Protect the Partrick Wetlands
and our Community

Westport GOP Pick Candidates By JENNIFER CONNIC Hour Staff Writer WESTPORT — The Republican Town Committee nominated a slate of candidates for the fall election that is mostly comprised of new faces. Of the 13 Republicans running for various boards and commissions, 10 would be new to the position if elected. Republicans currently do not hold the majority on any board or commission. Board of Finance member R. Gavin Anderson, Zoning Board of Appeals member Elizabeth Wong and Board of Assessment Appeals Chairman Garson Heller are the three incumbents nominated to run. Also nominated to run are Thomas Bloch and Charles Haberstroh for the Board of Finance; Edward Bowers and Lewis Brey for the Board of Education; Helen Martin Block, Jamie Cochrane, David Press and Sean Timmins for the Planning and Zoning Commission and John Hudock for the Zoning Board of Appeals. Republican Town Committee Chairman Pete Wolgast said he feels confident the candidates will help Republicans regain control of the town’s boards and commissions. “The Democrats have made a lot of mistakes,” he said. “Some boards are not running well, and we need a change in leadership.” Bloch said he would bring a different view to the Board of Finance with a more effective way to manage town finances. “I would be a better steward of the town’s precious resources,” he said. Anderson said the economics of the town are very different than they were four years ago when he was first elected to the finance board. “We need a Board of Finance that will address the issues of today,” he said. Brey, who ran for the school board four years ago, said the school board needs some new blood. “We have a real opportunity to make the Board of Education more responsive the community,” he said. Bowers, a former Norwalk Common Council member, said he has been dissatisfied with the way the school board has treated the public. “Public input is the most important part of making a decision,” he said. Three of the four candidates for the Planning and Zoning Commission — Block, Cochrane and Timmins — have been involved in the neighborhood fight against a housing development on Partrick Road and Newtown Turnpike. Cochrane said it makes sense to go from a neighborhood to running for the commission. “In order to affect change you have to take on civic responsibility,” he said. “The only way to do that is on a board or commission. I think I would be able to affect some change for the better.” Jennifer Connic covers Westport and Weston. She can be reached at 354-1043 or at westport@thehour.com.