The Newly Elected Look Ahead

While candidates celebrated their win Tuesday night, many also began to think about their first order of business.

Here's some goals and intentions of those who could be reached at the Democratic headquarters.

First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff and Second Selectwoman Shelly A. Kassen, both Democrats, said they would continue the work they started in 2005, especially on Westport's environmental initiatives and creating more affordable housing for seniors. 

Third Selectman R. Gavin S. Anderson, a Republican, said there's a lot to talk about.

"Our finances, I think we have serious issues that we've got to deal with," he said.

On the Board of Finance, the re-elected Helen A. Garten, a Democrat, said her first call tomorrow would be to superintendent of schools Dr. Elliott Landon.

"We've got to start talking about the budget right away," she said.

On the Planning & Zoning Commission, the newly elected Nora L. Jinishian, a Democrat, said she plans to focus on the environment and bringing revitalization to downtown. As a new face on the commission, she also said she's there to learn.

Incumbent P&Z chair Ronald D. Corwin, a Democrat, said his first order of business is to put together a package of proposals "to improve the vitality, the spark and the interest in downtown Westport."

"The committee sets its priorities at its annual meeting in December and I will present it then," he said.

On the Board of Assessment Appeals, Elaine S. Arnow, said she'll be waiting for the evaluations.

"When the assessments are changed because of the economy, we'll have a lot of people come before us to present their cases," she said.

The re-elected Board of Education members all ran unopposed. Their races tallied more votes than any other this year. Their first order of business will be to begin the budget process, which will require working with other government bodies — a task members say they do well.

"The Board of Education, the Board of Finance and the Selectmen's Office have to work together," said Democratic BOE chair Donald G. O'Day. "I think we set the model for working together and I think it's one of the reasons we got more votes than anyone else."

For more on what candidates see Westport will face in the coming year, view the attached videos filmed at a League of Women Voters candidate meet-and-greet event last month.