2021 Voter's Guide

• Member of the Board of Selectmen, Selectwoman 2018-2021; First Selectwoman 2021
• Member of the Board of Education, 2017-2018
• Founding Partner at Chrysanthemum Partners, a Strategic Communications Consulting Firm
• Extensive Experience in the Not-for-Profit and Art Sectors with Positions at: The Frick Collection, New York Public Library, Elle Decor, and Metropolitan Home Magazine
• Author of Two Books: The Luxury Bathroom and Living with Wine
• Graduate of Cornell University, B.A. Art History and Communications

The perception that Weston is a town divided, perpetuated by social media, is increasingly preventing us from achieving our collective goals. The Weston I know has a great sense of community, beautiful landscapes, and is not nearly as acrimonious as isolated voices portray it to be. The 513 new families who have moved to Weston since 2019 demonstrate we remain a choice destination to live.

We should welcome respectful and informed opinions, as well as vigilant scrutiny of town leaders. But, emotional diatribes can not be allowed to replace factual analysis when discussing town matters—especially in virtual forums.

I am running for First Selectwoman because Weston is at a crossroads. In the next ten years our town has an opportunity to become one of CT's premiere municipalities by investing in our infrastructure. I'm the right leader to ensure these changes are executed properly and efficiently.

With my experience on the BOE, as Selectwoman, and First Selectwoman, I appreciate how arduous initiating projects and seeing them through to completion can be. Our town needs an experienced leader with the know-how and relationships with other government officials so they can get to work on day one. I'm that leader.

The BOS will need to address our dilapidated facilities. Weston's schools, town buildings, and roads are in desperate need of repairs. Whether its completely rebuilding or rehabilitating our structures, what Weston needs most is a comprehensive capital plan which surveys recommended improvements, estimated costs, and financial modeling to guarantee the necessary funding mechanisms are in place.

I would initiate the creation of this plan, splitting it into four parts: a total facilities review, 10 year capital budget, bonding plan, and grant application strategy. These elements will be critical parts of securing a prosperous future for Weston.

Kirby leads Sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives at Welltower Inc., a real estate investment trust. Kirby is a US Army veteran, serving as a Military Intelligence Corps Major. Kirby earned a BA from the College of William and Mary, and an MBA from Rice University. Kirby has served on the Board of the Aspetuck Land Trust, the Lachat Farm Commission, the Sustainability Committee, Parks & Recreation Commission and the Historical Society.

While I have successfully worked to address multiple issues facing Weston, such as protecting the environment and advocating for fiscal responsibility, the most significant issue facing Weston today is the desire by political elites in Hartford to regionalize Weston's schools, and to take away local control of our zoning. In 2019, Democrats in the legislature attempted to force smaller school districts to merge with nearby cities. This year, Democrats tried to impose state-wide zoning laws. As Weston's First Selectman, I won't remain silent. I'll use every means at my disposal to fight for local control of schools and zoning.

I love our wonderful town of Weston. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to lead and continue to give back as your First Selectman. I'll call upon my previous experience, which includes my corporate background and many years of service on the Board of Directors of the Aspetuck Land Trust, the Lachat Town Farm Commission, the Town Sustainability Committee, the Parks & Recreation Commission, and the Weston Historical Society. This background has given me a wide range of experience in protecting our local environment, adding amenities, controlling costs, and working together in a bipartisan manner to build our local community.

Leadership. I believe in the future of Weston and that all of us as can live as good and respectful neighbors. The key is to ensure the Board of Selectmen focuses on the most pertinent and impactful items, leverages a strategic approach, and actually makes timely decisions and actions, to jointly move forward together and make a difference. I know there is always more we can do to enhance our community, and I want to continue to build on my experience to lead that change. There's work to do, but there are great days ahead for Weston, and I want to help lead us there.

• Lived in Weston 6 years
• Appointed to Board of Selectmen (Aug 2021)
• Weston Education Foundation (Grants co-chair)
• Former (original) member of the town's Diversity Equity Inclusion Advisory Committee
• One of 5 members appointed to the advisory committee to BOE on selection of WPS superintendent (Feb 2021)
• Former first grade room parent; father of first and third grader girls
• Former management consultant/Goldman Sachs investment banker; current private equity professional
• Harvard undergraduate (statistics); Wharton Business School (MBA)

We have had many new neighbors move into town in recent years and I believe that we should be reaching out to our new Westonites and learning what is important to them. At the same time, we treasure our long term residents and want to make sure that as we move Weston forward, we maintain those wonderful qualities that brought all of us here in the first place. Many people move here for our schools and our two-acre zoning/open space. Our job as we move forward is to continue our excellence in educating our children and revitalizing our town while preserving our bucolic environment.

On a Police Commission zoom meeting, I stated the need for greater examples of diversity on our town boards and commissions and not simply skin color. We have newer residents that bring different thoughts and ideas to problem solving. A former Selectman agreed and stated that he wished more people would step up. So, here I am - stepping up! As a Weston resident of six years, I feel that I can provide a fresh perspective to governing. I also bring a business/finance background that will help the Board of Selectmen navigate the important issues we face with fiscal responsibility.

Our town is at an inflection point as there are many key issues facing us with long term impact: town revitalization, excellence and diversity in education and tax rates...to name a few. While we address all of these issues, I think it is important that the Board of Selectmen and all town commissions listen to all of our neighbors, weigh all sides of the issues, make decisions based on evidence and data, be transparent and maintain civil discourse throughout. When we come together as a community, we can get so much more done in a responsible manner.

