Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Westporter and head of the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck Dara Lamb.

During the public hearing process for the Hamlet, the Alliance brought many of our town’s most brilliant minds together across the political (and apolitical) spectrum. We’re thankful for the wealth of knowledge, leadership and countless hours everyone brought to this effort. 

Although the alliance was not founded to be political, during this long journey together, it became apparent that to create the changes our supporters want, we need people in town governance who represent our shared values.  For Planning and Zoning this election could not be more crucial. Westport’s 10-Year Plan of Conservation and Development will come up this term for revision.

Our mission remains the same: to advocate for smart, right sized development in Saugatuck. We are incredibly grateful that bi-partisan candidates have stepped up to serve, many as first time candidates. We are proud to introduce and endorse the following members of our founding and early members:

Michele Paquette: P&Z

Michele’s journey began in 2022, when she publicly opposed text amendment 24-C which increased density in Saugatuck by 800%.  Michele’s thoughtful comments relating to commuter parking concerns at the very first 2024 public hearings on the Hamlet stood out for their depth of research and understanding of the facts on the ground. 

Working with her during this long process has only cemented our first impression: Michele brings a deep commitment to the town, an incredible work ethic, and a deep sense of fairness. Her long and successful career informs her understanding of a wide range of stakeholders: experience that enables a perspective encompassing both a 30,000 ft holistic view and the concerns of individuals.

As a P&Z commissioner, she will always be prepared, will do the work required no matter how many hours it takes, and will stand by her foundational values, even under pressure. We are so proud to have worked with her and know the town will be fortunate to have her on our planning and zoning commission.  

Craig Schiavone: P&Z

Craig Schiavone brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and impressive work in development, particularly in Public/Private partnerships. Many got a glimpse of her vision, creativity and foresight firsthand as she pulled together multiple stakeholders from our town to create the original transit-oriented plan of development for Saugatuck. 

She will no doubt bring some of the deepest development experience to the Planning and Zoning Commission, a quality we think is critical now. Certainly because we will surely see a new plan for the redevelopment of Saugatuck, but also because Westport’s 2027 Plan of Conservation and Development will be written during this term. And the state has already signaled their intent to become more involved in development near transit hubs. Our P&Z commission must include someone who understands this and can work to manage it.

In addition to all this, Craig’s secret sauce is bringing together stakeholders across all perspectives and affiliations, doing so with grace and respect for differences of opinion. To say this is rare today cannot be overstated. It’s the type of leadership we sorely need. 

Michele and Craig will make a great team for Planning and Zoning.

Gail Coykendall: RTM D1

Gail is a founding member of the Alliance. As a mother of school-age children, she understands all too well the devastating consequences of increased traffic on the over 1000 households in D1Not limited to quality-of-life issues alone, her experience in healthcare gives her direct knowledge of how traffic delays impact emergency service vehicles which can have life-altering impacts. 

Gail has been on the board of the Saugatuck Island Special Taxing District for over 5 years, and active in community affairs throughout her life. Hard-working, open-minded to differing perspectives and a great listener, she will bring a fresh, new perspective to the RTM and will ensure residents’ concerns will have a voice at the RTM. 

Jennifer Johnson: RTM D9

An ardent advocate for transparent governance, the rights of commuters, the environment, residents and merchants, Jenny Johnson is unwavering in her commitment to help make Westport a more livable community. Acutely aware of the direct impact the Hamlet project would have on her district, the Alliance has been so fortunate to rely on her countless hours of research, outreach to state, and depth of understanding of the complex issues surrounding our Village both now and in the future. Her devotion to protecting the residents of her district and those of greater Westport are undaunted and fearless, and an inspiration. 

Sal Liccione: RTM D9

Sal was the sole RTM who voted to overturn text amendment 24C, the zoning amendment that allowed for the outsized density of the Hamlet development. He foresaw what the result would be and knew it was wrong for Saugatuck and for Westport. Devoted to community and public safety, Sal did not waver or flinch, despite substantial pressure. We applaud his steadfastness and wish him well on another term.

Matthew Mandell and Chris Tait: RTM D1

We recognize Matthew Mandell for his admonitions to ROAN to increase views, public access, abide by setbacks and historical preservation during the April 28 public hearing on Hamlet. His continued commentary at public hearings supported the goals of Alliance and District One residents.

We also recognize Chris Tait for standing up for our District One community during the later stages of the hearings and particularly for his supportive comments during our appeal of the FECB and Conservation Rulings. 

Thank you Chris and Matt – you earned our support, and we hope to see you continue your advocacy for our district and for the right use and appropriate scale for development in Saugatuck.

Jenna Petok: RTM D2

Jenna hails from District Two and is a first-time candidate for RTM. In addition to her other qualifications, she’s devoted to community building, walkability, bike-ability and safe streets for all to enjoy

Last,  Amy Wistreich deserves a big shout out.  On the P and Z commission, Amy had the insight to ask the right questions that may have turned the corner for several commissioners and town leaders when the timing was critical. She always had a goal for the right development in Saugatuck.  Amy is running for second selectman.

The election is here. Please use your vote to elect these candidates. Candidates who express the values you’ve all written so strongly about, and who support the mission you’ve entrusted the Alliance with for right-sized development in Saugatuck. 

Dara Lamb, Westport Alliance for Saugatuck
Sea Spray Lane
Westport