Hillary Clinton Attends Westport Fundraiser

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton (c.) shares a moment with Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell and her husband Win today at a Westport fundraiser for Clinton at a private home. WestportNow.com photo

Hundreds Sign Up for Parks & Rec Programs

The Westport Parks and Recreation Department held its annual spring/summer program registration today at Bedford Middle School. About 400 registrations were taken during the first three hours beginning at 7 a.m. Registration will continue at the department's Longshore office next week. Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com

Sunday NY Times: I-95 Accident Also a Political Event

Sunday's New York Times picks up the theme that last month's I-95 tanker accident in Bridgeport also had some political overtones.
Flashback: Shays, Farrell and Fabrizi at a March 26 news conference at the I-95 tanker accident site. WestportNow.com photo/Cablevision News-12

The politics included 4th District Republican incumbent Christopher Shays and his Democratic opponent, Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell (See "Analysis: I-95 Tanker Accident Adds Sparks to Shays-Farrell Race", WestportNow March 27, 2004)

In a story in the Connecticut section, the Times said that politics may have had a hand in speeding up the repairs to the overpass damaged in the accident.

"Politicians, some of whom needed just this sort of opportunity to demonstrate their largess, descended upon Bridgeport from Hartford and Washington holding checks and promising resources," the Times said.

It quoted Shays as saying: "You had everyone who was running for any conceivable office trying to somehow have their face on TV."

Noting that Shays lives in Bridgeport, the newspaper said he appeared on television the day after the crash to announce $11.2 million in federal emergency aid.

"At one point, he arrived at the scene of the accident to give an interview, only to find Mayor John M. Fabrizi holding a press conference with Diane G. Farrell, the Democratic first selectwoman of Westport who is seeking Mr. Shay's seat," the Times said.

It quoted James De Witt, the former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as telling Congress in 1996: "Disasters are very political events."

The Times said Gov. John G. Rowland, who also rushed to the accident scene, "has received praise for his efforts in marshaling resources to the site and making sure the work went smoothly,"

Shays, who has called for Rowland to resign over his personal problems, was quoted as saying: "This is when John shines."

The Times story includes an AP photo of Fabrizi addressing a news conference at the site on March 29 with Rowland, Shays, Sen. Christopher Dodd, Farrell and Sen. Joseph Lieberman immediately behind him.

The caption repeats the De WItt quote about disasters being very political events and notes that Fabrizi is "surrounded by some of the state's top officials."

NY Times Spotlights Westporter and Associate as New Political Activists

Today's New York Times spotlight's Westport's Al Puchala and his sometime investment partner Douglas Korn as examples of successful businessmen who have jumped into the trenches of American presidential politics on opposite sides.

"For 20 years, Al Puchala was in political hibernation. So was his sometime investment partner, Douglas Korn. They were busy with other things: career, marriage, children, charities," the Times said in the Westport-datelined report.

"Sure, they voted as a civic duty, but in their world of high finance, politics was considered a private thing — rude if openly displayed.

"But this is 2004. People are mad. The world is scary. So here come two high-powered executives who are friends and associates, jumping into the trenches of American presidential politics on opposite sides."

It said Puchala, a private equity fund manager who sits on the Westport Public Library board among other local activities, is vetting position papers for the Democratic National Committee and setting up an issues bank to help Democratic candidates.

"He is writing checks. He is roping in musician friends to set up benefit concerts," the Times said.

"On a recent Thursday night his stately white colonial here was used for a get-together and fund-raiser for Diane Farrell, a Democratic Congressional candidate. The house, decked out in red, white and blue balloons, overflowed with people like him — casually dressed, 40-something political first-timers."

The Times story includes a photo showing Puchala talking with Farrell, who is not identified by name or position, along with others wearing "Diane Farrell for Congress" buttons.

As for Korn, the Times said he helped organize a reception for President Bush in Greenwich and has raised more than $100,000 for him, rising to the rank of "Pioneer."

"Both men say the political bug bit them this year because they sensed a new urgency in the post-9/11 world," the newspaper said.

"In 2000, they thought the choice of Bush vs. Gore did not matter. Today, they speak in apocalyptic language of historical turning points, of the desperate need to make the right choice."