Amy has lived in Weston for 18 years, and it has always been her ambition to play a significant role in public service. Following graduation from the University of Bridgeport, Amy joined Pfizer Pharmaceuticals where she held senior roles in sales, management and strategy ultimately retiring as Vice President, North American Operations. Amy has volunteered for the past 17 years at Wildlife in Crisis, a local non-profit dedicated to wildlife preservation and land conservation.

Voters overwhelmingly agree that budget, spending and taxes are Weston's most significant challenges. Year after year our tax increases are more unsustainable, especially when we have one of the highest mill rates in Connecticut. Our budget should be funded by better identifying true priorities and realizing spending efficiencies elsewhere. I would propose a more rigorous and sus-tainable budgeting process - one that requires transparency on incremental spending and not just applying year-over-year, blanket increases across the board. Related, we must reign in taxes by finding other funding opportunities for our investments.

I recently retired after 30 years with a Fortune-100 company, where I ran several operational divisions including its North American Operations. Running a town is not unlike running a business operation. The selectman needs to play a strong role in the financial management of the town and needs to be accountable for the execution of municipal services. I am running for Selectman because I believe that is where my skills and experiences can best be utilized in public service.

Transparency and diversity of thought. The need for diversity of opinion is obvious. But missing from the Board of Selectmen - and all our boards - is diversity of thought and spirited debate. The best decisions are made through a process of incremental improvement of ideas – which might often end in Board agreement rather than partisan alignment. Too often, the Board meetings are nothing more than a series of agenda items that have no real meaningful long term impact on a building a sustainable community. Greater transparency and meaningful debate are the first step towards effective and bipartisan leadership.

Steven Ezzes is a managing director of Newmarket Capital with 30 years of financial and corporate experience. He has served as Chairman of the BOF for eight years and held the similar position on Westport's BOF. Gov. Lamont appointed him to the board of the Connecticut Lottery Commission where he is a member of the executive committee for finance. He is a member of the Facilities Optimization Committee and former Trustee of the Westport/Weston YMCA.

In the 2017 LWV Voter's Guide, when I last ran for the BOF, the issue was the 'State's looming fiscal crisis' and the impact on Weston with lower state aid. Weston has experienced many issues since 2017 including the pandemic. As Chairman of the BOF we successfully continued our excellent education and town services with modest mill rate increases, and in some years none. Little has changed since 2017: state aid remains low, our infrastructure requires increased capital investment, and we must address the needs of all members of our community: children, families, and seniors. The challenges continue!

One only has to view the Weston Today video to understand representing Weston is a privilege. We have a number of hard choices going forward which must be made in collaboration with all our residents and members of town government.

The unanimously elected Chairman for eight years, I have a record of fiscal responsibility, responsive leadership, and collaboration with other boards on a non-partisan basis. There is much to accomplish addressing facilities and fiscal implications while continuing the level of education and services our townspeople expect.

I hope to be able to continue to offer my expertise and enthusiasm

2017's issue was reduced state aid. Lower state aid continues to be an issue while we now need significant infrastructure improvements. There is good news: bond debt will be retired, and Weston's fiscal reserves are strong. We must be diligent in our budgeting to continue providing outstanding education and town services. Weston has experienced a 20% change in homes whose resident's opinions need to be heard as they have chosen to live in our community. There will be challenges and the BOF will refine our financial models taking into account the ever-changing environment for the state and our community.

Jamie and his wife own and operate a mid-size health care business with operations throughout Connecticut & Massachusetts, employing nearly 300 people. He plays soccer with the Weston Soccer Club for adults and tennis at the Weston Field Club. He serves as the Director for the Junior Academy for the Weston Soccer Club since 2019 and his wife, Elizabeth, is the Chairwoman of Lachat Town Farm. Jamie has a son, Graham, and a daughter, Collette, who both attend the Weston Public Schools.

The most significant issue facing Weston today is the strong divide between people on political lines. Weston has recently been divided on many issues from the dog park, the fate of Lachat Town Farm, the handling of the Police Commission, to the topic of Critical Race Theory in our school system. Our leadership must work towards moving people past party lines and more towards a town based on unity where tolerance of ideas is celebrated and held as the standard by which we guide ourselves.

I am putting my name forward for this position because Westonites deserve solid and fiscally responsible policies that promote growth and create opportunities for all. In the same breath we must also ensure that the character and natural resources that make Weston so beautiful are always protected for future generations. I have a proven track record of creating, operating, and growing small businesses across three states. Beyond ensuring the fiscal health of these businesses, the happiness and security of the people I employ are at the heart of why I continue to work each day.

The most important role of the Board of Finance is to maintain the balance between the fiscal health and well-being of our current citizens while still operating in a manner to protect the future generations of Westonites. With this balance in mind, we are tasked to bring expertise, professionalism and sensible decision making to each issue that comes before us. We must have exceptional stewards guiding us to sound outcomes and fiscally beneficial policies for all the citizens of Weston.

Rone has served on the Board of Finance since 2017, and is currently a member of Weston's Insurance Advisory Committee. He's also a member of Norfield Church and the Kiwanis Club. Rone is a retired executive with over 35 years experience across the insurance sector. He was previously CEO of One Call Care Management, EVP at Centene, and COO for Guardian Life. Rone has an MBA from Harvard Business School and BA from Amherst College.

