From left, Gov. Ned Lamont, State Representative and first selectman candidate Jonathan Steinberg, his running mate, Candice Savin, current Board of Education chair, and Michael Cammeyer, Planning & Zoning Commission secretary. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

By Jarret Liotta

WESTPORT — Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont came to town Friday afternoon to stump for State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-136), who hopes to become Westport’s new first selectman after Tuesday night’s election.

“Everybody up in Hartford knows this is a man of great kindness and common sense,” said Lamont, who toured downtown for an hour or so, visiting several local stores and stopping for a short bite to eat.

Owner Chris Marcocci, center, watches as general manager Jon Clement, left, talks to Gov. Ned Lamont inside Local to Market on Main Street. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

About eight Democratic town officials joined him, including Steinberg, his running mate Candice Savin, the current Board of Education chair, Selectperson Melissa Kane, and Michael Cammeyer, Planning and Zoning Commission secretary.

Candidates Jonathan Steinberg and Candice Savin chat with Gov. Ned Lamont. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

Matthew Mandell, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce president, helped guide the tour.

Matthew Mandell, at right, tours Gov. Ned Lamont on Main Street. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

“Every town needs a champion,” Lamont said, noting how Steinberg has worked for Westport’s interests in Hartford. “I can’t think of a better champion than Jonathan.”

Along the way, the governor stopped to buy his wife, Annie — whom he met in Westport, he said, when he lived on Harbor Road “back in the Ming Dynasty” — a birthday present at Savvy + Grace.

Annette Norton, owner of Savvy + Grace, chats with Gov. Ned Lamont about her store. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

Steinberg expressed appreciation to the governor for supporting his candidacy.

“I’ve always felt that I’ve had access to the governor,” he said, noting the partnership they developed in addressing issues related to the pandemic.

Gov. Ned Lamont, left, talks with Jonathan Steinberg. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

“He’s demonstrated what a leader is and I can only hope to emulate that style,” said Steinberg, who has served in the legislature for six terms.

Gov. Ned Lamont, at center, shows his happy reaction to a closed-off Church Lane. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

Savin called the visit “a great honor.”

“The governor has done a great job for our state (and) I know he and Jonathan have made a terrific team,” she said, noting that Steinberg will be given opportunities to reach out to him if elected first selectman.

From left, Gov. Ned Lamont, Jonathan Steinberg, and Candice Savin. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)