Board of Selectmen – Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich will protect and improve Westport’s vibrant downtown and local businesses, world-class schools, and natural beauty as First Selectman and Selectman.
First Selectman candidate Kevin Christie brings strong leadership, transparency, and community engagement to Westport’s government. He is committed to preserving what makes Westport special while planning responsibly for its future.
Kevin spent over 15 years in finance, investment banking, and corporate strategy at IBM, Merrill Lynch, and The Madison Square Garden Company. He advised CEOs and boards, led cross-functional teams, and executed over $40 billion in strategic and financial transactions. He draws on that same strategic mindset, financial acumen, and proven execution to guide his work in town government.
Kevin currently serves on the Westport Board of Education, where he was elected in 2021 and chairs the Policy Committee. On the BOE, he has delivered on his campaign promises by championing student achievement, improving school facilities, and strengthening governance.
Kevin holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Union College. He and his wife Gina have twin boys who are currently enrolled in Westport schools.
Selectman candidate Amy Wistreich has dedicated the last six years to making Westport an even better place to live and raise a family through her service on the Zoning Board of Appeals (2019-2023) and Planning & Zoning Commission (2023-present). On both bodies, she has been an independent voice, always thoroughly prepared, ready to listen, and bringing to bear her professional experience in land use, architecture and construction.
Amy began her career in the New York office of Kohn Pedersen Fox Architects + Planners. After several years at KPF, she transitioned to the insurance and surety industries. Amy studied Environmental Design at Syracuse University, earning a BA in 1991. She is active in golf and paddle tennis leagues at Longshore, as well as on numerous sidelines cheering on her three daughters, all of whom played competitive sports. She lives in Westport with her husband Carl.
Kevin and Amy Will Lead with Fiscal Discipline
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Establish a strategic vision for the town’s half-billion-dollar capital projects.
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Create a transparent 10-year Capital Forecast that reflects our priorities, with public input and collaboration with the Board of Finance, Representative Town Meeting (RTM), and Board of Education.
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Break the cycle of wasted “study and shelve” spending, focusing on expert input, public engagement, decision-making, and timely action.
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Invest wisely and respect taxpayers; no more $7M maintenance sheds.
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Preserve Westport’s AAA rating with disciplined, long-term financial planning.
Kevin and Amy Will Secure a Smarter Future for Saugatuck
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Support revised, transit-friendly development; not oversized hotels or event centers.
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Build consensus for a shared vision of Saugatuck’s future.
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Preserve the look and improve the safety of the Cribari Bridge with a safer, wider structure that respects its historic charm, and minimizes through-traffic on our local roads.
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Explore local control and context-sensitive alternatives before it’s too late.
Kevin and Amy Will Prioritize Our Children’s Well-Being
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Work hand-in-hand with the Board of Education, school building committees, the P&Z and BOF, and our State Delegation in Hartford to ensure Long Lots — and every school facilities project after — are completed on-time and on-budget with all stakeholders at the table.
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Expand youth services for kids impacted by mental health issues, substance use, and social isolation, and support parents and educators in building a safer, healthier environment for our kids.
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Partner with public safety leaders to crack down on threats to youth such as underage drinking and underage sales of vapes and cannabis.
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Draft a long-term plan for maintenance and upgrades to our athletic fields, facilities, and sidewalks.
Kevin and Amy Will Improve Downtown Now
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Execute a practical long-overdue redesign of Parker Harding Plaza.
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Clean up eyesores and simplify confusing parking rules.
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End the paralysis of endless consultant studies and get the job done.
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With input from neighbors and merchants, build structured parking in the right spot.
Kevin and Amy Will Champion Local Businesses
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Streamline permitting and approvals to simplify the process of opening a business in Westport.
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Collaborate with local businesses and associations to strengthen Main Street, Saugatuck, and all commercial districts.
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Consider hiring an Economic Development Director to support and attract businesses.
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Prioritize traffic and parking improvements to help business areas thrive.
Kevin and Amy Will Mitigate our Flooding Problems
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Develop forward looking plans to prevent damage to our homes and property from both coastal and inland flooding.
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Partner with Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation to map risks and develop a forward-looking flood mitigation plan.
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Evaluate and revise our clear cutting practices and guidelines.
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Evaluate critical infrastructure currently in the flood zone.
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Educate homeowners about maintenance, buffers, and storm readiness.
Kevin and Amy Will Tackle the Housing Crisis
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Promote housing options that work for Westport’s workforce, seniors, young families, and that are affordable, sustainable, and well-placed.
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Work closely with P&Z, the Affordable Housing Committee, the Westport Housing Authority, and community stakeholders to identify sites where appropriate housing can be built.
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Make sure development is sustainable, consistent with Smart Growth principles, includes strong community input, and protects our infrastructure capacity.
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Prepare for expected state legislation by advocating for what works for Westport and planning before mandates hit.
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Build on Westport’s momentum by utilizing the Housing Trust Fund and Real Property Committee to secure land for thoughtful development.
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Host community conversations with subject-matter experts on housing to build awareness of the housing crisis and Westport’s needs.
Kevin and Amy Will Advance Westport’s “Net Zero by 2050” Resolution
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Rebuild the dismantled Community Gardens in a sunny, accessible, and permanent site.
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Make the Community Gardens and sustainability a town priority in the 2027 Plan Of Conservation & Development.
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Protect open space and natural resources as community and economic assets.
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Take practical and fiscally responsible steps, informed by roadmaps such as SustainbleCT’s, to build a more sustainable community for the future.
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Explore underused tools like the state’s Open Space grant to advance projects.
Clear Priorities. Proactive Leadership.Thoughtful Vision
Vote Christie and Wistreich on Row A