The RTC also named Kristin LaFleur, a member of the Board of Education, as the GOP nominee for for the position of second
selectwoman. Nominations will be confirmed by the Republican Town Committee in July, and both candidates will likely face First Selectman Gordon Joseloff and Second Selectwoman Shelly Kassen, both Democrats, although the incumbents have yet to confirm their reelection intentions.
It is also possible that John Izzo, Joseloff's opponent in the 2005 election on the Republican ticket, will run for First Selectman as an independent candidate.
Bob Zappi, chairman of the Republican Town Committee, issued statement this week announcing the intended nominations. "I am excited that we started the process early," said Zappi. "I believe Gavin Anderson, who was on the Board of Finance for two terms and who has an intimate knowledge of the town, will bring the financial discipline to the town that we have not had for the past 10 years.
"I also think Kristen LaFleur can do more for the schools as Second Selectwoman than she can as a minority member of the Board of Education," Zappi said. "Plus, she also has financial expertise. Before she stopped working to raise her kids, she had a career in banking and finance."
In an interview with the Minuteman, Anderson was jocular and upbeat. "I¹m excited. I think I¹ve got something to offer," he said, "quite apart from my professional skills. I have a vision, and I care a lot. Plus I am dedicated to doing things right. That's always been my calling card."
Anderson added that he had a "wonderful running mate in Kristin LaFleur, an extraordinarily smart and hard-working individual. She is perspicacious, intensely involved in what she gets into, and has good solid financial experience, which is a bonus."
Anderson, who was born in Great Britain and speaks with a clipped British accent said, "I've spent 40 years of my life managing financial operations in corporations round the world. In my job at Colgate I was finance director of various subsidiary companies in different areas of the world. In this economy, we need that kind of expertise to lead during what I think will be a very difficult few years, whether we like it or not. I can offer that kind of experience."
He added, "I have enormous respect for Gordon Joseloff, his time as RTM moderator particularly. He has given this town a great deal. We don't agree on everything, but who does in Westport? I hope we can have a good, clear debate with no fisticuffs. I hope to discuss things straight up and deal with them so people can be presented with the alternative."
When asked about running as a Republican in a town dominated by Democrats, Anderson, who described himself as a moderate Republican said, "In our democracy we need a loyal opposition. The value is that it presents the opposite point of view. Where we have different opinions, the electorate needs to hear another opinion. I happen to believe that at the end of the day, politics isn¹t everything. It is character, vision, experience, and dedication to excellence. There are a whole lot of other qualities that people will look at in selecting someone for this position. I've got a lot of energy and enthusiasm. The point is to have good opponents who respect each other and each other's view and argue them properly."
Anderson said his priorities will be town finances, education and senior citizens.
On senior citizens he said, "These people have a right to expect, in the autumn of their lives, to be more comfortable and peaceful, not churning with worry about their economic security. We've got to do more, and find better ways to do it."
On fiscal management he said, "There's been a change here. We've seen a failing in the town administration in financial planning and financial accounting. Some things are going wrong that should not be. The administration is not being forceful, not looking forward. Only 10 days ago actuaries identified a $50 million obligation in the pension funds. That is extraordinary. It shows a lack of foresight. The audit was two months late. If you find yourself surprised, then there is something wrong with our structure. That is why we need financial professionalism in our administration."
Anderson said he was looking forward to working with LaFleur, whose expertise in education derived from her position on the Board of Education will be invaluable.
A statement issued by the Republican Town Committee described the candidates as follows:
"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 two 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."