challenge.  And I know that while she has not spent her whole life as a professional land use expert, she now has a strong working knowledge of the issues in Saugatuck, and has a general vision that aligns with mine for the future of that area.

By contrast, Don O’Day’s running mate, Andrea Moore, has been in office as the Second Selectwoman for almost four years. I am one of the thousands of people who have no idea what she thinks about Saugatuck Development. I acknowledge that as the “#2”, her role was to align with the First Selectwoman, Jen Tooker. But my perspective is that both of them have shown no leadership when it comes to this crucial issue for the future of Westport.  That is why I will vote for Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich. 

Planning & Zoning Commission

In this election, there are four people running for three spots. I am going to vote for Michele Paquette, Craig Schiavone and, maybe, Michael Cammeyer.

Michele has been an active member and voice in the Westport Alliance For Saugatuck.  Earlier in life, she was a senior executive at a biopharma  company. All year, I have seen her gather facts, digest data (like a 250 page traffic study), and pay attention to all sides of the issues. It’s clear to me her brain power, skills and collaborative spirit would be valuable on Westport’s P&Z.

As for Craig Schiavone, I have only known her a few months. But I’m impressed with her extensive career in urban planning, historic preservation and non-profit management. She served as co-chair of the Saugatuck T.O.D. master plan commission (around 2018?) and has lived in Westport over 20 years. It’s been a quick study, but I respect her values.

As for Michael Cammeyer, running for re-election, I do hold it against him that he was a co-architect of the late 2022 text amendment that upzoned Saugatuck by 800%.  That was an unnecessary, unwarranted and bizarrely large increase. That said, this year, I spent hours listening to P&Z meetings, where Michael was an active participant, and I appreciated his steady demeanor, and commitment to good governance. In other words, I may give him a second chance.

Representative Town Meeting – District 1

In District 1, there are five people running for four spots.  I endorse two of them, Matthew Mandell and Gail Coykendall.  They have two very different profiles.  

Matt has been on Westport’s RTM since 2005 and also serves as Executive Director of Westport’s Chamber of Commerce.  As I have gotten to know Matt, I’m very impressed with his energy, commitment and doggedness to make Westport a better place. He has a broad understanding of Westport’s structure and issues, and his civic “institutional knowledge” is extremely valuable. 

By contrast, Gail is running for her first term. Gail has a background in healthcare and has lived on Saugatuck Shores for 21 years, and raised two kids, K thru 12, in Westport. Gail has been an active member in the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck, and will be a new and younger voice on the RTM. The best RTM – which has 36 members – will always be one that combines individuals with experience, and others with  new energy and vision.

I also will be voting for Chris Tait, who is running for reelection. But I do have some directional advice for him. That is, take more of a role as a leader, not a follower.

Separate from this election, here’s a thought for the landowners of the properties in Saugatuck that are for sale – particularly Hanes Realty Corporation.  I hope they recognize that the way for them to finally monetize their real estate assets, is to align and deal with a developer (or developers) who look for the “center lane.” That is, development that is right sized, meets the needs of Westport and that can get approval, without years of litigation, from Westport’s public, P&Z, RTM and town hall leadership.

Rick Smilow
Stony Point Road
Westport, CT