The most significant long term issue facing Weston is navigating the challenge of (1) maintaining what has traditionally made Weston special (rural character, excellent schools), while (2) evolving effectively in the face of key challenges and opportunities we face. These challenges and opportunities include: (a) continuously moderating town spending and taxes; (b) wisely maintaining and upgrading our facilities, amenities and services responding to the changing needs of our citizens; and (c) addressing state pro-posals to alter local zoning and regionalize schools, which financially burden more affluent towns like Weston to address state challenges.

To leverage my financial, business and local experience, along with my common sense, balanced perspec-tive to help address the challenges and opportunities Weston faces. I have served on the Board of Fi-nance for over 4 years and currently serve as Vice Chairman. I am active in the community, spending time and money supporting a range of community organizations as a volunteer and Board member, in-cluding Norfield Church, Kiwanis, Lachat Town Farm, and Waveny Lifecare Network.

Our priorities are: (1) ensuring excellent schools and high quality town services; (2) moderating our town spending, tax burden and mill rate; (3) maintaining a strong balance sheet, including a AAA rating; (4) charting a smart path to investments in capital for school and town facilities, and equipment and road paving; and (5) wisely taking advantage of our current excess surplus.

Jeff has been on Weston's Planning & Zoning Commission for 11 years, 4 years as Chairman, and is committed to overseeing the appropriate budgeting and deployment of taxpayer monies to town schools, services, and infrastructure that are in our common interest. Jeff is a former Civil Engineer with graduate work in Finance and Accounting and Management consulting experience in the services industry. Jeff has lived in Weston for 35+ years, enjoying Weston's natural beauty, character, and recreational amenities. His children benefited from its excellent school system and he admires the active participation in its civic life by its citizens.

Financial sustainability is Weston's greatest challenge. Without significant real growth in the Grand List our capacity to fund annual town operations and maintenance is limited. Our current 32.37 mill rate already places Weston above all neighboring towns except Redding. Based on recent financial models, long-term stability depends on limiting annual spending increases to two percent. Meanwhile, the town faces a series of critical decisions: rightsizing the school plant for existing and projected enrollment, renegotiating various employee contracts, replacing aging fire and public works equipment, staying with state or self-funding various employee health and benefit plans, and committing to a timeline for upgrading town roads.

As a more than 35 year Weston resident, my family has benefited greatly from our Town's natural beauty, character, community spirit, and school system. My community service includes Vice Chair of the Weston Water Study, Planning and Zoning Commission, Town Sidewalk Committee, and the Board of Finance. I am committed to overseeing the appropriate budgeting and deployment of taxpayer monies to schools, town services, and infrastructure which supports our collective long-term needs.

The Board of Finance faces the challenge of limiting annual budget increases to two percent. This requires strong collaboration with the Board of Education and Board of Selectman. I will continue to support the Board with financial modeling and monitoring property transfers leading up to the Town's next revaluation in 2023. I will also continue to advocate for leveraging the Town's bonding capacity to bring our aging road infrastructure up to par with surrounding towns.

As a lifelong Connecticut resident raised in Stratford, I moved to Weston with my wife Kate and three children (ages 11, 9 & 4) five years ago. We started our business Westport Auction in 2007 and have grown to over 5 locations and 20 employees. I have enjoyed volunteering my time in town to the baseball program and Scouts as well as being a member of the Norfield Grange. I hope to bring my life experiences and business acumen to improve Weston's financial future for all.

The biggest issue facing Weston today is finding a way to responsibly fund our current infrastructure, schools, and town amenities without increasing the mill rate and raising taxes. There are serious decisions that will have to be made in our near future concerning the optimization & renovation of our schools, as well as changes to our town center. With a transparent and responsible budgeting process, Weston should have no problem keeping roads paved, school buildings updated, and resident's requests for amenities answered.

I am running for Weston board of finance out of my desire to serve and give back to our wonderful community. The BOF's roll in responsibly funding Weston's budget is immensely important. I feel that I will bring a fresh and creative perspective to the budgeting process while keeping in mind the needs of all Weston residents. I bring knowledge and experience from running a successful local business with my wife for the past 15 years and look forward to steering the board towards transparency, common-sense decision-making, and fiscal responsibility.

The most important issue facing the BOF currently is how to responsibly budget & fund Weston's future without raising mill rates or cutting back current services. After many studies, we are without a solution to either fix our current school buildings or close one and renovate the others. Roads have not been maintained and our center has seen better days. There are certainly instances where Weston can make more fiscally responsible choices at a lower cost to taxpayers while funding what Weston needs. I will help guide the town toward right decisions with complete transparency, keeping residents fully informed.

Michael Imber is a managing director in Riveron's Government, Municipal & Education practice and has more than 25 years of experience as a financial consultant to private and public sector clients. He represented creditors in several municipal bankruptcies, including the City of Detroit. Michael served as a member of the Connecticut Pension Sustainability Commission and testified before the Connecticut General Assembly regarding our state's budget deficit. Locally, he has served on Weston's Strategic Planning Committee and the Education Strategic Advisory Committee. Michael's pro bono work includes serving as the Board Chairman of the Connecticut Democracy Center.

Our town is at a critical juncture for infrastructure investment and economic development. The 25% population turnover in the last 18 months challenges leadership on how best to balance Weston's rural charm with the new demands for local services while maintaining the quality of our school system. Projects like the sidewalks, road maintenance, school campus upkeep, and the Village District require careful long-term planning as we manage our economic resources and support our AAA credit rating.

