2023 Voter's Guide

• First Selectwoman 8/2021-present;
• Board of Selectmen, Selectwoman 2018-2021;
• 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

With the influx of so many new residents, we must think creatively about balancing generational needs of newcomers and those of longtime residents. We must find common ground and be mindful of Weston's short- and long-term goals of keeping the town safe (ensuring we have proper equipment, facilities, and staffing for public safety and other programmatic needs), rebuilding our infrastructure (roads, bridges, sidewalks, town/schools facilities, upgrading water systems), providing community amenities and programming to connect one another, and creating a healthy and productive work environment for our valued employees in order to provide our residents with the best possible services.

I have a vision and roadmap - informed by listening to the community - that will meet the current and emerging needs of Weston. I possess the leadership skills to make that happen, with a commitment to transparency and collaboration. My experience and relationships at local/state/federal levels enables me to seek investments for Weston and maintain the tax burden at a reasonable rate. I have successfully solicited, obtained, or implemented $35 million in state and federal grants, investing and COMPLETING multiple critical infrastructure projects AND 20 ARPA funded projects including: Lachat Offutt Center, Town Green, Pickleball Courts, and Fire/Rescue truck.

The Town's public facilities are deteriorating and we lack infrastructure. While we have initiated the development of a capital/facilities plan report which surveyed precisely what needs to be done, estimated costs, prioritized projects and developed a general grant strategy (and referred a school facilities plan to the BOE), we must now deliver on those plans to improve our schools and other facilities, infrastructure, establish a bonding plan, and provide for solid financial forecasting and sound management practices. Once we have accomplished that, we will need to provide for proper preventive maintenance, program review, and constant vigilance to help ensure sustainability.

• Weston Board of Selectman (2017-2021)
• Weston Planning and Zoning Commission for seven years – three as Chair
• WVFD Firefighter for twenty-five years. Firefighter of the Year (2000 & 2014)
• Weston Citizen of the Year (2017).
• Board of Directors and Vice President of Aspetuck Land Trust
• Ontario, Canada Psychiatric Review Board (1990-1992)
• Commercial real estate attorney representing owners of office, retail and multifamily properties throughout the U.S.
• Bar of Connecticut, New York & US District Court

Weston constructed WIS in 2005. It proved to be unnecessary, and the debt service forced Weston into fiscal austerity for the next eighteen years. Taxes skyrocketed, our roads and school facilities deteriorated, and new projects were limited to what could be paid for with grants and bequests. The bond will be paid off next year and the Democrats plan to close Hurlbutt, build a new school and renovate WMS 'as new'. Weston cannot afford to make the same mistake twice. Kerem and I will institute a reasonable capital improvement schedule addressing Weston's needs in a thoughtful way.

I have practiced commercial real estate law for nearly thirty years. I manage complex business transactions routinely over $20M and often over $100M; I negotiate high-value contracts and development agreements; I manage adversarial relationships and interpret regulations every day. I also have over a decade of experience in Weston government and twenty-five years of public service. In that time, I have earned a solid reputation for fairness, transparency and thoughtful decision-making. We need to interrupt a decade-old culture of poor leadership and cultivate a new culture of magnanimous, transparent government. Together, Kerem and I will accomplish that.

We must fundamentally change how First Selectmen perform. In the last twelve years, the office has repeatedly mishandled simple projects and set a tone of divisiveness. The library makerspace, the dog park, pickleball courts – each was lost or delayed because of poor initial planning and execution. In each case, the First Selectmen have treated concerned neighbors as opponents to be defeated rather than consulted. These were all easy lifts, but complex projects loom. Kerem and I will ensure projects are properly conceived from the start so that they can be achieved timely and on budget with due regard for neighbors.

• 30 Year Resident of Weston
• 5 years on Weston Board of Education (2017-2022), 3 years as Chairman (2019-2022)
• Education: PhD Chemical Engineering, Columbia University
• Professional Background: Retired financial services professional. Scientist at AT&T Bell Laboratories prior to embarking on a 27-year career in financial services with the last 17 years at Credit Suisse where I held a number of leadership positions. I now spend time as an investor and advisor in the financial services sector.

In the last few years, the town has experienced a reinvigoration resulting from a significant housing turnover. Our challenge as a town is to provide the quality of services, facilities and amenities that new as well as longtime residents expect from town government.

• Infrastructure – Upgrading of town and school facilities and maintaining our roads and bridges.
• Human Capital – Ensuring we have the appropriate town staffing to provide exceptional services.
• Safety – Keeping all our citizens and town staff safe.
• Community/Amenities – Creating a sense of community for our new as well as our longtime residents by providing amenities, programs and services.

I am running to give back to the town that has given much to my family in the last 30 years and to move Weston forward during these exciting times for our town. My tenure on the Board of Education was marked by leading the board through COVID. reinvigorating school leadership, maintaining budget discipline that led to returning excess money to the town and constant focus on student safety. My knowledge of the issues facing the town, my experience on the board of education and my professional experience makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the board of selectmen.

The most significant issue facing the Board of Selectmen (and the town) is addressing the state of our town and school facilities. This will require that the Board of Selectmen work closely with the Board of Finance and Board of Education to put forward a set of options to the voters for the upgrade of our facilities.

The town will only move forward when board members work together with a common goal of improving the quality of life for our citizens. I will do everything in my power to ensure that the board of selectmen puts the people before politics.