"City of Angels" Wraps Up Tonight

The Staples Players production of "City of Angels" has its final performance tonight at 8 p.m. Cast members include Alec Galambos, Ginny Levy, Ben Head, Melanie Siegel, and Steven Fuertes. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Kerry Long for WestportNow.com

Saturday, April 3, 2004

1 p.m. and 7 p.m. - Coleytown Middle School - "Damn Yankees"
8 p.m. - Staples High School - Staples Players "City of Angels"
8 p.m. - Town Hall - Community Theatre presents "Sherlock's Last Case"

Staples High School Ranked High in Wall Street Journal Survey

Today's Wall Street Journal ranks Westport's Staples High School among the elite public and private schools in the nation.

For a story in its Weekend Journal section, the newspaper tried to gauge whether costly private schools delivered more for the money, measured by admission to selective colleges, versus public schools.

"What do costly private-school tuitions buy in the college-admission sweepstakes?" the Journal said.

"To find out, Weekend Journal studied this year's freshman classes at 10 selective colleges – including seven Ivy League schools – and compiled a list of students' high-school alma maters."

In the list of 65 schools dominated by private schools -- only 29 were public schools -- Staples was ranked No. 50 with the notation "Five 2003 graduates are at Cornell this year; three more are at Yale."

Of the 29 public schools listed, Staples was No. 15. The Journal listed the 2003 Staples class size at 271 with 20 students entering selective colleges for a "success rate" of 7 percent.

In an e-mail circulated this morning to his staff, Supt. of Schools Elliott Landon called attention to the newspaper's ranking.

"When questioned by members of the Board of Finance during the 'restoration request meeting' of Wednesday night, I asserted that our entire K-12 system was comparable to the finest of the private schools in this nation, if not better," Landon said.

"In today's Wall Street Journal, there is a listing of private and public high schools considered to be the best in the nation, determined by comparing the rate of selection of graduating seniors at the nation's 10 most selective colleges.

"Lo and behold, Staples High School is listed prominently on that list. Great communities have great schools!"

Staples ranked one notch below New York's prestigious Bronx High School of Science. The only other Connecticut public school on the list was Greenwich High School which ranked No. 62.

Four Connecticut private schools did well in the rankings: Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford was No. 19; Hopkins School in New Haven was No. 20; the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville was No. 22, and the Taft School in Watertown was No. 33.

Six suburban New York public schools ranked higher than Staples: Scarsdale (N.Y.) High School was No. 37; Roslyn (N.Y.) High School was No. 38; Horace Greely High School, Chappaqua, N.Y., was No. 39; Millburn (N.J.) High School was No. 42; Princeton (N.J.) High School was No. 45, and Great Neck (N.Y.) High School South was No. 47.

Doing Swimingly With Bunny Ears

Westport/Weston YMCA Water Rats Senior Swim Team members Danny Platow (l) and Mike Dunn get set for their flight to the USA National Swimming Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Team members traditionally adorn rookie members with something distinctive which they have to wear the entire journey to the meet. So Danny and Mike got some rabbit ears. Contributed photo

Community Theatre Presents Sherlock Thriller Tonight

The Westport Community Theatre debuts its production of "Sherlock's Last Case" tonight at Town Hall. The comic thriller includes Tom Petrone as Dr. Watson, the faithful sidekick of Sherlock Holmes. The play, by Charles Marowitz and directed by Alexander Kulesar, runs for three weeks, Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is also a Thursday, April 8 performance at 8 p.m. Contributed photo

Friday, April 2, 2004

11 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Historic District Commission
1 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Board of Assessment Appeals
6:30 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - "The Figure NOW" gallery exhibit opening and award reception
7 p.m. - Coleytown Middle School - "Damn Yankees"
8 p.m. - Staples High School - Staples Players "City of Angels"
8 p.m. - Town Hall - Community Theatre presents "Sherlock's Last Case"
8 p.m. - Greens Farms School - Westport Arts Center presents Richie Havens with special guest Cliff Eberhardt folk music concert

Westport to Receive Emergency Equipment

State Sen. Judith G. Freedman (R-26) said today that Westport is among seven municipalities within her district slated to receive equipment intended to help first responders handle emergency situations.

Freedman said she was notified of the action by the state Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security.

“It is my understanding that this equipment is intended to both maintain the emergency response planning efforts in place before Sept. 11, 2001, and to continue programs intended to provide for the state’s first responders," she said.

"This is welcome news to the communities I represent, and on their behalf, I would like to express my gratitude."

Materials designated for these communities includes protective clothing for various public safety first responders, communications equipment and equipment to detect and identify elements within the working environment of first responders, the senator said.