My career has been devoted to finance and turnaround consulting. In the last 13 years, I have advised states, counties, and cities on matters including: budget efficiency, cost management, performance improvement, pensions, public safety, fiscal sustainability, and bankruptcy.

My wife Nancy and I have been proud to call Weston our home since 1997. Our twin sons, Gabe & Marty, benefited from Weston's public school education and graduated WHS in 2013. I want to give back to my town.

I was appointed to fulfill the remainder of Allan Grauberd's term after his resignation from the Board earlier this year.

The Board of Finance in the next several years will be asked to consider significant capital expenditures to address the town's infrastructure needs. At the same time, Weston will retire almost all its bond debt. What will we do with our excess debt service capacity and how will we prioritize our expenditure choices? I believe that Weston needs to pivot from its year-to-year approach to budgeting and embrace long-term budget forecasting. Building a dynamic five- year forecast model will enable us to consider 'what-if' scenarios on operating and capital budgets across the long-run as we plan for Weston's sustainability.

Taffy (Stephanie) Miller spent 25 years in the field of education philanthropy, recently retiring from her role as Executive Director for Trust for Learning. She and her husband now operate their own business, Homefront Farmers.Taffy received her MA from McGill University. She sits on various Boards: Weston BOE; Norfield's Board of Outreach and Social Action; and the Weston Community Fund. She and John have 5 children and have lived in Weston for 13 years.

Weston is more politically and socially divided than it has ever been. Following years of a highly charged political climate across the country, along with the isolation and fear brought about by the Covid pandemic, Westonites are hungry for peace and progress. We need to raise up our greatest assets (our people, our natural surroundings, our peaceful environment and our potential for growth and creativity). We need to identify and celebrate our common ground.

I am running for the Board of Education because our children and staff are the greatest assets in this town. We have extraordinary talent in our schools and though we are a high performing district, we cannot take that for granted. We need to lead – to be vigilant in our ability to assess what is working well and where improvement is needed. We need to continue to push ourselves to think about these children's future roles as global citizens – which begins with curiosity, inspiration and joy for every one of them, every day. I bring 25 years of education experience.

The two most important issues facing the district right now are related to 1. Covid and 2. questions related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Covid questions are about SAFETY. We are focused on keeping our children and staff healthy, and keeping the children's social/emotional and academic well-being top of mind. We must follow science and state governance, while leading with creative local solutions and support. The DEI issue is less complicated – we invite and welcome staff and students from all backgrounds; and our curriculum, policies and practices needs to infuse, represent, educate and celebrate that diversity at all levels.

Ed.D., Educational Leadership (Manhattanville College)
MA, Teaching (Manhattanville College)
BA Biology (Dartmouth College)
Bernadette is an accomplished educator with over ten years of classroom practice and research experience focused on well-being in schools. Prior to teaching, she was a data analyst for Morgan Stanley in the Human Resources and Learning & Development departments. A resident of Weston for over four years, Bernadette has served on the town's Survey Research Committee and HES PTO.

I love Weston, and I feel that the most significant issue we face is safeguarding our neighborly spirit as we welcome change. My hope is that, together, we strive to reduce divisiveness and embrace difference, reconnect after months of COVID isolation, and welcome new ideas while continuing to honor our rich history and traditions. Through community interactions, productive discourse, and our shared love of this town, we can prioritize the well-being of our children, families, and all members of our community to grow and evolve as a kinder, more compassionate, inclusive, and vibrant Weston.

I am running for the Board of Education because I care deeply about the social, emotional, and academic well-being of our children. Our amazing schools are the heart of Weston, shaping our hopes and dreams for the future. With two children in Weston Public Schools (HES and WIS), I am invested in our schools' present as well as future. My experience as an educator, researcher, and parent has given me the knowledge, skill, and insight to support a thriving and inclusive school community.

The goal of the BOE is to guide the WPS in preparing our children to be problem-solvers, ethical leaders, and stewards of hope in a competitive, global society. As a member of the BOE, I commit to:

• Stay informed on CT/national school board issues and best practices
• Cultivate relationships with the superintendent and school leadership
• Continually monitor WPS performance in relation to district goals
• Participate in ethical policy development that considers student voice and encourages a culture of compassion and respect
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility by exploring alternatives, examining costs vs. benefits, and utilizing creative thinking

I am currently the Chair of the Board of Education. In this role, I have led the school district through several successful budget cycles, initiated a study to optimize school facilities, oversaw the hiring of a new superintendent and continue to navigate the district through pandemic related challenges. I have a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University and was a scientist at AT&T Bell Laboratories before embarking on a 25-year career in finance. I also serve on the board of Norwalk/Stamford Grassroots Tennis and Education.

The most significant issue facing Weston today is the state of our town and school facilities and our basic town infrastructure which have been neglected for years. The key to the future economic viability of the town starts with providing the community with state of the art infrastructure, facilities and amenities that will attract young families and business owners to Weston.

Weston is a town rooted in education, delivering world class education and providing programs from early childhood to our senior citizens. I am passionate about the town's future as an attractive destination for families looking to create lifetime roots by ensuring that our schools remain the crown jewel of the community. If re-elected, I will continue to bring my experience as a business leader a scientist and current board chair to this position.