• Weston Economic Vitality Committee Vice Chair
• Vice President, Supply Chain Planning, Tiffany & Co
• Married with 2 children (ages 8, 5) in Weston Intermediate School and Hurlbutt, respectively
• MBA from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, BA from Cornell University
• From Scarsdale, NY. Lived in Tokyo, Japan 2008-2018
• 5x Marathon runner

Weston is a beautiful town that is frustratingly close to perfection, but stumbles on its ability to execute and perhaps finance projects and develop the town further to offer simple amenities for its citizens. Some of these goals are not exactly lofty…pickleball courts, dog parks…yet ensnarl the town in years-long circular handoffs, indecision and analysis paralysis. We've finally taken an important step by zoning more of the town's center commercially, but need strong leadership, project management and real estate/retail knowhow to actually develop this area to a center that benefits the town's citizens with the basics we're hoping for.

It was love at first sight when I moved to Weston four years ago. I was compelled to contribute however I could. I was the founding member of the Economic Vitality Committee only months after moving here because I wanted to maximize the town's potential. One of the core principles of our campaign was to promote the idea of a village district with more amenities. I'm thrilled that more of this area has since been zoned commercially. When Stephan asked me to run with him I knew it was the best way I could continue with this vision.

We must continue focusing on our schools and ensure they remain the blue ribbon institutions that they are. What makes a school great is not the building it's in, but the teachers, librarians, principles and academic spirit that define it. These are the areas that deserve our biggest investments. We can't afford another $80M bond for an unnecessary new building, which is in the works. Stephan and I are committed to developing the school's facilities in a more measured and balanced manner that will still let us invest in other areas of the town.

• Board of Finance for one term, from 2019 through 2023.
• Attorney with 20+ years of experience.
• Vice President of the Temple Israel Board of Trustees in Weston Connecticut.
• B.A. with high honors from Lehigh University and her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
• Vocal activist in the community, focused on ensuring the school system is properly funded.
• Weston resident for the past 16 years, along with her husband Marc, her daughter Lindsay and puppy Willis.

I think the most significant issue is ensuring that we continue the momentum of infrastructure growth in the town while ensuring that we responsibly manage our economic resources without compromising our credit rating.

I am running for a second term on the Board of Finance because I would like to continue working on the projects that we have begun, including refining and harmonizing our procurement policies. I have seen how our work has positively impacted our community, including passing flat or close to flat mill rates and approving infrastructure projects such as the police station renovations that will ensure that we have locker rooms for all genders as well as the Land Mobile Radio Systems. It feels good to do good work on behalf our neighbors!

I think the most important issue the Board of Finance faces in the future is continuing to effectively administrative controls around procurement and look to the long term when analyzing our annual budgets. While we must remain nimble, we should also focus on what the future of Weston could look like, budget accordingly and ensure that the town government has the necessary controls in place to act with responsibly.

I have been living in Weston for ten years and currently serve on the Board of Finance. Since moving to Weston, I volunteer with the Weston Boy Scouts including leading fundraising endeavors. I am currently employed as VP of Global Partnership & Business Development at Agility with previous experience managing my own business and working at Nestle and Kraft Foods. Educationally, I received my undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and then my MBA at Villanova.

I believe that the most significant issue facing Weston today is our infrastructure which includes our schools, roads, bridges, etc. We have started to make progress in these areas by securing bonds to help fund these projects including our current sidewalk project. Continuing to pursue these bonds that assist in our rebuilding our infrastructure is essential. Having the right political leaders in place that are willing to lead through our infrastructure change is critical to the future of Weston.

I have been serving on the Weston Board of Finance (BOF) for the past six months and want to continue to serve in this capacity to give back to our community. I feel that this position is vital to the infrastructure and stability of Weston. As a member of the BOF, I want to continue to use my ability to listen and learn from others so that all voices are heard as decisions are made. Combining this with my financial experience and ability to work well with others, I feel that I can continue to keep Weston moving forward.

The most important issue that the Board of Finance is facing is ensuring that our schools are properly funded while balancing that with the ability to afford it with minimal impact on the taxpayer. The main reason that most people move to Weston or stay here is the quality of education that our children receive. We need to make sure that we continue to make our school system attractive to both residents and potential residents. While doing this, we need to make sure that we continue to be mindful of our fiscal responsibilities to the Board of Finance.

A Weston resident since 1997, Michael Imber has 30 years' experience as a financial advisor to distressed 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 has testified before the Connecticut General Assembly on budget matters. Michael currently serves as the Board Chairman of the Connecticut Democracy Center, a non-partisan not-for-profit that advocates civics education.

Weston is at a decision point for investing in school and municipal infrastructure that could demand the issuance of significant debt. Such a financing would impact the town's budget and tax structure for many years to come. Expert leadership will be critical to navigating this decision in the next 18 months. Developing the necessary tools and information set to support a town vote on such a bond issue will require professional expertise and thoughtful analysis.

I want to serve Weston with my 30+ years of finance and operating consulting experience. I have professionally consulted states, counties, and cities on many of the issues that impact Weston. No other candidate can make that claim. My experience includes budget planning, financial restructuring, cost management, performance improvement, pensions, forecasting, and fiscal sustainability. I will advocate for the application of best practices and strong internal controls in the financial administration of town government.

My wife Nancy and I raised and educated our twin sons, Gabe & Marty, in the Weston Public Schools. We believe in our town's schools.

Financing a significant investment in our schools and municipal infrastructure will be the biggest issue facing the Board of Finance. Our role will be to forecast what Weston can afford based on various long-term forecast scenarios to create spending ranges while working to maintain our AAA credit rating. This is a task I have done many times in private and public sector financing situations and one that I feel very comfortable leading. My analytic approach will be data-driven and seek to provide the necessary fact set to inform the electorate on any bond issue vote.