Other communities in Freedman’s district designated to receive equipment through the Homeland Security Grant Program are Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, and Wilton.

Lucky Pedestrian

/
Westport police and EMS workers tend to a woman hit by a car on Post Road East today while she was crossing the roadway. She was believed not seriously injured. Thom Burrows for WestportNow.com

Hands Up for "Damn Yankees" Opening Tonight

The Coleytown Middle School production of "Damn Yankees" opens tonight at 7 p.m. with additional performances Friday and Saturday evening as well as at 1 p.m. Saturday. Rumor has it that it includes a cameo role by a certain public official who wowed Westport crowds earlier as Brown Bag Mama. Contributed photo

Newman, Redford, Connick to Headline Playhouse Fundraiser

The Westport Country Playhouse today announced that Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Harry Connick, Jr., will headline a fundraising event Oct. 14 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich. Proceeds will benefit the organization's current renovation and expansion. Shown (l-r) are benefit co-chairs Bob Wright, Suzanne Wright, Joanne Woodward, Laurie Lister, Judd Burstein, and Newman. See story on ARTS & LEISURE page. Contributed photo

Westport Woman Arrested in Drug Ring that Made House Calls

A Westport woman who was an alleged drug customer was among those arrested in a greater Bridgeport cocaine trafficking ring that specialized in making home deliveries in Westport and other communities, according to federal authorities.

An affidavit filed by the FBI in Bridgeport said the agency used court-ordered wiretaps to uncover the operation over four months.

Seven alleged dealers were arrested Tuesday along with seven identified as customers. -- among them Debora Chapin, 41, of 185 Wilton Road, Westport.

She was among those charged with using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics felony. She faces up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Authorities said the 10 people arrested in the ring were being held without bond.

Thursday, April 1, 2004

2 p.m. -Town Hall Room 201A- Planning & Zoning Medical Uses Parking Subcommittee
6 p.m. - Room 201/201A - Board of Assessment Appeals
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of Finance Restores $800,000 to Ed Budget

/
The Board of Finance voted 4-2 (Anderson, Ezzes, Mayer, Kassen in favor) with one abstention (Haberstroh) tonight to restore $800,000 of $1.25 million it cut previously from the Board of Education's proposed $75.12 million budget. Board of Ed chair Sandra Urist earlier told the board that if all money were not restored, the school system would be hurt. An attempt to restore all the money failed on a 2-5 vote (Anderson, Haberstroh in favor). (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Animal Talk: What to Do if You See a Coyote in Your Yard

The Westport Police Department tonight held an “Animal Awareness” forum to answer residents’ questions about wild and domestic animals. Here Chris Vann (2nd r at table), a wildlife biologist with the Department of Environmental Protection, tells a young questioner (boy in blue shirt) what he should do if he sees a coyote in his back yard -- essentially stay away from it. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Lawyers for Westport's Martha Stewart Ask for New Trial

Lawyers for Westport's Martha Stewart asked for a new trial today.They said one of the jurors who convicted her lied about an arrest on assault charges.

In a filing made in a New York federal court, Stewart lawyer Robert Morvillo said he would have sought to exclude juror Chappell Hartridge had he known about his past.

"These facts, in and of themselves, establish that Ms. Stewart is entitled to a new trial,'' Morvillo wrote, according to news agency reports.

On the day of the guilty verdict, the juror said publicly that he believed the decision was "a victory for the little guys."

"Hartridge's characterization of the verdict immediately after he was released from jury duty as 'maybe ...a victory for the little guys who lose money in the market because of these kinds of transactions' evidences a clear class bias on his part," the papers said.

Stewart's lawyers said the fact that Hartridge sought compensation from the media for post-trial interviews is also indicative that of his motive to profit from his jury service.

Stewart was convicted March 5 along with her broker, Peter Bacanovic, of obstructing justice and lying to the government about her sale of a block of stock in biotechnology company ImClone just before the price dropped.

She is scheduled to be sentenced June 17 and is widely expected to get 10 to 16 months in prison.

Farrell: Full Physical Reval is Possible

Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell said today that the town may choose to do a full physical reassessment of properties instead of the "statistical" reval done as part of the aborted 2003 property assessment.

Farrell's comments at her weekly citizens brown bag lunch came one day after announcing appointment of a 10-member Revaluation Working Group to oversee the revaluation effort. (WestportNow March 30, 2004)

In response to a question, Farrell said there were a number of initiatives being made at the state level on property assessments and "homesteader" relief during the current legislative session.