There are several issues facing the schools that will require attention by the board; (1) planning for the upgrade of our school facilities, (2) addressing the curricula and social emotional issues facing our students during the post-COVID re-entry to a more normal schooling environment and (3) ensuring that our educational outcomes are consistent with our goal of remaining one of the top school districts in the state. This requires ongoing partnership with my fellow board members, the administration, town leaders and the community at large to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all our students both present and in the future.

Has lived in Weston for five years Mother of three children President of the Weston Women's League Fundraising Chair and a variety of other executive roles with WHS and WMS PTO'S Parental experience with both public and private schools Former Global Director of Sales Development for Yahoo! Inc. Graduate of Indiana University

In my opinion the most significant issue facing Weston today is the divisive tone that has emerged in our community. I fundamentally believe that we all want what is best for our community and will benefit from working WITH one anther and not against one another. Even though this is in theory a political race, we need to remember that we are neighbors first and foremost and treat each other with mutual respect.

I'm running for the Board of Education so I can use my experiences both professionally and personally to help make the Weston schools the best they can be. I will work with the new school administration to insure that their priorities always start and end with our children and their successes. We have a wonderful school system that is currently being faced with some challenging issues. I think that my unique combination of experiences will help to ensure our schools maximize their potential.

In my opinion the most significant issue currently facing the Board of Education is the same that boards are facing throughout the country - ensuring that the education of our children is minimally impacted by the current pandemic. As a sitting board member, I am working with the current administration to ensure that the curriculum is addressing the needs of the students both educationally and emotionally and monitoring their performance and improvement.

David has lived in Weston since 2001 with his wife Hilary and two sons. He is the owner of Canaan Technology, a Managed IT Service Provider which he founded in 2002. At Canaan Technology, David is responsible for the development and execution of the Company's strategy, day-to-day management, evaluating new products and services, and working closely with clients and staff during the entire project lifecycle. He is frequently called upon by trade publications to provide expert commentary and analysis of tech industry trends and events.

Amplified by the pandemic due to fewer opportunities to interact in-person, there has been a gradual and persistent breakdown of community and togetherness, much of it directed at the Board of Education. Our willingness as members of the community to listen to others with an open mind, especially when their position differs from our own, has greatly suffered, leading to unnecessary confrontation and battle lines. As a small community we need to ensure all community members have a platform in which they are comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, without the fear of retribution or retaliation.

I am running for the Board of Education because I want to hear from other community members on how we are doing educating their children, and the issues that are important to them. While positive feedback is always nice, criticism provides an opportunity to improve. I bring to the Board of Education a disciplined problem solving approach with the ability to consider elements of an issue that are not necessarily obvious. I seek out opinions from both like-minded and dissimilar peers, and independently research an issue until I am confident I have the knowledge to take a position.

I believe the most important issue the Board of Education currently faces is better community involvement, communication, and transparency. This can be achieved by actively engaging with members of the community through improved dissemination of information such as when meetings occur, encouraging community involvement (both as listeners and active participants), and transparency in how and why curriculum and policy changes occur. Issues can be dynamic, and may require re-prioritization at times. However, communication and transparency must remain a core principle of the Board.

Peter brings broad experience in the global photonics industry having succeeded in IP generation, raising investment, preparing companies for exits, product design, solution validation, sales, marketing, and business development to the BOE. Peter holds engineering degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and UC Santa Barbara, and a history degree from Edinburgh, Scotland University. Peter and his family enjoy living in Weston, hiking locally, gardening, horseback riding, attending Lachat music events, skiing, and playing tennis.

I believe the most significant challenge facing Weston today is identifying, building on, expanding, leveraging, and highlighting the unique resources and attributes of our town so Weston continues to offer a highly valued quality of life for its residents and those considering becoming its residents. The key issues include maintaining local control of our long-term zoning, of the environment and our well-being, and independence of our school district. Ensuring the freedom to make these choices, without directives from Hartford, is paramount.

I am running for Board of Education because I am a passionate proponent of creating and maintaining high quality and accessible STEaM education within an independent school district. Developing a firm STeaM foundation will serve our children well throughout their lives. For example, I am particularly interested in implementing a student-designed environmental science project on the Fromson-Strassler preserve. Measuring water quality would augment STEaM class work and perhaps become an activity to earn a Jr. Girl Scout Badge. I bring global experience in science, engineering, business development, sales and marketing, investment, and stakeholder engagement to the office.

The most important challenge facing the board is to effectively consult, guide, and support the Superintendent and her staff on goal setting, application of metrics and measurements, and enhanced interactions and thoughtful communication with all interested stakeholders and beneficiaries. I see this as particularly critical in the areas of facilities, budgets, and curriculum decision making.

Having started, grown, and managed companies and technical working groups within trade organizations, producing and positioning engineering solutions around the world on time and on budget, I offer a complementary skill-set to the current Board of Education and school district management.

Anne moved to Weston in 2015 and instantly fell in love with its community. She has been on a faculty member of Fairfield University since 2017. She has served on the Weston Historical District Committee since 2020. Anne enjoys going to Lachat Town farm with her family during her down time.

Weston lacks a diverse population. The population of Weston does not reflect the demographics of the greater world outside of the community.

I am running for Board of Tax Assessment Appeals because I believe Weston citizens deserve fair taxes for better schools. I bring an unbiased view towards real estate value to Weston residents. I want the taxes on our homes and vehicles to be fair to all residents.

In the past, many of the members of the Appeals Board have had a vested interest in real estate values because they were, or had the potential to be, involved in the sales of homes around Weston. From the outside, this can be seen as a self-serving interest. I am not involved in real estate so I believe I can be fair and equitable to all residents.