Chris and his wife Elaine have lived in Weston since 2021 and have two daughters – a Junior and a 5th grader – attending Weston schools. Chris has a passion for entrepreneurship. Professionally, he has spent nearly 30 years as a serial entrepreneur leading multiple businesses from start-up to successful exits. Locally, has served as the Treasurer of the Weston Intermediate School PTO and the Weston Memorial Day Fair for the past 2 years.

As a newcomer to Weston, I believe a significant issue facing our community is the lack of a community space for residents to meet and interact with each other.

I believe that a city or a town is only as strong as its financial health, and that the wellbeing of our community and our citizens are deeply tied to fiscal responsibility and transparency. I'm running because I think I can bring a fresh perspective, innovative solutions, and a strong track record of fiscal stewardship to the table.

I think the most significant issue the commission faces is a lack of credibility with a vocal portion of the community. This is a common disconnect in municipal governance and I believe it requires openness and transparency from thoughtful leaders.

Professional:
• 20-year career in structured capital finance for domestic and international corporations in U.S. and foreign debt and equity markets.
Weston:
• Board of Finance
• Registrar of Voters
• Select Committee for School Construction
• Friends of Weston Senior Center
• Weston Historical Society, Treasurer
• Aspetuck Land Trust, Finance Committee
• Weston Women's League, Treasurer
• WHS Swim and Dive Team parents, Treasurer
• WHS College and Career Center
• Math Olympiads

From the perspective of a 27-year Weston resident with two grown children educated in the Weston schools, it is keeping our Town attractive for those raising children and for empty nesters and childfree families. Continuing and growing a demographic balance creates a richer community of experiences and is crucial to sustaining the long-term support of Weston Public Schools and the financial health and vitality of the Town.

The Board of Finance is responsible for Weston's financial activities and represents the public in this process. In my opinion, to advocate for the taxpayer's interests fairly and effectively, it is necessary to be data driven, have a strong financial background and a deep knowledge of the Town of Weston's fiscal profile over time. In addition to holding these qualifications, I have dedicated my experience to analyzing both Weston specific and peer group historical and comparable data in evaluating budget and other financial requests. I have shared this in meetings and will continue to do so.

Every financial decision made by the Board of Finance is integrated with and impacted by past, present, and projected future expenditures. When making data-based decisions, optimally functioning boards work collaboratively, actively considering and respecting each members' input. This approach allows colleagues, regardless of party affiliation, to ask important questions and have them answered for the benefit of the public the board represents. It enables the board to make decisions based upon the diverse experiences and perspectives of its members. Improvement is needed here. My approach will continue to be fact based and collaborative.

• Resident of Weston for 7+ years
• Parent to a blended family of six children with her husband Dana
• Worked in media for Yahoo! Where she retired as Global Director of Sales Development
• Graduate of Indiana University
• Former executive committee member of PTO's of WMS and WHS
• Volunteer and fundraising for a variety of local organizations
• Incumbent member of the Board of Education - two years

In my opinion, the most significant issue facing Weston today is that of the state of our school facilities. The school system is the crown jewel of our town and a key driver in attracting young families. Without a doubt, all of our property values are tied directly to the performance of our schools. While I am happy to say that our schools are repeatedly one of the top performing school districts in Connecticut, it is imperative that we maintain high quality school facilities to match the level of education that our children are receiving inside.

In order for a board to run effectively, it's imperative that a variety of perspectives are represented. Perspectives help to insure that the board is representative of all of the people of Weston. My husband and I have six children in our blended family. Four of our children are or will be Weston graduates. Two of our children attended private school as well as public school in our previous district in Westchester. Combined with my professional experience, the educational experiences of ALL of our children offers me a unique perspective to offer the board.

The greatest challenge facing the BOE today is continuing to meet the educational and facility needs of our school system in a fiscally responsible manner. This must be done in consideration of all of the town's residents. The BOE will soon be tasked with making a decision regarding our current facilities. My plan is to listen to our constituents to help gauge what the appetite is for making such a potentially large investment. I will work with the various professionals that the school system and town have hired to ensure that we choose the best possible plan moving forward.

David currently serves on the Board of Education, chairs the Communication Committee, and was a member of the Facilities Optimization Committee which was tasked with analyzing current and anticipated utilization of Weston's school buildings. David is a disciplined problem-solver with the ability to consider elements of an issue that are not necessarily obvious. David seeks out opinions from both like-minded and dissimilar peers, and independently researches issues before taking a position.

There are several important issues the Board of Education currently faces. Community involvement, quantifiable academic outcomes, and school safety.

Community Involvement: We need to promote engagement between the BoE and the community through public comment and meeting attendance.

Quantifiable Academic Outcomes: Weston spends a lot of money educating our children and we need to be sure each dollar spent has a measurable positive outcome.

School Safety: We should support an "all of the above" school safety program. This includes mental health, hardening of school buildings, technology, and response time from crisis to intervention.

I am running for reelection because I am committed to Weston's exemplary education and would like the opportunity to continue to serve the community. As a current member of the Board of Education, I will utilize the institutional experience I have gained and the relationships I have formed with the administrators, educators, and other board members, to advocate for our students, families, and members of the Weston Community.

There are some known issues the Board of Education will have to address over the next four years. These include mandates (such as Pre-K programs) from Hartford, declining enrollment, school building utilization, providing our educators with tools to address educational outcomes, and operational expenses. In short, the biggest issue can be summed up as improving educational outcomes while keeping our spending in line with what the community can afford.

There will also be issues the Board of Education could not have anticipated. Being a problem solver, I'll be well prepared to address them.