She said requirements municipalities must follow regarding property assessments could change before the session ends.

"Technically, we don't do a full physical (revaluation) in our next round," she said. "But we may choose to."

The new committee will hold its first meeting April 8 and is scheduled to report its interim findings to Farrell by June 15.

CQ: Shays Now Rated "Republican Favored" Instead of "Republican Safe"

The extra effort being mounted by Democrats for Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell in her race to unseat veteran Republican congressman Chris Shays has prompted Congressional Quarterly to change its re-election rating for Shays from "Safe Republican" to "Republican Favored."

"Based on his past performances, Republican Rep. Christopher Shays looks pretty close to a sure thing as he seeks a 10th victory in Connecticut's 4th District," the respected Capitol Hill publication said in its updated assessment of the race.

"But there are not many vulnerable Republican incumbents nationally because of redistricting and other institutional factors.

"And Democratic strategists have sworn to broaden the playing field by challenging a number of seemingly entrenched GOP House members -- one of whom is Shays."

CQ said, "Democrats are placing their hopes on Diane Farrell, the first selectman of the city of Westport, contending that she could take down Shays because of her strong campaigning skills and fundraising ability."

It added, "The extra effort the Democrats are putting into the race has spurred Congressional Quarterly to change its rating on the 4th District race to Republican Favored from Safe Republican."

Greg Speed, a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesman, touted Farrell's strengths.

"She has a great deal of experience on her own as a local elected official, has a built in base and is a demonstrated vote-getter," Speed told CQ.

"But Speed also argued that Shays is vulnerable in his own right, contending that the well-known GOP moderate has shifted to the right in recent years," CQ said.

It said this put him "at risk in a southwestern Connecticut district in the New York City suburbs that gave a 10 percentage-point margin to the 2000 Democratic ticket of Al Gore for president and Connecticut Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman for vice president."

"Shays has been voting more to the right, and the right-wing agenda is way out of step with the people living in the 4th District," Speed said.

"There is a growing awareness in the district that Shays' rhetoric as a moderate doesn't jibe with his voting record."

According to CQ's study of party-line votes, Shays in 1998 voted with most House Republicans against most Democrats only 58 percent of the time. In 2002,

Shays voted with Republicans 80 percent of the time -- although that still was far below the average for the mainly conservative House Republican Conference, CQ said

I-95 Southbound Opens at Tanker Accident Site

Traffic is flowing again southbound on I-95 in Bridgeport after it was shut down a week ago because of a fiery crash.

Chris Cooper, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said the three lanes were opened about 3:30 a.m.

Television coverage showed traffic moving slowly along the roadway in a light rain.

Crews had worked Tuesday and throughout the night to pave over a section of temporary bridge brought in to replace the overpass.

It was destroyed last Thursday night after the accident in which a tanker truck carrying heating oil struck a concrete barrier and burst into flames.

The northbound lanes of the bridge were repaired and reopened Sunday night.

Bully Busters

The Polite Performers returned to Long Lots Elementary School recently to demonstrate ways to identify and deal with bullying behavior. Created several years ago by the Long Lots Leadership Council, the show is written by parents and staff, and is performed by teachers and staff at Long Lots. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

7:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - TEAM Westport Committee
10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens Brown Bag Luncheon
7 p.m. Westport Police Department classroom - "Animal Awareness Forum"
8 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Special Board of Finance

Rowland: I-95 Southbound Lanes to Reopen Wednesday

Gov. John Rowland, back at the I-95 tanker accident site, said today the southbound lanes of I-95 in the area are expected to reopen in time for Wednesday morning's rush hour.

Rowland said the exact timing of the reopening in the area of Bridgeport exits 25 to 27 would depend on how much the rain that was forecast for tonight interferes with paving work and painting road markings.

But all signs pointed to the highway being fully open by about 6 a.m. Wednesday, he said.

"Hopefully they will be going southbound on 95 first thing tomorrow morning," he said.

The northbound lanes of the bridge were repaired and reopened Sunday night.

Westport Fire Department Offers Free Batteries to Mark Daylight Savings

This weekend is the beginning of daylight savings time and the Westport Fire Department strongly urges everyone to "change your clock, change your batteries." It is offering free batteries to residents beginning Saturday. STORY

Westport Property Transfers March 22-26, 2004

Property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk's office for the period March 22-26, 2004:

William S. Hemson III-aka et als to Annino Protano, 971 Post Road East, $1,200,000.

