Candidates were mainly incumbents, with two notable exceptions, Brian Stern, and Nora Jinishian.
Brian Stern was nominated for a seat on the Board of Finance by Jim Randall, an attorney and real estate professional in Westport. Stern grew up in Britain, received an MBA from Harvard and served for 30 years at Xerox Corporation, where Randall credited him with helping turn Xerox around
during financially difficult times. Stern, who has been serving as an alternate for the Planning and Zoning Commission, is now an entrepreneur and was described by Randall as a smart person with insight who can look carefully at a situation and determine the pros and cons to come up with a good resolution.
Jinishian was nominated by Board of Education member Faith Taylor, who described her extensive leadership roles in numerous PTA¹s and called her
the "hardest working person." Jinishian, a long time resident of Westport, also has a background in research.
The remaining nominees are all currently serving on the boards and commissions for which they have been nominated.
Board of Education
Donald O¹Day, currently chairman on the Board of Education, has 30 years experience in the financial industry, serving at Citibank during that
period. According to Elaine Whitney, who nominated O¹Day, he joined the BOE to increase financial transparency and strengthen special education. Whitney called O'Day "a very active and thoughtful board member, with the best interests of the kids at heart. In his role as chairman, he demonstrated leadership in turbulent period and was able to bring in the current budget at an unprecedented half percentage point increase."
O'Day nominated Elaine Whitney, who was appointed to the board when a vacancy occurred. He said, "I expected Elaine to learn the ropes as a new member but she jumped right in. She knew how to get things done."
He called her "a pivotal member of the efficiency task force, and said she also knows how to save money on health care."
Board of Finance
Helen Garten was nominated by Board of Finance member Ken Wirfel for a second term on the BOF.
He said, "I have found that on the board we are blessed with a wonderful group of volunteers, but there is no one who is brighter, no one who is harder working. Any time I have a question when I look through the books, Helen Garten the person I call. I look forward to nominating her as chairperson."
Also nominated was Brian Stern.
P&Z Commission
Current commissioner Ellie Lowenstein nominated Ron Corwin who currently serves as chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Lowenstein said Corwin "looks at the big picture and is interested in preserving natural resources. He has spent many hours so that the commission and the public can get the best possible information. He is non-partisan in his dealings, has a sense of humor and a thick skin- essential characteristics for serving on the P&Z."
Howard Lathrop, who has been on the board for four years was also nominated by Lowenstein. He was described as an architect who is quiet, but who brings a wealth of knowledge to the commission, and is an expert on lights. Lathrop has served on several subcommittees, including a historic district subcommittee which developed regulations to preserve older homes.
Also nominated was Nora Jinishian.
Westport Board of Assessment Appeals
Elaine Arnow, a local real estate agent and David Crouse, an attorney, were both nominated for additional terms. According to Jim Ezzes, in their past capacity as board members, they heard more than 1,200 residents discuss their taxes, which he called ³an incredible volume of work which was done quietly and methodically. If elected, both would serve during a revaluation of Westport property.
Zoning Board of Appeals
For the ZBA, nominated were Jacqueline Masumian and Douglas Bowen. Masumian has served on the board for eight years, and is secretary of the board, and Bowen is running for his second term.