A Note From Jen 

Greetings from the First Selectwoman’s Office. After the relaxing summer months, it is wonderful to see the bustling activity in Westport, with so many residents, visitors and guests welcoming the cooler days and evenings of the fall season. And as the leaves begin to turn, there's no better time to embrace the charm and beauty of our town. From scenic walks along the Saugatuck River and Long Island Sound, to browsing, shopping and dining Downtown and in Saugatuck Center, there are countless ways to enjoy Westport in the fall. Pumpkin picking at local farms or at the Westport Farmers Market, celebrating Harvest Festivals, decorating for Halloween, or gathering at community events…the list goes on and on as to how we enjoy our amazing community during this special season. Fall is truly a magical time here.
 
Please consider taking this opportunity to reconnect with nature, with community, with family, and with yourself. I wish you all a peaceful and joyful autumn season.

Town Departments

VOTE

REGISTRARS OF VOTERS 

The successful administration of elections depends heavily on the work of the Registrars of Voters, who work closely with the Office of the Secretary of the State to ensure the voting rights of citizens and who administer all elections based on current election laws. Although the two elected Westport Registrars represent the Republican Party (Maria Signore) and the Democratic Party (Deb Greenberg), politics does not have any place in their office. It is the responsibility of both Registrars to ensure fair and equitable implementation of all laws, and either Registrar may perform all duties regardless of party affiliation.

The Registrars’ duties span from maintaining accurate voter rolls to training election staff and coordinating logistics. Their role is vital to preserving the integrity and accessibility of our democratic process and include, among other things:

• Processing new voter registrations, changes of address, and party enrollments
• Administering state and federally mandated election rules
• Ensuring polling places are properly staffed, election equipment is programmed, and ballots are handled securely

 In addition, Registrars are required to complete and satisfy a certification program. Once certified, each registrar is required to complete additional training throughout the year to maintain their certification. Registrars also acquire and maintain Election Moderator Certification.

As Westport heads into the local election cycle, it’s important for residents to know how, when, and where to cast their ballots. The town’s Registrars of Voters are central to making our elections run smoothly-and early voting now gives voters more flexibility than ever. Early voting makes participation more flexible, especially for those with busy schedules, travel plans, mobility challenges-or simply a desire to avoid Election Day lines. With voting hours extended amongst fifteen days for a general election, it can also help reduce congestion and wait times.

EARLY VOTING IN PERSON HOURS TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM (110 Myrtle Ave):

DATE:                                    VOTING HOURS
Monday, October 20              10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21             10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22        10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23            10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 24                 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 25             10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26               10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 27              10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28              8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29        10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 30             8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31                 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 1           10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 2             10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 
ELECTION DAY: Look up your polling place here: Westport Polling Locations

DATE:                                     VOTING HOURS
November 4                            6:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SAME DAY REGISTRATION: If you are NEW TO WESTPORT OR HAVE NOT REGISTERED BEFORE:

To register, you must show identification that includes your name and Westport address (for example, a driver’s license, current utility bill, check, or Social Security card).

You can register online at voterregistration.ct.gov, at the DMV, at the Registrars Office (Town Hall Room 107) or you can mail in your registration card by Friday, October 17, 2025.

If you miss this registration deadline, Westport offers registration every day at Town Hall in the Auditorium during the Early Voting Period shown above. Registrants will be able to cast their ballot at the same time. In addition, registration will also be available on Election Day (Tuesday, November 4) at Town Hall in the Auditorium from 6am-8pm - voters can register and vote during that time. Be prepared to show proof of identity and residency. The process takes more time than regular polling place voting, so plan accordingly.

Key tips for voters:

• Check your registration status well ahead of time. If you are not sure where to vote, or are unsure if you are registered to vote, you can click here to verify both at the Secretary of State's Website. 
• Register or change address before the statutory deadlines.
• Know your polling places (both for early voting and for Election Day); see Westport Polling Locations
• Bring valid ID or proof of residency if requested; if not available, there is an affidavit process.
• Plan for longer processing time if you use Election Day Registration, since verifying identity and residency takes longer.

The Westport Registrars of Voters and their dedicated team are knowledgeable, patient and accommodating. Please direct any voter-related questions to them. The office is in Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue) Room 107, and their regular hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The general phone number is 203-341-1115.

Town Projects

TIDAL GATES and WALKWAY REHABILITATION PROJECT

In coordination with the CT DEEP, the Town launched the Sherwood Mill Pond Tide Gate and Walkway Rehabilitation Project shortly after Labor Day. It is expected to be completed by late spring 2026.
 