I have lived in Weston for over 6 years with my wife, my 6-year-old daughter, a first-grade student at Hurlbutt, and my 4-year-old son, who will enter Hurlbutt in fall 2024. Professionally, I lead Investor Relations programs, serving as the primary representative to Wall Street investors on behalf of publicly-traded and pre-IPO companies, and private equity funds. I hold an MBA from MIT Sloan, Bachelor of Science from Boston College, and the CFA designation.

Among the issues facing Weston today, security is of primary significance to the town and its schools, particularly at Hurlbutt Elementary and Weston Intermediate where the level of security remains below that of Weston's upper schools and neighboring towns.

Providing a safe environment for Weston's vulnerable school population – children, educators, and administrators - is foundational to the success of the school district. While the adoption of an 'all-of-the-above' approach to safety – e.g., hardened exterior structures, mental health services, educator training, and security officers - is necessary, Weston has fallen short in providing adequate protection for the youngest among us.

I am running as a candidate for Weston's Board of Education to promote a safe and nurturing environment for our children and educators, improve academic results, and enhance board transparency to the community.

I bring a relevant professional skill set and personal attributes to the Board of Education. Professionally, I bring an ability to simplify and communicate complex topics to enhance understanding and build consensus, an analytical perspective to help guide decision-making, and experience in high-stress, results-driven environments. Personally, I bring a passionate voice and the perspective of a concerned parent with very young children in the school system.

A critical issue related to the Board of Education is its lack of transparency when engaging with the Weston community. This has resulted in insufficient discussion of pressing topics, actively avoiding the inclusion of important items on meeting agendas, and disincentivizing open debate.

Given the central importance of the schools as the town's greatest asset and primary expenditure, greater outreach to the community is warranted to promote discovery, understanding, and participation. As a passionate voice who views the Board as a representative of community interests, I will support the inclusion of important topics in meeting agendas and open, healthy debate.

• Co-CEO, Brand Innovators
• 15 years in Weston; family of 4
• BOE candidate who believes in school-parent partnerships and transparent BOE leadership
• Active in Weston Football, Baseball, Basketball and Lacrosse

Before it potentially becomes an issue, I want to work with all stakeholders to ensure safety remains properly applied in our schools and community overall. We can never forget the horrible tragedy in Sandy Hook and our team must continue to apply all necessary measures regardless of how tough they might appear. These efforts only appear unnecessary until an incident is prevented and then everyone is supportive.

Several responsible and caring citizens encouraged me to run in order to represent our younger families in town. They know I'm highly active in the community through youth sports. I bring a strong following and support system. I have the ability to drive a process forward in reaching a goal, to work collaboratively, and to manage effectively.

A safe learning environment, especially in our lower schools, is the most important issue facing the Board of Education. I have a high level of respect for our police department and a very strong relationship with our Republican party police commissioner. I will work closely with them to maintain proper levels of safety and peace of mind for our children and parents. Maintaining a safe environment will continue providing a culture for higher learning.

As a BOE Member, Peter champions STEaM instruction, student achievement, and safe, healthy buildings. He helms the EOC, focusing on facilities reconfiguration and curriculum reimagination, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of 21st century citizenship and careers. He and his family can be seen volunteering at Lachat farm, attending Performing Arts and Football games at WHS, and marching with the Girl Scouts. Peter enjoys hitting tennis balls at WRC and running in Devil's Den.

Weston aspires to continually differentiate itself from our neighboring towns and prides itself on being forward looking, environmentally sound, pragmatic, and neighborly; hence, I believe the overarching objective of our Town should be advancing this aim. The centerpiece of the town is the Weston Public School District campus. Thus, the BOE, the administration, students, parents, boosters, and residents need to lead the charge and drive achievement of our far-reaching objectives with multi-generational implications. The time is now. The future is at our hands. Paraphrasing John Muir, "The power of re-imagination, makes Weston infinite."

As an incumbent BOE Member, I have provided sound high-level oversight and governance of WPS administration and have differentiated myself by championing STEaM instruction, driving student achievement, and maintaining safe and healthy buildings with a particular emphasis on clean air, energy efficiency, and sustainable investment. I helm the EOC, Education Optimization Committee, focusing on facilities reconfiguration, refurbishment, and repair in concert with unique and agile curriculum reimagination and expansion, aligning and sustaining resources realizing a world-class public school district campus branding Weston as prescient – positioning ourselves well ahead of the educational curve.

As an incumbent BOE member, I recognize that it has one of the most important responsibilities in our town. It fundamentally connects the will of the community to the education of its children. Our collective decisions directly affect the lives of students and their parents, the livelihoods of those the district employs, and the social and economic well-being of the residents. The most important issue facing our board is how to ensure student achievement and proudly prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of 21st century citizenship and careers while meeting our fiduciary responsibilities.

• Weston resident since 2020
• Current Weston Board of Education Member
• Served on the Executive Committee of the Hurlbutt PTO
• Founder of GK training, an education and training company that designs curriculum for private schools and PhD programs
• Advisor and consultant to deans of Ivy Leagues and US Presidential candidates
• Phi beta kappa graduate from Colorado College and MFA from NYU
• Proud father of two children in the Weston Public Schools

Preserving the rare and exceptional attributes of Weston, while adapting and embracing the future. Our natural environment, exceptional schools, and neighborly spirit are all precious and worth investing in and protecting. We should protect and preserve the land and space that ensures our well water is clean, support our schools that are among CT's best, and invest in the bonds of trust and commonality that knit a community together. In all too many places in America, those are all threatened. Weston is rare, and we can be a model and inspiration for other towns.