Westport Home and Land Co. LLC to Susan Spivak, Unit 23, 32 Terra Nova Circle, $955,116.

Peter and Beth Hill to Wendy Decter, 41 Tamarac Road, $865,000.

Carollyn C. Kahler to Rita Kohn Chingas, Unit 306 Harvest Commons, $748,000.

C & C Development Enterprises LLC to Woodson and Kathleen H. Merrell, 77 Maple Ave. South, $2,075,000.

Raymond Bardani to Anne Lantz, Unit 3, 90 Main St., $317,900.

Westport Properties Ltd. Partnership to 176 Post Road West LLC, 176 Post Road West, $3,000,000.

Suzanne Marie Paul aka Marie Suzanne to Richard M. and Laura L. Paschal Revocable Trust, 3 Charcoal Hill Common, $1,450,000.

Zack C. Heims to Jason F. Fensterstock, 17 Harding Lane, $2,135,000.

Ruth C. Matuszeski to Amy M. Tambini and Joshua L. Rothman, 212 Wilton Road, $1,035,000.

Frank and Mary C. Kneisel to Geoggrey C. and Sara B. Kneisel, 50 Harbor Road, $225,892.

Westport Compo Beach Fireworks Set for July 2

Westport Police Chief Al Fiore announced today that the annual Westport Police Athletic League (PAL) Independence Day fireworks will be held Friday, July 2 at Compo Beach.

The chief made the announcement during a luncheon speech at the Westport Rotary Club.

Searching for History

While wreckers worked, Wally Woods, co-program chair of the Westport Historical Society, searched Allen's Clam House today for artifacts for Westport’s archives. See another photo on COMMUNITY page. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Post Road East Accident Causes Minor Injuries

A two-car crash on Post Road East this afternoon resulted in minor injuries but tied up traffic in the area while police investigated. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Thom Burrows for WestportNow.com

Police Chief: "Westport is Well Prepared"

Westport Police Chief Al Fiore addresses today's Westport Rotary Club luncheon at the Inn at Longshore as Lois Schine listens. He outlined steps Westport has taken since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and said while the town may not be a prime terrorist target, "I believe Westport is well prepared for any eventuality." (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

All Gone

Shortly after 2 p.m. today, the last remaining portion of Allen's Clam House was taken down by a demolition crew, leaving only a pile of rubble. The site will become a town park. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Goodbye to a Piece of Westport History

Saddened Westporters watch the final moments of the landmark Allen's Clam House today as it fell to a wrecking crew. Among them are (l to r) Bill Scheffler, Bob Scholl, and Ann Sheffer. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Farrell Names Revaluation Working Group

Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell today announced appointment of a 10-member committee to oversee the town's aborted 2003 property assessment.

The group, known as the Revaluation Working Group, will be chaired by town Finance Director Donald Miklus

Other members include Helen Garten, Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member from District 3; Rick Benson, Board of Finance member; Garson Heller, Board of Assessment Appeals member; Michael Laux, a real estate attorney; Audrey Magida, a real estate broker with Prudential Connecticut Realty; Annette Fiorenza, a real estate broker with William Raveis and president of the Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors; Selectman Carl Leaman; acting Assessor Kevin Murowsky, and Tax Collector George Underhill.

The appointments are effective immediately and will serve at the pleasure of the First Selectwoman, according to an announcement from Farrell's office.

“I am very grateful to these citizens for volunteering to serve on this committee," she said in announcing the appointments.

"Our community is extremely fortunate to have dedicated residents willing to give their time, effort and talent to the benefit of all Westporters.

"I also want to thank all residents who responded to the town’s appeal to serve on this committee. It was very gratifying to receive so many responses.”

She said the committee’s first meeting will be Thursday, April 8, at 2 p.m. in Town Hall Room 309.

The agenda for the meeting will be to complete work on the committee’s charge and discuss timing.

Farrell said the Revaluation Working Group will be charged with the following:

• Review the events in 2003-04 which led to the one year delay;

• Evaluate the process of updating the Grand List by adding in the old building permits;

• Evaluate the assessment model used to determine values;

• Visit neighborhoods and become familiar with real estate offerings and sales;

• Make a concerted effort to have all property evaluated fairly;

• Create procedures for future revaluations including a possible recommendation to perform assessments in-house as opposed to hiring a consultant;

• Meet with Board of Assessment Appeals;

• Review the audit to be undertaken by the town’s accounting firm;

• Establish a time line for the 2004 revaluation;

• Report regularly to the First Selectwoman and monthly to the Finance Committee of the RTM and the Board of Finance;

• All committee meetings shall be open to the public;

• Consider a payment plan determined between Tax Collector and taxpayers;

• Report its interim findings to the First Selectwoman by June 15, 2004;

• Committee will continue to meet until the reassessment is completed and then make a final report to the First Selectwoman.

