PRESS RELEASE
SENATE BILL 1098 UNANIMOUSLY OPPOSED BY WESTPORT REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE
At its April 21 meeting, the Westport Republican Town Committee voted unanimously to oppose Connecticut Senate Bill 1098, "An Act Modifying Corporate Laws Relating to Certain Religious Corporations". The proposed law, introduced by the Co-chairmen of the Senate's Judiciary Committee, has been withdrawn for the remainder of the session. It was intended to force transfer of financial control of the Catholic churches of Connecticut from its bishops and priests to boards of lay persons.
RTC Chairman Bob Zappi states that "S.B. 1098 is a clear violation of our sacred Bill of Rights. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, in its initial sentence, declares that 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;...' "
The RTC also is strongly concerned that the radical and offensive approach of Bill 1098 could be extrapolated in the future to any non-profit group, not only to Catholics or religious organizations. The bill further is unnecessary, as present law addresses rectification of malfeasance within such groups. SB 1098 is a disturbing precedent which would insidiously over-reach into the control of our private lives.
Therefore, the Westport RTC opposes SB 1098 and, with our District 136 Representative Joe Mioli and District 26 Senator Toni Boucher, will work to ensure its permanent defeat. We are encouraged by the March 11 informational hearing called by the Judiciary Committee's ranking Republican members and actively supported by two of the Committee's Democratic members. We salute this bipartisan effort to hear the will of the citizens and to publicly oppose a bill that is clearly wrong. We look forward to more frequent examples of such collaboration in the governing of our State.
We citizens of "The Constitution State" have for centuries prided ourselves on our participation in democracy - but are all of us involved enough? For various reasons not enough of us are now staying informed about and participating in our own governance. Failure to do so can assess a severe cost: abdication of our voices would de facto default to those with stronger wills, regardless of the merit of their positions. Democracy has abundant room for - and by design benefits from - a variety of honest, well-informed views and respectful, clearly expressed opinions. But apathy is the enemy of all. We therefore urge all to invest the effort to stay informed about and to participate in our governmental process, and thus to help abate erosion of our freedoms, such as would occur under any unfortunate resurrection of S.B. 1098."'
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Continuing the Effort to Secure Westport’s Future by Selecting the Most Qualified Leaders, Westport RTC Calls for Board and Commission Nominees
The Nominating Committee of the Westport Republican Town Committee (RTC) announced Wednesday, April 29, 2009 that it is seeking nominees for the various Town Boards and Commissions for election this November. The Westport RTC recognizes what most Westporters do; that in these challenging economic times, we cannot afford to forego responsibility and accountability on our boards and commissions. We must make the tough and strategically sound decisions now to maintain excellence in schools and services and our top financial rating while saving taxpayers money. “I have tasked this committee with identifying the best, most qualified candidates to lead.” said Bob Zappi, Chairman of the RTC. “Now more than ever, we need board members and chairpersons who will avoid personal agendas and put Westport First.”
Positions opening this November include: Board of Finance, Board of Education and Planning and Zoning Commission. The Westport RTC has developed a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach of identifying candidates that is designed to objectively determine who are the most qualified to serve. Anyone interested should contact Jerry Doyle at 210-5148 or e-mail him at JKDoyle@optonline.net.
“We have no shortage of incredibly gifted and devoted Westporters who have the ability to lead our town’s boards and commissions, but I still want to stay true to the process and cast the net,” said Nominating Committee Chairman, Jerry Doyle. “The committee is excited at the prospect of bringing forth the best our great town has to offer.”
Eager to Bring Financial Experience and Accountability Back to the Selectman’s Office, Westport RTC reveals status of Nominating Committee deliberations
The Nominating Committee of the Westport Republican Town Committee (RTC) reported Tuesday March 17, 2009 that Gavin Anderson and Kristin LaFleur have been recommended to the RTC for nomination as First and Second Selectman candidates for election this November. The Westport RTC will vote to officially endorse candidates in July which is required by State election law regardless of party affiliation. “I am very pleased that Gavin Anderson and Kristin LaFleur are interested in running for First and Second Selectman. They are both devoted community servants, having represented Westport residents with distinction for many years; Gavin on the Board of Finance and Kristin on the Board of Education. They are the perfect team for these difficult times. A combination of financial wisdom and unwavering support for our highly rated schools.” said Bob Zappi, Chairman of the RTC.
Over the past several months, numerous meetings were conducted and thousands of questionnaires were mailed to residents. The prospective list of Selectman candidates had swelled to over 40 names. Each was contacted and interested candidates were asked to complete an extensive questionnaire that sought to pull deep insights into their qualifications and issues comprehension.
For several months, the RTC Nominating Committee had undertaken an extensive interview and evaluation process in order to select a team of candidates who are proactive leaders and possess the highest qualifications to guide Westport through these very difficult economic times. Nominating Committee Chairman, Jerry Doyle stated, “I am pleased to tell you that our Nominating Committee has unanimously agreed on a recommendation for First and Second Selectman. What we have are two people deeply involved in current town operations, one an established financial expert with executive experience and the other a proven force in education that will offer Westport far superior town stewardship than we’ve had over the past several years.”
Gavin Anderson addressed the full room stating “Kristin and I are running for the Office of Selectman to bring accountability back to Westport. We have to put behind us the days of waiting to tackle issues until only after public outcry. Hard choices need to be made and not ignored or hidden. We are prepared to take informed and decisive action. Over the coming weeks and months, expect to hear specifics on how we plan to move Westport forward. Expect more cooperation with the town boards. Expect more transparency with Westporters. Expect more non-partisan collaboration.”
Kristin LaFleur added; “This fall, Gavin and I will to bring proactive leadership to our town government, promote financial accountability, and maintain our superior schools. I believe these ideals are important to all Westporters and will move our town forward through whatever crisis may linger and those that lie ahead.”
About the candidates:
Gavin Anderson has been a longtime resident and public servant who has served on the Westport Board of Finance, RTM, and Finance, Public Works and Ordinance Committees. He served as Chairman of the First Selectman’s Maintenance Study Committee from 1999-2007. Most recently he chaired the King’s Highway Special Maintenance committee over the past 2 years. Professionally, Gavin worked in New York City and around the world in top financial management positions at Colgate-Palmolive.
Kristin LaFleur was elected to the Westport Board of Education in 2005 where she has played a leading role on many critical issues. She has held leadership positions and served on or chaired committees in the Westport Young Woman’s League, among many other community organizations. Professionally, Kristin held senior positions as bank auditor and compliance officer at GE Capital and Chase Bank.
Please visit www.andersonlafleur.com for more information.
