To the editor:

It has been my privilege and pleasure to serve our community on the Board of Selectmen for three terms (2010 through 2016) and I am excited to announce my candidacy for selectman of Westport.

I believe I have made considerable contributions to the Town of Westport and the board during my previous three terms as your Selectman. I have served on the Conservation Commission, and the Community Preservation Committee and I believe I can continue to make a positive difference.

As your selectman, I will continue my promise to utilize my abilities to develop and nurture alliances to honor and acknowledge the many concerns our resident have about issues and challenges which we encounter. I am available and approachable and I will always make time to listen to the citizens of Westport, as I represent their collective voices to move forward the desired initiatives which will always have Westport’s best interest at heart.

I remain vigilant to maintain an open and transparent government, with accountability for all actions. I support strategic planning with long-term vision, which inspires and motivates members of our community. I strive to establish benchmarks and timelines to accomplish goals in an acceptable and reasonable manner. Westport residents need and want innovative leadership, with experience and stability to ensure fiscal responsibility and knowledge in town government. Westport has special character, natural beauty, and a rich heritage that I will continue to protect, preserve, and maintain through local controls.

We live in Westport for many reasons, but we all know that quality of life is why we stay. Keeping Westport affordable depends upon a strong commercial tax base. If elected, I will focus on growing Westport’s economy with commercial expansion and potential rezoning could bring a much needed revitalization to Route 6 and grow Westport’s commercial tax base, which would essentially reduce the burden on the residential taxpayer as well as potentially bring jobs for Westport residents.

I have lived in Westport with my wife Lois, for over 29 years and have raised three children. I have been involved with a multitude of organizations, groups and agencies that have provided me the knowledge and ability to work well with people and get things done. I am a retired police captain with 36 years of service, as well as a retired veteran from the US Coast Guard Reserves, where I served as a special agent for Coast Guard Intelligence.

If you believe that commitment, communication and collaboration, coupled with experience, knowledge, and proven leadership is what you want in your selectman; then I would be honored to have your support and your vote on April 11. I would like to continue to work on your behalf for Westport. Thank you for your continued support.

Richard Spirlet

Westport