For decades, this tide gate has played a critical role in regulating tidal exchange between the estuary and upstream wetlands. However, time and wear diminished its efficiency, and it fell into disrepair. It was necessary to take on the challenging infrastructure project at this time - and during the “off season.”
 
During construction, portions of the Soundview and Old Mill municipal parking lots will be used for staging equipment and materials.
 
The scope of work includes:

• Repairing and upgrading the tide gates
• Restoring the spillway
• Rebuilding the wooden pier
• Reinforcing the seawall

Work will take place Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. During this period, residents and visitors may experience temporary disruptions to nearby walkways and access routes. DPW requests that other marine sites that are not under construction be visited by our residents to limit any conflict with the construction equipment as the boardwalk will be frequently closed.  The Town will provide regular updates to ensure everyone remains informed and engaged throughout the project. 

This project represents a significant investment in the long-term resilience, safety, and environmental health of our coastal waters. The Selectwoman’s Office and the Department of Public Works sincerely thank residents for their patience and continued support as we work to protect and enhance one of our community’s most cherished natural resources.
 
For more information, please contact the Department of Public Works at 203-341-1120.

Community

WESTPORT PUBLIC ARTS COLLECTION

In 1965, artist, educator, and visionary Burt Chernow had the idea that Westport students should experience art every day. With that mission, he founded what would become the Westport Public Art Collection. What started as a grassroots initiative has blossomed into a treasured collection of over 2,000 original works of art, displayed throughout Westport’s public schools and municipal buildings.

60 years later, the art collection remains a unique and integral part of Westport’s cultural fabric, bringing museum-quality art into everyday spaces where students, educators, residents and visitors live, learn, work, and play. It is more than a collection-it’s a living legacy. The artworks foster conversation, spark creativity, and deepen our community’s understanding of artistic heritage and traditions. Many of the artists represented in the collection have direct ties to Westport.

In 2016, under the leadership of First Selectman Jim Marpe, WestPAC was formally established as a subcommittee of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee (WAAC).  As a result, a dedicated team of volunteers was appointed to curate, preserve, and manage the collection-ensuring that this legacy continues to thrive and is prominently displayed throughout Town, including all the Westport Public Schools, the Westport Center for Senior Activities, Town Hall, the Westport Library, the Police, Fire, and Parks & Recreation Department offices, and other municipal buildings.

This unique-to-Westport art collection is on display and lovingly curated for the public to enjoy. When you are out and about, perhaps visiting a school or Town Hall, please take a moment to take in the collection, and understand the enduring impact of art in everyday life. And, a sincere “thank you” to all the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and the WestPAC members, who volunteer, inform, engage, and provide access to these wonderful artistic treasures Westport holds so dear.

Coming Up…

October 8 - Start Up Westport: Innovator of the Year and Community Impact Honoree Event at Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road. See: startupwestport.org  for additional information 

October 20 -at 7pm at WCSA (21 Imperial Avenue) - Join us as we welcome award winning author, Melinda Wenner Moyer to Westport for a conversation about her new book, “Hello, Cruel World! Science-based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times.” Melinda Wenner Moyer is an award-winning journalist whose work explores the intersection of science and everyday life. She’s known for her deep dives into subjects that have both scientific and societal implications, addressing issues that are relevant to parents, families, and the general public. Her writing often challenges popular beliefs and provides readers with a clearer, more informed understanding of issues in child development, parenting, and the social sciences. Register at: bit.ly/2025conversationwestport

October 20 to November 2 (see above for times) EARLY VOTING at Town Hall Auditorium

October 21 - Happy Diwali

October 23 - Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Public Meeting at 7:00 PM, Town Hall Room 201

October 29 - Annual Halloween Parade at 3:30 p.m. starting on Main Street (RAIN DATE: October 30)

November 4 - Election Day see Westport Polling Locations

Levitt Pavilion Schedule: Levitt Pavilion
 

Celebrate Westport

Other local events sponsored and organized by local non-profits are available on the Celebrate Westport Calendar.
 

Town Meetings

Please continue to stay informed and engaged in your town’s government. To view other important upcoming Town meetings of interest to the public, or to sign up to receive meeting notices, visit Town Meeting Calendar.

If you have any questions or comments for my office, please reach out via email to our regularly monitored email: [email protected]. or feel free to engage through our Homepage: Selectwoman's Office Home

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Jen