My kids are in the district. So fundamentally, I want to do all I can to benefit their education. I'm of course invested in all our kids' education, though! I deeply appreciate the community of Weston. It welcomed us when we moved here, and I couldn't be a prouder supporter of its environment, schools, and civic pride. I bring a unique skillset to the position. I: acted on Broadway; built a successful educational and coaching business; taught in higher ed (Columbia); and work with start-up founders. I use that background to offer the most innovative and creative leadership I can.

Technology, and two goals: Equip our kids for the tech future. Inoculate and empower them to navigate the turbulence of social media and the digital age's attention-deficit ecosystem. Building intellectual stamina is harder (and essential) when ever-present screens monopolize and fragment our kids' attention spans and threaten their mental health. Similarly, if LLMs can write better, faster, our kids should learn -- to quote fellow BoE member Peter Gordon -- how technology works, not how to work technology. Our job: create Connecticut's most forward-looking schools, equip our kids to withstand the screen age, and thrive amidst AI.

• 18 year resident of Weston
• Current Chairman of Weston Board of Education
• 10-year member and Chairman of Weston Board of Finance
• 10-year member of Westport's Board of Finance and Chairman
• Westport/Weston Y Board of Trustees
• Appointed by Governor to Executive Committee of Connecticut Lottery Corp
• Financial career at Goldman Sachs and Bass Investment Ltd Partnership among others
• Former board member of Texas Rangers Baseball Club, Friendly Ice Cream Stores among others
• BA/MBA

Weston is at a crossroads: advancing excellent education and town services while being fiscally prudent. Those interested in contributing to our community as members of boards/ commissions need to recognize the importance of their decisions. Boards should have members with diverse skills and interests. Members should understand educating children, providing public safety and town services are not political but rather pragmatic.

We will be making important decisions for our schools and town. These will come at a cost for which there will be a reward. I look forward to being an integral part of keeping Weston a vibrant community.

I was privileged to be a member of the Board of Finance. As Chairman, I interacted with the Board of Education on budgets and capital expenditures. My decision for consideration for a vacancy on the BOE was borne from interest in offering my expertise to plan for the future of education in Weston.

We will be making improvements to school facilities: physical plant and within the classroom. I was the vice chairman of the Facilities Optimization Committee. That knowledge and my financial expertise will be an asset as I continue on the Board of Education where I am currently Chairman.

Education is dynamic, never static. Our representatives must understand we are making decisions in the near term and importantly longer term. What is the correct number of school buildings. And how we deliver education within the buildings. All these decisions will come at a fiscal cost everyone in our community needs to understand and approve.

We must facilitate an environment which attracts the best and most quailed educators. We also need to foster a safe and nurturing environment. A Board of Education requires members who are committed to contributing their skills and time to advance the excellent education in Weston.

• Chair, Board of Assessment Appeals
• Board of Assessment Appeals (2017-present)
• Member of Weston's Panel of Moderators
• Chair of the Board of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
• Previous volunteer positions include Vice Chair of the Board of Education, Chair of The Weston Racquet Club, President of the Newcomers Club, and President of the WMS Middle School PTO.
• Full time realtor for the past 10 years.
• Weston resident since 1990

In my opinion Weston is on a great trajectory. We have effectively balanced the needs of the community while keeping Weston the great place we all love. I believe we will continue to do so.

I am running for re-election to the Board of Assessment Appeals because I believe that my 10 years of experience as a realtor combined with 30 years of homeownership in town gives me the ability to provide a fair and balanced assessment of a private property. With the upcoming implementation of the revaluation, I anticipate a great number of appeals. My current board experience will be crucial in ensuring a smooth process.

The most important issue that our Board face is that applicants assume we have more leeway to change assessments that we actually have. We evaluate any potential changes in assessment in a data driven manner and work hard to ensure that assessments are equitable for all Weston residents.

• Have resided in Weston with my husband for the past 41 years
• Raised 3 Children in Weston
• Have served on various boards & committees over the years as well as volunteering in the Elementary, Middle and High Schools
• Was instrumental in developing the College Representative Visit program at the WHS
• Graduated cum laude from Villanova University
• Earned master's degree at Washington University in St. Louisv
• Licensed Realtor since 2004

I don't think that there is only one significant issue facing Weston today. Some issues will require more resources than others, and some may require changes & agreements in points of view. One such issue is a safety issue. This issue is excessive speeding & complete disregard for traffic signals and signs. These types of driving endanger not only the life of the driver but all the people on the road around the driver. The resources are in place to address this issue at no or minimal additional cost to the taxpayers.

Volunteerism has always been very important to me. This position provides me with the opportunity to give back to my community and affords me the opportunity to utilize my 19 years' experience as a realtor to fairly evaluate residents' requests for modification of their real estate assessments.

The most important issue that the Board of Assessment Appeals faces is providing a matrix that outlines the guidelines for the assessment appeal. Specifically, what information should appellants supply to support their belief that town assessors erred in the valuation of their property. As a member of the Board, I will carefully & thoughtfully evaluate each case & work with Board members to achieve a consensus.

Gus Christensen is a Director of Woodlawn Cemetery and has served as a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the NY Landmarks Conservancy. He founded Ænor Capital and was formerly a Managing Director at Evercore Partners. Gus received his BA from Yale University and his MBA from Wharton. He and his wife Courtney renovated the historic Rowland House on Norfield Road. They have one daughter at WIS and another at Hurlbutt.