• Weston Resident for 5 Years
• Licensed Architect with 12 years experience in residential and commercial design
• Specializing in energy efficient and sustainable design
• Elected ZBA Alternate
• Appointed member of the Building Committee
• BA in TV/Film from Northwestern University
• Master in Architecture from UCLA
• Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)
• Wife and mother of two girls (6 and 3)

The most significant issue facing Weston is its lack of services, convenience amenities and community gathering places. We've seen over the past few years how precarious businesses in the town shopping center are and how negative the impact of their closings can be. The Economic Vitality Committee has identified steps the town can take to create opportunities for new businesses and support the ones that already exist. The vitality of our town depends on its ability to retain current residents and attract new ones through services and experiences that are unique to Weston.

As a residential architect, I frequently read zoning documents; each project starts with local zoning research. I bring my experience with various approaches to managing use and development as well as the ways in which architects and planners work within and draw inspiration from these confines.

I represent the largest age demographic in Weston -- one that is currently absent from Planning and Zoning. It is critical to listen to different voices in the community when making public policy decisions. I bring with me the perspective of a parent, a working professional, a recent transplant, and a fervent supporter of Weston.

In the coming years, P&Z will work to diversify housing options while maintaining the core characteristics of Weston (2 acre zoning is what has attracted many of us to our town). I would work to further define and develop the affordable housing plan created by the commission in conjunction with diversifying residential zoning for alternative low density housing options. I would use my experience in planning and design to set forth zoning criteria that are compatible with our rural feel as well as push for energy efficiency and sustainability standards to create a precedent for future development.

• Weston resident since 1993
• University of California Santa Barbara; Loyola Law School – Los Angeles
• Attorney admitted in Connecticut and California, extensive experience in real estate transactions and associated land use matters for domestic and international clients
• Executive, Los Angeles County Community Development, Department involved in Federal and state employment and housing programs
• Planning and Zoning Commissioner since 2013
• Volunteer in schools (public and private), Weston Soccer Club commissioner/officer, and Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue home visitor
• Neighborhood Street Fairy

Weston is a town of committed, principled and opinionated folks who have chosen to be here for most of the same reasons. We know that the sense of community can be fractured when we forget that our neighbors share these reasons. Our biggest challenge is to maintain our sense of community as we move forward with the issues that confront our town and our residents in the coming years. The P and Z Commission has always operated this way and I hope to contribute to the ongoing productive dialogue on the matters before it.

I am running for reelection to continue the work of the Commission and to be a voice for all Weston residents in planning and zoning matters. I bring a community, business and legal perspective to the items considered by the Commission and look forward to applying my experience and excitement about our town and its residents to that role.

We are currently in the public comment phase of the Village District regulations and my primary focus is to hear from the community. The re-zoning of the commercial district, enabling that private property to reflect ongoing community needs, is one of the goals of the Plan of Conservation and Development. We also face important zoning challenges as a town from issues including Accessory Dwelling Units, affordable housing and marijuana dispensaries. Resident input on these issues will enable me to make the decisions needed as a representative of the community and in accordance with our statutory obligations.

Alex has lived in Weston since 2008, graduating from Weston High School in 2017. He partook in Weston sports, both with the school and in local leagues, and was an active member of Weston Boy Scout Troop 788. Currently, he works at his church in Stamford as their Event Coordinator He graduated from Quinnipiac University with a BS in Political Science. While attending Quinnipiac, he partook in numerous community service projects.

Maintaining local control. What happens in Weston should be made by the people of Weston and our elected officials. I firmly believe that we, as friends and neighbors, can tackle most local problems better than Hartford.

I plan to bring youth and energy to the board. Weston is a town where people move to raise their children with some of the best schools in the country. But for children, childhood is more than just school. It's places to go and things to do with friends. I hope to use my youth to push Weston to create a place for kids to do things locally.

The most important thing I believe is to move forward with Weston's village district. Tying into that drive to offer the kids of Weston something more to do, a village district would create a safe and fun environment for children. It would also allow for all Weston residents to have a place to go shopping and meet up. Finally, it would restore a sense of character to Weston that has been missing since the departure of Peter's.

• Current: Weston Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Lachat Volunteer, LWV Steering Committee, Advisor: startups/turnarounds.
• Corporate: Hallmark Cards (President, Flowers), Nabisco (Marketing), Polaroid (Advertising), 1-800-Flowers (Director, Bloomnet), Volvo (Advertising), others
• Advertising Agencies
• Consultant: Gerber-Novartis, Smith &Wesson, Alcoa, Nat Sherman, Reynolds Products, US Green Building Council others.
• Owner: Restaurants in Stamford & Hoboken.
• Teacher & Board Member: Temple Israel.
• Board Member: Stamford Chamber of Commerce.
• 25-year Weston resident
• Married to Pattie Falber
• 2 children. WHS '06, '08

There's no "most significant" issue. We've numerous issues, needing prioritizing with strategies, target dates, and shared values over commissions, committees, and residents. An "information highway" to each household is imperative. We need documentation of commission/committee meetings using "artificial intelligence conversion of voice to text" in a central, indexed location. Use "e-discovery software" to guarantee quick response to FOIA requests.

P&Z should help residents in compassionate, timely fashion making improvements to their property, improving quality of life, modifying regulations where needed.

