Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Westporters Sarah Morrison, Sandra Rose and Veronica Tyssel.
We feel strongly that this is a time to put aside identity politics; Don O’Day himself was a registered Democrat until he decided to take a chance to lead our town. We ourselves are registered Democrats and Independents and have zero affiliation or admiration for Republican politics in Washington.
As many of you know, Don—alongside Jay Keenan—has been at the forefront of the effort to secure a new Long Lots School for our community. At a time when our voices risked being drowned out by special interests, Don spoke up. He brought steady leadership and unwavering resolve, even in the face of frequent hostility that often consumed committee meetings.
Throughout it all, Don never lost sight of the goal: ensuring our children would have a new school built efficiently and without unnecessary delay. Because he stood firm in that commitment, those who worked to stall the project are now trying to discredit him. Some have even gone so far as to use his role as Chair of the LLS Building Committee against him—a disappointing tactic, especially from the Democratic nominees.
This is not the kind of politics we need in our town. With Coleytown up next, we must elect leaders who are willing to advocate fiercely for what our students deserve: safe, functional schools and adequate playing fields.
Don brings with him a wealth of experience in local government—more than any other candidate in the race. That experience matters, and we believe it will serve our town well.
Don and Andrea are ready to listen, to answer, and to lead.
Sarah Morrison
High Point Road
Westport
Sandra Rose
Bayberry Lane
Westport
Veronica Tysseland
Trailing Rock Lane
Westport
Parents for a New LLS
To clarify, this is a single-issue endorsement by the LLSBC’s three-person parent squad, who were politically “activated” by O’Day, Moore, Keenan, Heyer, Caney, and Tooker (the activator in chief).
Do not even try to say gardeners did not want your kids to have a nice and safe school. You, Don O’Day, and the LLSB Committee have used children as a shield for your underhanded plan for more, bigger, better town athletic fields long enough.
The garden was nowhere near the actual school facilities; the garden parcel was not included in the school specifications, the gardeners are not, and have never been. a threat to your children.
And raising taxes 4% behind closed doors to spend $120M on an elementary school is not praiseworthy. It is outrageous and greedy.
This is why I support David Rosenwaks. Party politics is not working for our town. David listened to both sides. We all need to be represented and listened to.
I agree.
I don’t see how one can separate from the Republican party and Trump if they decide to put an R in front of their name and run on the Republican ticket.
Sandy and Veronica,
Well said, and couldn’t agree with you both anymore on your endorsement of Don O’Day and Andrea Moore. In Westport, we don’t work as D’s or R’s. We work collaboratively, with transparency with fellow Westport elected volunteers to get things done. Don and Andrea are proven leaders.
Don and Andrea have stepped for our children, our residents and our town, and will continue to do so as our First and Second Selectman.
Those trying to bring national politics to our local level, should know it never works, as we are all neighbors and have the same goal when in comes to Westport – The W not a D or R.
Jimmy Izzo
RTM 3
Spoken like a bona fide Republican, Jimmy. You are a Republican. You are partisan. Don and Andrea are Republicans. NOBODY thinks you are not partisan. Is there any Republican money supporting your candidates?
Bravo Sarah, Sandy, & Veronica! Parents who stood up for their kids & many, many others to keep this long delayed project moving forward. No more “We need a new school, but….” Schools are expensive, kids need playgrounds and outside spaces, lots of parking is needed.
This project has always been about these 600+ kids, generations to come and avoiding as much neighbor-wide and Town-wide disruption as possible. Difficult decisions were needed and Don wasn’t afraid to make them after listening to differing points of view.
This school was delayed by Tooker Moore, Parks n Rec, and the LLSBC’s lies and divisive behavior.
If there had been sane, mature, grown up negotiation from the start they would have saved themselves the delay and had a school 18 months sooner, with lower tarrifs etc..
Let’s be clear !
LONG LOTS WAS DELAYED BECAUSE OF LIES AND DECEPTIVE BEHAVIOUR.
And yes lots of parking is needed….. just like it is in the downtown.
When will this towns administration learn.
If it wants the residents and stakeholders co operation then
Quit the underhanded undermining authoritarian style of leadership
It just gets you law suits.