Three years ago, I didn’t know Westport existed. I’m sure I have heard the town associated with its exits on traffic reports, have seen the name on the weather map. But it wasn’t until almost two and half years ago that being in the wrong lane brought me to Westport.
From time to time, friends who don’t know Westport will ask “Whats up with you and this Westport town?” and its something I can try to explain, but I am not sure if I really can. I just smile knowing the image of the flags blowing on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge on a summer’s day in my head and say with excitement “You have to go there!”. Or when I’m asking family to meet me for the side walk sale that happens in July because I can show them what downtown has to offer; or nagging a friend of mine if he knows when the Saugatuck Bridge will be lit for the holidays or knowing the results of Staples football games or asking how the Saugatuck Rowing Team did at it’s weekend regattas. Westport has an amazing community and for those who know me know I can go on for a while describing the towns vibrance, friendliness and unique features.
I have spent the last two and a half years talking to residents, small business owners and real estate agents; learning about the town, the history, the current way of life and the future. I have had conversations about what should be done Coleytown Middle School and the mold situation to the Hiawatha Lane development battle to the growth of Downtown. There is no place like Westport, the town pride and a community filled with love. I have personally witnessed this towns hospitality in my own personal life with an unexpected life event a few weeks ago. It’s nothing like you see on ABC’s American Housewife. I’m sure that cliche is there, but I haven’t seen it.
Westport is a special place, one like no other. Its where I want to live, grow my businesses, have my daughter graduate from Staples and I know for that to happen Westport needs to have the right team. I am endorsing the best team for Westport, which is Matthew Mandell, Chris Tait, Rick Jaffe, Kristen Mott Purcell, Lou Mall, Jay Keenan, Christine Meier Schatz, Harris Falk, Jimmy Izzo, Amy Kaplan, Arline Gertzoff, Mark Friedman, Andrew Colabella, Jeff Wieser, Kristan Hamlin, Noah Hammond, Peter Gold, Nicole Klein, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Jessica Bram, Cathy Talmadge, Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Ellen Lautenberg, Lauren Karpf, Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Lisa Newman, Carla Rea, Wendy Batteau, Stephen Shackelford, Velma Heller, Albert Strazza, Lauren Soloff and Kristen Schneeman.