P&Z needs laypeople, not attorneys who feel compelled to be adversarial enforcers of sometimes arcane zoning regulations.

P&Z should be examining economic and environmental impact before implementing an unrealistic POCD.

P&Z should be both supportive and reasonable, not ignoring ideas.

P&Z shouldn't need 6-figure consultant fees to figure out Weston.

I bring care for the homeowners, creativity to expansion, adherence to important regulations while championing and working for residents. Most important, I listen and am not tone deaf.

Promote real creativity and innovation on what is built or allowed improving Weston's quality of life and desirability. For examples: Repave and widen Valley Forge to include bike lanes; Create mountain-biking and hiking trails on town and Aspetuck Land Trust properties; Broaden the Onion Barn Park with an expanded town green for more events, adding small, retail "period" sheds for small-businesses run as concessions garnering rent/royalty for upkeep (i.e., NYC Bryant Park Shopping Village). Repurpose Bisceglie Pond in winter to an ice rink –generating revenue. Explore Jarvis Military School property recreating dormitories as 1 & 2 bedroom affordable and senior apartments.

Jim has been a resident of Weston for over 20 years, and a practicing real estate transactions attorney for over 22 years. He previously served on the Planning & Zoning Commission from 2013-2016 and as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He is a veteran of the US Army Reserve, Judge Advocate General's Corps where he achieved the rank of Captain and earned three Army Commendation Medals for meritorious service. He received his honorable discharge in 2019.

Weston is at a significant competitive disadvantage relative to other towns. We have had a dearth of commercial activity in Town and this legacy deficiency has been highlighted by the closure of our market and pharmacy in recent years. We are fortunate to have wonderful schools, and they should be applauded and proudly heralded as our crown jewel, but they cannot be the sole driving force that attracts people to our Town

I've had the privilege of serving previously on the Planning & Zoning Commission, as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals. I am motivated to return to public service and to lend skills and talents, informed by over 20 years of experience as a real estate attorney, to help the Town that I have called home for over two decades.

We are in the midst of passing a resolution to adopt new zoning regulations to create a Village District. The purpose of the Village District initiative is to lay the groundwork for increased, but responsible, commercial development in our Town, and to help address our need for affordable housing. The biggest challenge is to ensure that this vision respects our history as a Town, and blends as seamlessly as possible into our traditionally rural aesthetic.

Raised in Weston from 1945 through my senior year at Boston University. Returned in 1982 with my wife and raised our daughter here. My work is residential design, including land planning, construction management and on-site supervision. I joined the ZBA in 1995 and have served as its Chairman for two terms.

As Weston continues to be built-out, preserving the rural nature and character of the town is important. This does not mean looking back or further restrictions, but rather treating each application with a sensitivity that respects the character of the town and addresses future challenges. The ZBA, in its own limited way, can help maintain the unique character of the town.

For many years Weston has been good to our family. I felt I should give back and this service on the ZBA has been tremendously rewarding and I hope helpful.

I believe my experience and expertise in design and construction make me well qualified for a position on this board.

• Weston resident, 27 years; ZBA Alternate, 11 years
• MBA Wharton Business School, JD University of Pittsburgh; BA economics, Bethany College
• VP Employee & Labor Relations, Madison Square Garden
• VP Human Resources, Westinghouse Broadcasting & Cable/CBS
• Corporate labor lawyer, Board of Directors, Westinghouse Broadcasting
• Former Trustee, AFTRA Health & Retirement Fund
• Church Council, Norfield Church, & former Trustee, Norfield Church
• Kiwanis Member, Kiwanis Foundation

The most significant issue facing Weston is to keep the property taxes as low as possible while maintaining the high quality and academic standards of the Weston School System.

I am running for this office because I am a 27-year resident of Weston and this is one way to give back to this great town. I bring a decade of knowledge of complicated zoning law and prior rulings to this position.

The most important issue this Board faces is how to protect the fabric, character and heritage of our town, which can be addressed by objectively ruling on each individual case that comes before the ZBA.

My wife, Gabriela, and I have lived in Weston since 2001 as active members of the community. Our three daughters went through the Weston Public Schools. My BA degree is from Boston College and my JD is from Suffolk Law School. I have worked as a corporate lawyer with a major reinsurance company and I am now in private practice. We lived in Switzerland and San Francisco before moving to Weston. I am from the Boston area.

We would all like to know what the future will bring. Then it would be clear to everyone exactly what we should do. Instead, we guess by consensus and then act.

I believe the most significant issue facing Weston is to act even more as a community to prepare for our futures. We are an organized community with lots of real options and there is a lot more we can do to control and direct the future of this Town. We should exercise our power as a community and use it make the Town ready.

As a real estate lawyer, I frequently advise clients on zoning matters of many Fairfield County towns though not in Weston, due to conflicts of interest. I'm fully aware of the anxiety, hopelessness & planning invested in every homeowner's case.

It's the ZBA's job to apply the law to see if it's possible to allow property usage that's not otherwise allowed. These laws serve everyone dynamically preserving our town. But, when there's true hardship we have the humanity to allow exceptions.

The Zoning Board of Appeals operates in a professional and neighborly way. I feel this is the ideal form for the work of this Board and it should be maintained.

A 29 year resident of Weston, Dawn Egan has dedicated her life to community service. Her emphasis on teamwork and collaboration is exemplified by a proven track record of commitment, integrity, and accomplishments that have touched many levels of our community. While applying best practices as a board member of multiple Weston organizations, her overall commitment is always to improve the safety, health and well-being of those in our town.