The biggest change happening in Weston right now is the rapid turnover of homes and residents. We are an old town with a lot of new faces, myself included. There is loss in this process, of old friends and neighbors, especially for longer tenured residents. But there is also gain, of new families and new energy. If we can keep building on our institutions, from churches and synagogues to schools and clubs, from sports leagues to scouting troops, I think we can keep building those friendships, and neighborly ties, for generations to come.

I am running to serve on Planning & Zoning because I really love land use policy and our built environment. I have a great deal of experience with historic preservation, as well as significant recent experience with major home renovations and construction projects. I believe that I can bring those experiences to bear while seeking at all times to apply the relevant laws and regulations in an even-handed manner to all applicants before the commission. And I think both my background and passions make me well suited for the bigger picture aspects of the role, ie land use planning.

The most important P&Z issue is the need to balance our community's character with its lack of diversity of housing options. Many empty nesters say they would prefer to stay in Weston when they downsize, but that there are no options. Over a third of Weston homes have changed hands since 2020. The vast majority of the sellers have left town. Many may have chosen to move away, but how many would have remained in Weston if they had options? I want to keep listening to our community on this, and then see what can be done to help.

Lauren Gojkovich is the founder of LDG Advisory, a strategic shareholder advisory firm. Lauren holds a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.A. in public policy studies from Duke University. Lauren is running for the Planning & Zoning Commission, where she is committed to open and transparent processes, which support development that enhances the quality of life of our residents, preserves Weston's natural resources, supports our business community and maintains our small-town character.

Weston's local politicians have significant, outsized, influence on the development of town property because the town is uniquely exempted from Weston's own P&Z regulations. This lack of accountability and oversight allowed certain Selectmen to push through a dog park resulting in litigation costing taxpayers +$100K, and proposals like a pickleball court in the middle of the Village District that the fire department itself rejected. I support policy changes to require the extension of our P&Z regulations to the town. This will result in appropriate development on faster timelines that avoid litigation from our justly frustrated citizens.

My husband and I fell in love with Weston and knew we wanted to raise our family here in large part because of the same attributes that the P&Z Commission is charged with protecting and enhancing. It would be an honor to help protect Weston's small-town character, emphasis on stewardship of natural resources and strong commitment to community. I believe my appreciation for what makes our town special, matched with my legal training (I worked as an attorney at Wachtell Lipton and Goldman Sachs) and my commitment to fairness and transparency will serve our citizens well.

Too often, personal agendas and overly ambitious confidence in one's own judgment have soured Weston's political process. This is supercharged by the town's special exemption from Weston's P&Z regulations' application to town land development. I am committed to promoting transparency with our citizens – and doing it in a collegial manner. I will do my utmost to ensure the Commission acts squarely within its jurisdiction, applying zoning regulations without fear or favor – not based on an individual Commissioner's idea of "what makes most sense to me" or – more troublingly – "what best advances promises made by my political party's leadership."

• Weston resident for 9 years
• Currently serving on the Weston Planning & Zoning Commission
• Served on the Weston Conservation Commission (5 years)
• Volunteer and project co-leader at The Lachat Town Farm
• Investment Manager and board member for the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation of Cornell University
• BS / Industrial & Labor Relations, Cornell University
• Co-founder / co-owner of Resource International, a product development and sourcing company in the homewares and stationery marketplace(s) for over 25 years.

We have had an enormous turnover in our population since the start of covid in 2020. Indeed, it is truly wonderful that our town has become a destination for vibrant, young families. However, we are also losing some beloved long-time residents and thus, part of the "fabric" that has made Weston what it is. Some move away because they wish to experience a new chapter, others because of financial hardship. In either case, maintaining our strong, inter-generational sense of community is critical if the Weston of tomorrow is going to remain this extraordinary place that we all call home.

I have been privileged to serve on P&Z for the last several years. I am neither a lawyer, architect nor builder, as are some of my colleagues. What I am as a person and businessman is someone who listens earnestly to the issues that come before the commission and honestly and collaboratively works to apply and implement the relevant rules and regulations to address those issues - and always with the town's best interest being front and center. I like to believe that I am a thoughtful and conscientious "partner" on this commission, serving ALL my friends and neighbors.

Affordable housing is perhaps the #1 issue not only in our town, but in our State. If the State target is not met, developers may propose projects that are not subject to local zoning regulations. As a commission, Planning & Zoning, together with the Town of Weston must continue to develop and refine our vision so that we can meet these objectives, but within the scope of our own regulations. We have begun to address this issue with the new Village District; but there is, of course, more to do.

• Attorney and founder of The Law Office of Joseph Leone specializing in commercial and residential real estate transactions, including building and zoning matters
• Holds a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center
• Has lived in Weston for 7 years with 3 children currently in the Weston school system
• Previously served as a member of Weston's Economic Vitality Committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen

In recent years, Weston residents have expressed an ardent desire for additional amenities and commercial business in Town Center. While Weston's 2020 POCD calls for a more vibrant Town Center, primarily effectuated through modification of Weston's zoning regulations to create a "Village District", Weston has not adapted to these new guidelines and Town Center remains mostly, frustratingly unchanged. Our elected and appointed officials must do an immensely better job understanding the POCD and putting it into action, through fostering public-private partnerships and beyond. Absent such efforts, Weston may fail to attract new residents and thrive.

Our Planning & Zoning Commission plays a critical role in shaping and determining, among other things, Weston's overall aesthetics, its commitment to green spaces and the availability of affordable and senior-friendly housing. As a real estate attorney accustomed to analyzing zoning regulations and navigating complex property-related issues, I will be able to hit the ground running upon joining P&Z. I'm excited to collaborate with other members of the Commission to ensure that Weston continues to modernize while maintaining its core values and that fair, capable oversight is devoted to the Town's future projects and developments.

