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Jennifer Tooker Elected First Selectman
WESTPORT, November 15, 2021 -- As prepared for delivery
First Selectman Jim Marpe, honorable fellow elected officials, distinguished clergy, guests and speakers, dedicated Town Department heads and town employees, wonderful residents of Westport, and my supportive Tooker and Salmon family and friends – welcome and thank you all for being here and for being part of a very special night.
Tonight we come together to celebrate our newly elected local officials – all 52 of them – who will lead us for the next 2 years – in the case of the RTM and for the next 4 years – for all the other boards and commissions and including myself as your next First Selectwoman. We take office during an unprecedented time – a term that has been used frequently over the last 18 months - as this global pandemic still lingers. However, it is also an unprecedented time for many other reasons.
We have welcomed 100s and 100s of new residents and dozens and dozens of new businesses as our Downtown thrives again. We continue to have the best schools in the state and top in the nation. We have an award-winning library redefining what it means to be a library. We have an enhanced senior center, recognized as the best in the region, with dozens and dozens of in-person and virtual programs keeping our seniors connected.
We have a nationally renowned arts community – bravely and boldly navigating the lingering pandemic conditions – to bring the arts back for us to enjoy. We have stunning parks, beaches, and recreational facilities that have become even more important as our residents spend more time here in their hometown and outdoors. We are one of 12 municipalities in the entire state of CT that has achieved Silver certification by Sustainable CT as we continue to lead the way on sustainability issues. We have a very talented and experienced team of town department heads, school administrators, and employees in our town and schools.
We have an astounding network of non-profit organizations that provide services and programs to Westporters and surrounding communities – what other town of 28k people has 2 Rotary Clubs?? We have the most creative and talented local business owners who are committed to the collective success of Westport. And we have the most amazing residents … savvy, sophisticated, caring, and always committed to making our community better. As Dan Woog mentioned in his article last week, the water and Compo Beach brought me here, but the people keep me here. This is truly an extraordinary town.
Since November 2nd, I get asked every day, multiple times a day, how I am feeling. I continue to give the same response. I am just so honored to serve this extraordinary town as your next Chief Elected official.
Thank you to First Selectman Jim Marpe for your superb leadership over these last 8 years. Westport is a better place because of you. The town is in great shape. I know you did not do it alone. Thank you to the department heads and town employees, to the numerous elected and appointed officials who worked so hard on behalf of our community.
Here is my promise to you all and to the residents of Westport – I will lead with compassion, integrity, and professionalism. I understand that listening is one of the most important skills in a good leader and encouraging robust, respectful dialogue is critical to a healthy democracy. I know my job is to manage a town government that works for everyone, in a non-partisan manner, and that always has the best interests of Westport –our residents, business owners, and employees – at heart.
Andrea and I officially start the job tomorrow. We promise you that we will wake up – not just tomorrow morning, but every morning – for the next 4 years – and work tirelessly to ensure Westport remains the best place to live, work and play in the region. So each of you can wake up, enjoy all our Town has to offer, and know that Westport is where you belong.
Upcoming Events
RTC Meetings are held on the third Tuesday, monthly
December Meeting
The regular December meeting is canceled.
First Selectman Jim Marpe Endorses Jen Tooker &
Andrea Moore for Board of Selectmen
Senator Tony Hwang is serving his 3rd term representing Connecticut’s 28th Senatorial District, which includes the towns of Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport.
Tony serves as the Ranking Member of the Housing, Higher Education, and Public Safety & Security Committees. He is also a member of the Transportation Committee.