As the cost of living in Weston continually rises, I worry about our seniors who are on a fixed income. Intergenerational communities create a healthy and compassionate environment and serve us all well. As a former Chair of the Warm-Up Fund, President of Kiwanis and active public school employee, I see firsthand the impactful influence of generational collaboration. How do we keep our town available and livable for our senior population while maintaining the integrity of a community that drew many of us here? I am committed to finding smart and creative solutions to this question.

I am running for PC to serve our community and our police department. The new police accountability bill will be a challenge, especially for small municipalities, and will impact policies pertaining to police and their engagement with the community. During my time as police commissioner, I continue to develop a solid understanding of this bill's purpose and its complexities. I am focused on how Weston police embed best practices and how our officers maintain connectedness and personalized policing. As a current PC, I am most proud of the implementation of the Juvenile Review Board and the restructuring of overtime practices.

The lack of certified and qualified candidates. During my next term, we may have a number of open positions in our department, and I am concerned with the national decline in qualified law enforcement applicants. Our police commission expends significant blocks of time on our selection process through interviewing officer candidates and performing due diligence on their understanding of laws, dedication to community policing, and their genuine interest to serve the residents of Weston with sincerity and compassion. We must continue to expand our outreach and consider pre-certification possibilities as we look at the health of our overall department.

John has been a Weston resident since 2009, with over 20 years of experience as a first responder. John is an active member of Weston Fire and EMS, serving two terms on the FD's Executive Committee. John is an experienced IT professional and leads a dynamic team at a CT-based consulting firm as a Director. John and his wife Ali have 2 children, a daughter who attends kindergarten at HES and son age 2.

A big selling point of Weston is privacy and space and yet lack of amenities or simple yet modern improvements that can bring our town in to the 21st century is often at the top of the collective complaint list. Well intentioned projects end up being the topic of the day on social media. Complacency and lack of the willingness to take action to make a positive change is one of the most significant issues we face as a community. Stepping up to try and drive positive changes is a much more valuable proposition than settling for the status quo.

Weston is lucky to have many long serving volunteers, however I feel that it's time for a new voice at the table that is more representative of the residents of this town. I believe that my personal experience as a first responder with young children in school, can help bring a different perspective to the table. I can understand high pressure, emergency situations from the perspective of a first responder and the need for accountability as a resident. Ultimately, I believe that we have a responsibility to help make a positive change where we live for everyone in our community.

There is a need on this commission to rebuild trust with the community and bring transparency to residents and officers alike. I plan to work with commissioners and the WPD to understand best practices and bring communication to the forefront. Fostering accountability among commission members and the WPD will help drive decisions that are in the best interest for our town. I believe adhering to record keeping policies in accordance with the law and providing a platform for police matters for all residents in a timely and appropriate manner is paramount to rebuilding trust and providing transparency.

Peter was born and raised in Weston, and is a graduate of Weston High School. He attended Franklin & Marshall College and Suffolk University Law School. Peter moved back to Weston in 1994 with Kristine and their son, Jason. Kristine was active in Weston Newcomers, Senior Lunch Program, and PTO, while Peter coached Little League and Rec Soccer. Peter has a law practice in Westport and has served 20 years as member and Chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners. Peter's father Gill served as a volunteer fireman in the 1950s, and as a volunteer constable in the 1960s. Peter looks forward to continuing the family commitment to community service in Weston.

In addition to continuing academic excellence in our schools, maintaining roads and bridges, finding a new tenant for the Town Center market, resolving the Lachat Town Farm issues with some neighbors and overall controlling property taxes, the most significant issue facing our town today is the restoration of faith and trust that our police department strives to treat everyone, citizen and visitor alike, with impartial fairness and equanimity every day in every situation that involves any level of a police response. I know this to be the true mission of our department, from Chief Henion to every single officer in the patrol division serving Weston.

I am running for the Board of Police Commissioners to further give back to the town of Weston, which has been home to four generations of my family. My interest is to serve Weston taxpayers by achieving the best department to serve and protect our citizens at the most economical cost possible.

Some of the most important issues facing our Board of Police Commissioners include negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, re-confirming public trust in our department, and deciding whether the Town of Weston will adopt a proposed ordinance to appoint a civilian police review board, pursuant to the police accountability act, to oversee complaints against the police department. However, the appointment of a civilian police review board, whose exclusive purview would be to address infrequent police complaints already overseen by our elected civilian police commissioners, would be redundant and is not needed in Weston. In my experience, our department receives on average no more than one complaint per year against any officer for any reason.

Woody Bliss has served on the Weston Board of Finance and Panel of Moderators. He was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 1999 and was elected First Selectman four times from 2001 to 2009. He is Treasurer of the Weston Community Fund and the Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center. In 2013, he was voted Weston's "Citizen of the Year." In 2013, he was elected a Police Commissioner and was reelected in 2017.

The most important issue to maintain control of expenses so that Weston remains a highly desirable place to live.

Public safety is an extremely important issue for all citizens. I have served in many capacities for the Town of Weston including Board of Finance for 4 years, Board of Selectmen for 10 years with 8 years as First Selectman and Board of Police Commissioners for 8 years. In the business world, I have had broad executive management experience as well as the above community service experience.

The primary job of the Police Commission is to assure that Weston remains safe by having a well-qualified and trained Police force. My business and community service, noted above, gives me the experience meet that goal.