Decades of History Gone in Moments

Within minutes after demolition began today, the kitchen area of the landmark former Allen's Clam House on Hillspoint Road was gone. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Time Runs Out for Allen's Clam House

The first bite is taken out of the former Allen's Clam House today as the landmark building on Hillspoint Road finally came down. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Last Look

The former dining room at Allen's Clam House awaits its demise today moments before workers began demolishing the Westport landmark where generations dined overlooking the Mill Pond. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport's Deer Population Remains Stable

A new survey by the Westport Weston Health District’s Target Lyme Disease project, in conjunction with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, has found deer to be evenly distributed throughout both communities.
This map by the Westport Weston Health District shows the density of Westport's deer population. (CLICK MAP TO ENLARGE) . Westport Weston Health District graphic

“The number of deer in the two towns remains stable,” said Judy Nelson, director of health, following the March 20 helicopter survey.

The survey was conducted by Dr. Uma Ramakrishnan, of the Department of Forestry and Horticulture, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

The purpose was to gather information on the number and distribution of deer in the two towns. Comparative data was use to assess the deer population.

Ramakrishnan estimated the deer density to be about 30 deer per square mile in Westport and 25 deer per square mile in Weston.

These densities correspond to the densities published for Fairfield County by the Department of Environmental Protection last fall and are similar to those seen state-wide in 2000, according to a district news release.

White Buffalo, Inc., conducted the same study in February 2000 and produced similar results - 30 deer per square mile in Westport and 34 per square mile in Weston.

The deer distribution reflects the placement of homes throughout the communities, according to the district.

The larger residential tracts in Westport and Weston provide ideal deer habitat, it said. Deer live on the edge of the forest where they can find what they like to eat—low growing vegetation, like shrubs and flowers.

Target Lyme Disease is a five-year educational project to teach residents about ways to reduce the number of deer ticks and protect themselves against Lyme disease.

It is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and is the first grant of its kind in the nation.

The Westport Weston Health District is leading the Target Lyme Disease community effort.

Allen's Clam House Coming Down Today

Allen's Clam House, a Westport landmark for more than a century, is coming down today.

The former restaurant, now town-owned, will be demolished after years of debate over what to do with the Hillspoint Road property. It will become a park.

Workers Monday found an abandoned fuel tank on the property and had to dig out soil around it.

The town bought the property in 1999 for $1.2 million, some of it contributed by neighbors and other Westporters.

A last-ditch effort by town historian Allen Raymond before the Board of Finance and then the Representative Town Meeting to save the building failed.

Property Tax Relief Initiative Passes Key Committee

A key legislative committee in Hartford has passed a bill aimed at helping Westport taxpayers and others in Connecticut who are facing large property tax increases.

The legislation would allow cities and towns to adopt local ordinances and exempt part of a residential homeowner's property tax liability in an effort to soften the blow.

Westport's 2003 property assessment, now postponed for a year, could have meant a double-digit – or more – jump in local taxes for some homeowners after their property was re-valued.

The legislation passed the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee 26-19 Monday. It awaits further action in the Senate.

Opponents said the bill would realign the local property tax system and place more of the tax burden on businesses.

Sen. William Nickerson, a Republican from Greenwich, called it the "most massive change" to local property taxes in history, according to the AP.

He questioned why lawmakers were pursuing such a policy reform when they haven't held a public hearing on the concept.

"We are considering this without a shred of paper to guide us," Nickerson said. He is the ranking Republican on the committee.

According to the legislation, a municipality could allow up to half of the assessed value of an owner-occupied property - up to $150,000 - be exempt from property tax so long as the owner lives permanently on the site.

Temporary Bridge Moved into Place on I-95

Construction workers have moved the skeleton of a temporary bridge into place to replace an I-95 overpass in Bridgeport that melted last week in the fiery crash of a fuel oil tanker truck.

The process, begun as the evening rush hour got under way, took a few hours.

State Department of Transportation spokesman Chris Cooper said the bridge on the southbound side of the highway will be paved today and should be open to motorists by Thursday.

