Candidates are listed in the order in which they appear on the ballot. 

Diane ​Cady

Member RTM since 2003, was Co-chair Tree Board; Unsung Hero Westport Red Cross; instrumental  in finding funds to elevate houses after flooding; found funds to plant 42 trees at Compo.

Matthew ​Mandell

Executive Director Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, 12 year RTM member, Saved the Partrick Wetlands and Kemper Gunn House, Created the Slice of Saugatuck and Westport Dog Festivals. Married, 2 kids

Kristin M. ​Purcell

I am a curious and compassionate pragmatist.  I am excited to explore the issues and opportunities that are most important to the citizens of District 1 specifically and Westport in general. ...

Chris ​Tait

Chris Tait, born and raised in the very district he is running for re-election on Westport RTM. He is married with two daughters in the Westport Public Schools.

Richard S. Jaffe

Coached 19 kids’ sports teams
10 years Temple Israel’s Finance Committee
Westport Sunrise Rotary
Michigan and Stanford Computer Science degrees
Northwestern MBA
Former Chief Technology Officer; former Chief Compliance Officer.

 What do you believe are the two most important issues the RTM must address and what solutions would you propose?

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Cady

Senior residents have been shocked and disappointed that the building of a residence for seniors, very close to happening, was, first, swept away by a move of the Planning and Zoning Commission.  When it came to the RTM, there were not adequate votes to overthrow the P & Z decision.  The RTM needs to re-open the topic, and work with the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Not long ago, I read that our town is 3rd on the list of Connecticut towns holding the most debt.  The RTM needs to support the continuing the paying down of our costly debt.

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Mandell

<>Fiscal responsibility and protection of the character of our community are my issues.

Requiring accountability from both the Town and Board of Education, while ensuring good services and quality schools is complicated, but mandatory. Keeping our taxes reasonable, especially for seniors, is imperative.

Westport is a unique and beautiful town, it's what sets us apart and is a magnet for residents. Protecting our small town New England character not only guarantees a superior lifestyle, but increases our property values.

For 12 years I've worked to improve our town, please give me the opportunity to do more. 

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Purcell

... I have a particular interest in preserving and enhancing the unique qualities that make Westport the place we chose to raise our family.  These include Compo Beach, the other town beaches, Longshore, the excellent educational system, the library and the community of caring, passionate citizens.  I look forward to listening and learning from my fellow District 1 residents and going the extra mile to research and consider all options available to the RTM to serve our community.  I first moved to Westport in 1995 and have been a full-time Compo Beach resident since 2001.  I have served many seasons as...

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Tait

Chris Tait is running for his 3rd term as RTM/District 1.  As Chairman of Parks and Recreation Committee, he has supported the improvements and ongoing maintenance of all of our beaches and public golf course.  It is essential to the town that these wonderful resources remain at the quality that we expect. We must protect these assets by funding their maintenance and improvements in a fiscally responsible way, without neglecting the school system that so many benefit from. I grew up here and want my girls to also have wonderful experiences at the beach, on the water, and at school

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Jaffe

First, Westport must remain the open, welcoming, caring community it has always been. I pledge vigilance to make sure we continue as a bastion of decency.
 
Second, we must plan for the future. If we don’t, we may be caught by surprise if the state government’s dysfunctional performance, a crumbling public transportation infrastructure, companies leaving Connecticut, and the tax burden shifting onto us interfere with Westport remaining as a place to live of choice. Fixing up Main Street, developing Saugatuck, and maintaining our schools’ excellence may not be enough. My experience, and creative thinking, will help us with our plan.