Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Westporter Jim Hood.
Westport Journal on Saturday published a letter from my dear friend and colleague, Ian Warburg, expressing his views about Tuesday’s election for Westport’s first and second select persons — important to all of us. The byline cited Ian’s role in Soundview Empowerment Alliance, the nonprofit organization I started, with Ian and Chris Tait, to save and protect forever our beloved Old Mill Grocery & Deli, while providing opportunities to train persons with special needs so they might get on a path to gainful employment.
Some people assumed Ian’s views represent those of SEA. I know that was not Ian’s intention. He cares far too much about, and has devoted far too much time to SEA to throw us into that fray. Still, to remove any doubt, let me state unequivocally that SEA does not endorse political candidates. We serve all of Westport and work with all elected and appointed officials.
Politics are often vigorously discussed around OMG&D’s community table, but it is a community table, not a partisan one.
The current administration have been invaluable supporters of SEA and OMG&D, for which we will be forever grateful. The first and second select persons, to be sure; but also many RTM members; the police, fire, and health departments; town attorney; planning & zoning; and likely others I am forgetting.
Creating SEA and saving OMG&D has been a true community effort, involving dozens of prominent Westport residents, hundreds of generous donors, and thousands of grateful customers. We could not have done it without ALL of you.
Good luck to all candidates tomorrow. We look forward to welcoming all those who fought hard for their beliefs to OMG&D once the election dust settles.
Let’s sit around OMG&D’s community table. Coffee is on me.
Jim Hood
Board Chair, Soundview Empowerment Alliance
Soundview Drive
Westport
Thank you Jim. I could not agree more with you, and your mission to keep Old Mill Grocery alive and well. If Ian Warburg, who I consider a friend, feels the need to endorse a candidate publicly over people who have financially helped save the deli, that is his right.
The three of you do great work together, and our community is grateful for your efforts and success.
I look forward to supporting the mission of the Deli as a patron, and RTM member as we move forward from this election cycle.
Jimmy Izzo
RTM 3
Um is this considered voter intimidation? Coercion? Improper use of RTM role? Something is not passing the sniff test on this comment.
It pains me to read this because in no way did Ian state he was representing views other than his own. The implication and innuendo is disappointing, Mr. Hood. You know Ian better than to bend to those who would impugn his integrity.
Please reread the second paragraph of my letter to WJ. I clearly said I know that was not Ian’s intent, but it had come to my intention that others did not see it that way. So I wanted to clarify matters.
Continue clarifying matters, please. Who brought it to your attention?
I ask this as someone eager to continue supporting omg&d
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