The northbound lanes of the bridge were repaired and reopened Sunday night.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said Monday that it would give Connecticut $2 million in emergency aid to build the new bridge and pay for police overtime for traffic control.

The agency already has expedited $11.2 million in highway funds for the project.

Report: Democrats Target Shays But Congressional Votes Can be Confusing

Today's Hartford Courant spotlights an effort by Democrats to discredit Rep. Christopher Shays, the incumbent 4th District Republican who will face Westport Democratic First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell in November.

"Democrats were waiting in the bunker as Chris Shays voted on the budget earlier this month," the newspaper said in a report from Washington.

"Voting with the majority on the House Budget Committee, he turned back repeated efforts by Democrats to add money for a host of programs by scaling back tax breaks for the wealthy."

The newspaper said the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee pounced, accusing Shays of "creating soaring deficits" and "masquerading as a moderate in Connecticut while voting for a far right wing agenda in Washington."

Republicans quickly struck back, the Courant said.

GOP operatives produced a 10-year history of votes by. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a 3rd District Democrat who is a minority member of Shays' committee, against middle-class tax cuts.

Among them: a May 2003 vote against legislation that would have increased the child credit and softened the "marriage penalty."

"Technically, both sides were providing accurate information about budget votes," the newspaper said.

"What they were not providing was context or nuance. Shays is indeed moderate, to the point of infuriating some of his more conservative Republican colleagues.

"He voted against the budget Thursday, saying GOP leaders had not given him adequate assurance they would work hard to cut the deficit."

The report said DeLauro has a history of backing help for the middle class, including child-care tax breaks and reducing marriage penalties. She recently proposed increasing the credit again.

In fact, the votes Shays, and DeLauro were criticized for ultimately would have little significance in the congressional process, the Courant said.

"But in this era of opposition research and instant advertising, the votes meant a lot," according to the newspaper.

"Politicians are discovering that they're trapped in a system that in many ways they created to help themselves - a system in which it's easy to get recorded votes on nearly everything."

Tuesday, March 30, 2004

8:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Community Mental Health
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - RTM Parks & Recreation Committee
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - RTM Employee Compensation and RTM Education Committees

Westport Historical Society Names Denise Torv Executive Director

The Westport Historical Society (WHS) has appointed Denise Torv as its new executive director.
Denise Torv takes over Historical Society role. Contributed photo

Torv, a Westport resident since 1997, was the executive director of First Night Westport/Weston for the past three years, and previously worked at the American Film Institute and American Cinematheque in Los Angeles.

“We are delighted to welcome Denise as Executive Director,” said Joni Andrews, president of WHS.

“Her enthusiasm, creative talents, broad museum experience and love of history are a natural fit with the goals and mission of the Westport Historical Society.”

Originally from New York City, Torv lived in Australia for several years where she graduated from the University of New South Wales, working as a journalist before switching to communications and community relations for non-profit arts organizations.

"I love art and history, and moving into that world enabled me to bring what I call ‘the windows to our soul’ into the community, by drawing the community into our buildings," said Torv.

In Australia, Torv was associated with the development of Sydney’s most visited museums -- The PowerHouse Museum, The Mint and Barracks Museum, and the Hyde Park Barracks, as well as the established Australian Museum.

Torv replaces John Lupton who held the post for a year before resigning effective Jan. 31.

Survey Shows Westport Deer Population Unchanged

Arrow shows two deer spotted during a March 20 helicopter deer survey by the state and the Westport Weston Health District. (See inset upper right for enlarged portion.) The survey found Westport's deer population unchanged from four years ago – about 30 deer per square mile. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Westport Weston Health District photo

Temporary Bridge Readied for I-95

Workers today prepared to swing a temporary bridge into place on the southbound side of I-95 and officials said the section of highway closed after a fiery accident Thursday night could fully reopen in a few days.

Earlier experts had said the highway would be closed for two weeks or more. The northbound lanes reopened shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday.

"Who would have thought that in just a few days we'd have the northbound section open?" Gov. John G. Rowland said today at a news conference at the site.

"We will probably have just a few more days and then we will be back on track."

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, Sen. Christopher Dodd, Rep. Christopher Shays, Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi, and Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell were among those on hand for the news conference.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today that another $2 million in emergency aid had been approved for the project. This in addition to the $11.2 million in bridge repair funds made available Friday.

