Candidates are listed in the order in which they appear on the ballot.
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Greg
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Michael
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Danielle
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Jon
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Jennifer
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What are the most important values you hold with regard to the mission, philosophy and direction of Westport's Planning & Zoning Commission going forward?
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Rutstein (D/SWN)As commissioners we must keep an open mind and be respectful to each resident and business owner that comes before the commission. We must ensure that we: - plan and facilitate smart growth and environmentally sound solutions to land use; - protect our residential neighborhoods from losing their small-town New England character; - maintain a diversified tax base that is healthy, thriving and sustainable; - prevent large scale housing developments from causing overcrowding of our schools and adding further traffic congestion; and - create an efficient and responsive review process for all applicants. It’s time for fresh leadership & new ideas at P&Z. |
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Cammeyer (D/SWN)In the upcoming years we need to look at all the factors that affect Westport. We need to respectfully listen to our neighbors and those who come in front of the commission. While proactively asking questions, we will promote dialogue about smart future development. It is of the utmost importance that we are aware of the impact a project will have on TRAFFIC, SCHOOLS, DENSITY, and WESTPORT. We need to preserve the delicate balance between what makes the town of Westport special, while continuing to enhance features for the future. It’s time for fresh leadership and new ideas at P&Z |
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Dobin (D/SWN)We must take a PROACTIVE not reactive approach to the land use challenges we face: -P&Z must stop overdevelopment that crowds our schools and roads, particularly developers bypassing local density laws to create oversized projects. -P&Z must take active steps to maintain Westport’s residential property values, support our existing business community, attract new businesses to Westport and support our merchants to ensure our downtown thrives. This is critical given the state’s fiscal issues. -P&Z must treat all residents and applicants with respect. Our process should be responsive, careful and efficient. It’s time for fresh leadership & new ideas at P&Z. |
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Olefson (R)As a current Alternate Member of the Commission, the most important values are strong residential property rights, intelligent development and the highest level of integrity. We need strong property rights to protect the value and enjoyment of our investments, and to encourage others to make similar investments. We must embrace intelligent design and development, such as mitigating traffic, to ensure that Westport remains relevant and attractive for future generations. We must do this with a thorough understanding of land use law, knowledge of the application process, honesty, and avoiding conflicts of interest to ensure public trust. |
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Johnson (CFW)Westport's abundant natural resources, rich heritage, and amazing people make our town great. But we can do better. We need senior housing; we must make our streets safe for cyclists and pedestrians; we struggle to find tenants for retail stores; we spend too much time in traffic. To confront these challenges, the P&Z must move beyond partisan gridlock. The P&Z needs new members with deep knowledge of local and regional issues, and fresh perspectives who are committed to building confidence in the electorate through respectful, transparent and collaborative community dialogue. The right leadership can assure a bright future. |