During recent meetings in which the Planning & Zoning Commission deliberated a special permit for commercial use within the Village District, the Commission seemed unclear and disunited as to its degree of scrutiny in considering the application and the process for approving the same. If Weston is to implement the POCD and move the Town forward, then each member should have a firm grasp of Village District regulations and the corresponding role of the Commission. I will work with my fellow P&Z commissioners in a diligent, bipartisan fashion to resolve this ineffective approach to administering our Village District.

Ilene Richardson is a single mom and business owner who has been active in the Weston community for over a decade. She has sat on boards for the Norfield Children's Center and the PTO, served on the Weston Marketing Committee and is currently the chair of the ZBA. Ilene is committed to helping Weston be the best town it can be for all residents.

Weston is a beautiful community faced with evolving in a way that is true to our character while making updates necessary for the continued success of our town.

I am proud to serve Weston as our current ZBA Chair. I strive to ensure each applicant is given fair and reasonable consideration, while ensuring we adhere to all relevant regulations. I bring a balanced approach and an open mind to our Board.

We are often challenged by what may seem to be 'reasonable' requests from applicants that do not meet the legally precedent benchmark for approval. Ensuring we are able to support the homeowner fairly throughout the process, while enforcing the codes we are obligated to hold up, is the delicate balance of this board.

Dr. Dan Gilbert is an organizational psychologist. He retired from General Electric's Corporate Staff. He holds B.S., M.B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. Dan was a 1st Lieutenant Artillery Firing Battery Commander. He and his family moved to Weston in 1986. He has served on P&Z, the Board of Selectmen, and currently on ZBA. Dan does volunteer work as a member of Kiwanis, Aspetuck Health District, and Americares. He is a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Francis.

The most significant issue facing Weston today is a decrease in civility. The sense that I'm right and you're wrong, more often than not, drives conversation in the public space. Winning means defeating the enemy. However, in most cases moving the ball forward requires finding common ground. "We the people" means all of us. For over 200 years America has been engaged in an extraordinary democratic experiment. The League of Women Voters tells us, "Together we can protect and defend our democracy." The key word in the League's guidance is "together."

I'm running for a position on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the same reasons I served on the Board of Selectmen, Planning and Zoning Commission, and currently on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I want to assure that everyone coming before the Board is treated with respect and that the Board's decisions are made with a high degree of fairness and objectivity. I attempt to bring a sense of integrity to every meeting. I do my best to come to the Board's meetings with an understanding of the applicant's appeal, Weston's Zoning Regulations, and the law.

The most important issue facing the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is finding the right balance between fairness and the law. ZBA sits between the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) and the public to assure that P&Z decisions are objective and fair. ZBA hears requests for relief from decisions made by P&Z and by the Code Enforcement Officer where property owners feel P&Z or the Officer have erred in judgement. Consideration must be given to each applicant's unique circumstance. The issue is addressed by Board members being good listeners and having a comprehensive understanding of zoning regulations and the law.

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. I have my BA degree from Boston College and my JD from Suffolk Law School. I have worked as a corporate lawyer with a major reinsurance company and am now in private practice. Before living in Weston, we lived in Switzerland and San Francisco.

I believe the most significant issue facing Weston is to act even more as a community. We need to better understand our options as a community. If we could get creative working together, there is a lot more we could do. How about a Weston center that was more attractive because it had more reasons to go there? We can make that more of an asset to this town and to all of us. We have the power to do a lot more with what we have.

My practice is centered on real estate law, and while I cannot represent a client in Weston, I have represented clients to the ZBAs of other towns in Fairfield County and I am fully aware of the anxiety, hopefulness, and planning that is invested in every ZBA case by every homeowner.

The ZBA sees homeowners who want to use their property differently than what our zoning laws allow, and our task is to assist with land improvement within the requirements of our laws. We work to preserve the town in a responsive and dynamic way.

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.

Weston resident since 1987
Bachelor of Science & Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Member and past chairman of Weston Building Committee
Past member and chairman Zoning Board of Appeals
Member Planning & Zoning Commission
Vice chairman Commission on Aging and chairman of Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center
Past president of the Associated General Contractors NYS and member of Dean's Leadership Council RPI School of Architecture.

The most significant issues facing Weston today are:

1. The lack of progress on the implementation of the Village District Plan.
2. The lack of progress in providing an adequate and proper facility for the Weston Senior Activities Center.
3. The refusal to address the needs and statutory requirements for affordable housing in the Town of Weston.

The Zoning Board of Appeals has 5 regular and 2 alternate members. A decision is made by 5 voting members and 4 voting members must vote in favor of an application for it to be approved. For a considerable period, the 2 alternate member positions have been vacant, therefore potentially jeopardizing the applicant's chances of receiving approval if the regular members are not present. I am running for this position so as to afford an applicant a reasonable opportunity to have an application heard and voted upon with a full board of 5 members.

My experience as a past member and chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals tells me that there are no important issues facing the Board as long as the elected positions are filled with qualified applicants.

• Chairman of the Police Commission
• Member of the Weston Democratic Town Committee
• Member of the former Weston Sidewalk Committee
• Past volunteer in the WHS athletic department, High School Boosters Club, and Pop Warner football program
• Weston Resident since 1973
• 2 children who are graduates of WHS
• Graduate of the University of Pittsburgh
• Former network television news producer for CBS, ABC, and CNN

The most significant issue facing Weston is maintaining our rating as one of the best small towns in Ct while keeping property taxes affordable to current and future residents. Our town government of residents who volunteer to serve on our boards and commissions have to continue to maintain our excellent schools, infrastructure, and the safety of residents while being mindful of the costs.

I am running for re-election to the Police Commission to continue to work to provide our town with a highly experienced, professional, and respected police department to ensure the safety of town residents and to maintain the positive relationship between our police officers and all of Weston's citizens. I will continue to be available to hear and act on resident questions and concerns about the department, safety, roads, and traffic issues.

Several officers of the Police Department are eligible to retire in the next few years. One of the most important issues the Police Commission faces is hiring new officers who are experienced, professional, and respected, and understand our town and community policing.

• CEO, Alliance Global Networks, Inc.
• 30+ years in Weston; with wife Andrea, raised 5 children who attended Weston Schools. Only Police Commission candidate with a child currently in our schools.
• 18-year incumbent and current Vice Chair; Jess led the implementation of School Resource Officers, reduced overtime spending, and enhanced police patrols for road safety.
• Member, Weston Kiwanis Club and Weston Historical Society

The significant issues facing Weston as it relates to public safety are school security, car thefts, home security, and speeding. The SRO program in the high school and middle school has been a huge success since implementation; I will work to continue this program for WIS and Hurlbutt. As Police Commission Vice Chair, I continue to inform the public on how to avoid being a victim of car theft and home break-ins through safety precautions and evaluations. Implementation of devices to slow down traffic on town roads and increased police presence will remain a priority for me.

I am running again to continue my work as a Police Commissioner and dedicated public servant to help improve life in Weston for our citizens. I bring years of Police Commission experience to this position and the ability to get things accomplished so projects can move forward on tight budgets. I have a flexible, bipartisan perspective and work well with my colleagues and other boards in town to develop new ideas for Weston's progress. As Chairman of the "Citizen of the Year" subcommittee, I am privileged to recognize an outstanding citizen of Weston each year.

One of the significant issues the commission faces is to continue to upgrade the technology and training of our police officers in Weston to make our department one of the best in the state. Our goal is to operate our police force on a tight budget while making sure the safety needs of Weston are met.

David and his wife Diana have lived in Weston for 25 years. David served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Finance and the Board of Selectmen over a 15-year period, taking a 4-year break before being elected to the Police Commission in 2019. David is a full-time portfolio manager, plays bassoon with the Westport Community Band and volunteers with Make A Wish, the Jewish Federation and at Norwalk Hospital's Emergency Department.

I believe the biggest challenge in Weston is balancing fiscal responsibility with community expectations of service. Having served as Selectman for 3 terms, I understand the difficulty of crafting a town budget that doesn't over-burden town residents while accommodating the needs of a population with high expectations of municipal services and a top-notch school system. I believe that sustainable community engagement is a huge challenge. Witness the number of town commissions without their full complement of appointed members. As town residents justifiably expect much from the town, so too must the town rely on volunteers to serve in town government.

I have enjoyed serving on the Police Commission over the past 4 years, a period that has seen much attention focused on the role of police departments nationally. It has been rewarding serving on an elected body that has supervisory responsibility for Weston's excellent police department, ensuring that state laws and recommended practices are incorporated, that necessary financial resources to maintain equipment and facilities are obtained, and that community and school safety is maintained. I believe I offer my budgetary experience, my level-headed approach to deliberations and my ability to balance community expectations with the job expectations of Weston's policemen.

Incorporating the numerous requirements of the Police Accountability Act (2020), making sense of provisions that may apply to Connecticut's larger cities but not smaller towns, and ensuring adequate funding for enhanced training and equipment have been and continue to be the most important issues facing the Police Commission. I have worked to enhance the existing complaint procedure to make sure that Weston residents feel their concerns are heard while ensuring fair treatment of our police officers. As the town's traffic authority, we also work steadfastly to address citizens' increased concerns about speeding, poor adherence to posted signage and unsafe driving.

Frank Ferrara has devoted his life to public service.

Frank served 31 years in law enforcement in various roles including patrol, SWAT, community policing, rescue operations, and safe management of public events.

As a supervisor, he demonstrated exceptional front-line leadership, management and budget skills.

Community service ranges from supervising/manning a 24/7 helpline for officers in mental distress to leading various Weston volunteer services and a holiday event for 5,000 special-needs children (25 years).

Nothing is more important than the safety, welfare, and development of our children. Once the envy of our state, our Weston schools have shown concerning drop-off in rankings of academic excellence; we need to reverse that trend.

As a taxpayer with adult children, I know the financial burden outstanding education can place on our citizens. But there can be no greater priority than our children and it is the duty of our elected officials to balance our spending priorities while holding taxes firm. I am committed to that challenge, while ensuring the needs of our first responders are met.

Experience, passion, and a fresh approach.

I bring decades of distinguished police work, complemented by on-going support for the well-being of my fellow officers. This makes me uniquely qualified to address the needs of our Weston police force.

Second, I am passionate about the critical role a strong and caring police force makes in fostering a safe and healthy community. I am committed to ensuring the residents of Weston always feel respected, safe, and protected.

As your newly elected representative, I will bring that passion, energy, and new ideas to this important position.

There are several issues that need attention, but none more important than building tomorrow's town leadership.

Good leaders manage for today, but better leaders plan for the future. Like many of you, I am concerned about the impending retirement of upper management town staff and senior officers. We need to reach out wide to engage and recruit tomorrow's leaders.

I intend to be part of the solution, helping create an inclusive town management and police force that welcomes new faces and fresh thinking as we build a strong and sustainable Weston for tomorrow.