Connecticut will be leasing the temporary overpass from a New Jersey contractor, but the price of the bridge was still being negotiated, said DOT spokesman Chris Cooper.

Overall, Metro-North ridership this morning was up about 30 percent, or about 4,000 passengers, about 1,200 of whom were headed to Grand Central Terminal.

The rest were intrastate passengers to the Stamford or Greenwich stations, an increase of more than 75 percent from a typical Monday, said railroad spokesman Dan Brucker.

Some riders could not get seats, but Metro-North did not need help from Amtrak and did not have to make additional stops to accommodate the extra riders, Brucker said.

The state Department of Transportation reported that traffic on the Merritt Parkway was heavier than normal, heading into Fairfield County and New York.

A 14-mile backup was reported along sections of the parkway this morning, while backups of 8 miles to 10 miles are the norm.

Shays Thanks I-95 Responders

Rep. Christopher Shays thanks emergency responders and repair crews today at the site of the I-95 tanker accident in Bridgeport. "I am particularly grateful to the mayor (John Fabrizi of Bridgeport) and the fire, police and other first responders for how well they have worked together to minimize the inconvenience to the commuting public," he said. WestportNow.com photo/Cablevision News-12

Farrell Attends I-95 Accident News Conference

Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell was among local, state, and federal officials on hand today at the site of Thursday's tanker accident to announce details of repair funding and thank those getting highway traffic moving again. Farrell did not address the news conference. WestportNow.com photo/Cablevision News-12

Report: DeLauro Appearance for Farrell Ruffles Republican Feathers

The New Haven Register reported today that Republican feathers were ruffled earlier this month when Rep. Rosa DeLauro from Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District ventured into the neighboring 4th District to stump with Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Christopher Shays.

Neither Shays’ congressional office, nor his campaign, would comment on the purported offense, which one Shays supporter said is without modern precedent in his district, the newspaper said.

But Rep. Rob Simmons a Republican from Connecticut’s 2nd District, who two years ago saw out-of-district Dems stump in his district for then-challenger Joe Courtney, said that he would not do such a thing, at least not without a courtesy call to the affected colleague/fellow incumbent, the report said.

"That’s just a rule that I follow," Simmons told the newspaper. "I’m not sure that everyone does, but I follow that rule to the best of my ability."

Connecticut Democrats saw the matter differently, one characterizing the Republicans’ complaint using a mild barnyard expletive, the Register said.

Farrell’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Farrell toured Fairfield County March 15, the day she formally kicked off her campaign for Congress. DeLauro joined Farrell at a stump speech in Norwalk.

DeLauro spokeswoman Lesley Sillaman said only that the congresswoman "was invited to attend Diane Farrell’s candidacy kick-off in Norwalk. She was pleased to attend," the newspaper reported.

Earlier this year, DeLauro and Rep. John Larson a Democrat from the 1st District, stumped for fellow Democrat Jim Sullivan when he kicked off his campaign against Simmons. They did so, however, in Hartford, in Larson’s district

Simmons, who represents the most Democratic district of any Republican in the House of Representatives, can expect to be victimized by carpetbagging Democrats through November, said Sullivan campaign spokesman Michael Winters.

"We look forward to having both (DeLauro and Larson) in the district, and lots of other Democrats. We hope it drives Rob Simmons crazy," Winters said.

Northbound I-95 Reopens at Tanker Accident Site

Northbound lanes on I-95 in Bridgeport reopened today, well ahead of schedule and three days after a fire partially melted an overpass.

Construction workers cheered as a parade of cars, escorted by police, traveled on the repaired highway shortly after 5 p.m. for the first time since last week's crash between exits 25 and 27 of a tanker truck filled with heating oil.

The scheduled reopening of the more heavily damaged southbound lanes, meanwhile, was pushed up to Thursday.

Officials said the northbound span, reinforced with new steel supports, would be able to handle all normal traffic Monday.

The only part of the northbound side that could not be opened today was the on-ramp for exit 25. Officials said it was expected to be closed indefinitely.

Full repairs could take up to a year and a half, although workers are trying to fix the road more quickly

Project Return Birdhouse Auction a Big Draw

Several hundred people attended tonight's birdhouse auction for Project Return at the Inn at Longshore. See more photos on COMMUNITY page. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

For the Birds

Tonight's ninth annual birdhouse auction for Project Return at the Inn at Longshore featured birdhouses of all sizes and shapes. This one by Rick Benson is a miniature Westport Country Playhouse. It sold for $8,750. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo