AP: Economy/Jobs Top Issues for Connecticut Delegates to Dem Convention

The Associated Press, in a poll of Connecticut delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Boston, found that most view the economy and jobs as the top issue facing the nation in this presidential year.

Education and the war in Iraq rank second and third respectively.

Westport has one delegate in the delegation – Martha Aasen, chair of the town’s Democratic committee. Westporter Bob Rose is a convention alternate.

The economy, education and the war scored higher in importance among the delegates than other issues such as crime, moral values, taxes, health care and fighting terrorism, the AP said.

Connecticut will be represented by 62 delegates at the convention. Most of the delegates are white. About half are men and half are women, while nearly half have graduate or professional degrees and two-thirds are married, the news agency said.

Fifty-three of the 62 delegates responded to AP's survey.

Most of those surveyed, 45 percent, said they favor allowing gay couples to marry. While almost 17 percent oppose it, 38 percent either refused to answer the question or said they support other options for couples such as civil unions.

The vast majority of state Democratic delegates favor abortion rights for women, the survey found.

Among those surveyed, 79 percent said they support a woman's right to choose an abortion. Slightly more of the male delegates than the female delegates take that position.

Many of the delegates said they are strong supporters of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry but admit they originally backed Connecticut’s Sen. Joseph Lieberman.

The largest block of delegates hasn't yet made up their minds as to who should be the Democratic presidential candidate in 2008.

But Sen. Hillary Clinton, receives more support than anyone else mentioned - 28 percent. Sen. John Edwards, Kerry's running mate, is a close second at 21 percent.

Lieberman and Sen. Christopher Dodd were also mentioned by delegates as possible candidates.

Asked if they think another Connecticut resident, consumer activist Ralph Nader, will take away enough support from Kerry to cost him the election, most delegates - 72 percent - said no, according to the AP.

Sunday's The Advocate of Stamford/Norwalk reported that compared with the 2000 Democratic Convention in Los Angeles, when Stamford native son Joseph Lieberman was about to be nominated for vice president, Connecticut's delegation to this week's convention in Boston will be much less high-profile.

But Fairfield County delegates said last week that they view their job this year as more challenging in some ways and more sharply defined as the party nominates U.S. Sen. John Kerry to run for president, the newspaper said.

"The stakes are higher in this one," said Connecticut Democratic Party Chairman George Jepsen, who in 2000 was the state Senate majority leader, in his fifth term representing Stamford and Darien.

"A lot of people, including myself, think this is the most important election since Roosevelt in 1932. You have to go that far back to find this much of a difference between the parties in a contested election."

The Advocate quoted Aasen as saying that in the past two months, national party Chairman Terry McAuliffe and John Kerry's brother, Cameron Kerry, have been in Westport for small political events.

"They said the DNC is going to be putting together people from safe states -- and they are considering Connecticut a safe state -- and traveling to and working in the battleground states," Aasen said.

Aasen, who has attended four other Democratic conventions dating to 1960, said the Boston convention also will be a time for delegates, who are for the most part the most active party members, "to bond and get exhilarated to go home and do those things that are somewhat mundane, but also very, very necessary," such as organizing registration drives and get-out-the-vote campaigns, the newspaper said.

Aasen said those activities are important for the success of other Democratic races as well, including the contest between Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell and Republican Rep. Christopher Shays for the 4th Congressional District seat.

Puddle Jumpers

After a full day of rain, Westport's Compo Beach Friday evening was gray and desolate but for a few individuals -- two friends daring each other to jump the gap over a massive puddle. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Saturday, July 25, 2004

8 p.m. Levitt Paviliion - Curtis T. and the Bernadettes rhythm and blues band

Fairfield County Caucus Urges Congress to Preserve Transportation Funding

Westport's state Sen. Judith G. Freedman, leader of the Fairfield County Caucus, today urged Congress to protect Connecticut’s funding while working to resolve the differences in separate pending House and Senate federal transportation bills.

She was among a number of Fairfield County legislators who signed a letter to the conference co-chairs urging Congress to enact a six-year reauthorization bill funded at $318 billion, and maintain the 90.5 percent minimum guarantee contained within the current formula.

The state legislators wrote their letter to emphasize their support for the position staked out by Gov. M. Jodi Rell in a letter she wrote to Congress earlier.

“As Connecticut state legislators who represent Fairfield County, we are deeply concerned about the effects that federal transportation legislation can have- both positive and negative – on our state’s ongoing highway and mass transit programs," the letter said.

"Gov. M. Jodi Rell is absolutely correct in her analysis of our state’s needs with regard to the pending transportation legislation, and we fully support her recent letter on this matter."

"Those of us who live in this part of the state are reminded daily of the transportation grid which increases due to lack of funding," said Freedman.

"Fairfield County is the funnel through which everything moves."

Westport Democrats Prepare to Attend Boston Convention

About a dozen Westporters, including First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, a candidate for Congress, will attend the national Democratic convention next week in Boston.
Farrell: looking forward to Boston. WN photo

"We'll have quite a group there," said Martha Aasen, a convention delegate who is town Democratic chair and a member of the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee.

Another Westporter, Bob Rose, is an alternate delegate.

Farrell, who will go to Boston Sunday but return to Westport Monday for business, including a Board of Selectmen meeting, said she is looking forward to the event.

"It will be very exciting," she said. "It will be a good opportunity to meet fellow Democrats and compare notes."

Farrell said she would try to return to Boston later in the week for additional party events.

Aasen said while concerned about security issues at the convention, they are not enough to dissuade her.

"I tell you the truth – I try not to think about it," she said. "I try to say you don't take unnecessary chances if you are going to live your life. It's just a scary time we live in."

WestportNow is among a limited number of Web-based publications accredited by the Democratic convention organizers – a fact already noted by a number of Web and traditional media outlets -- and will provide full coverage from Boston.

Government Witness in Martha Stewart Trial Spared Jail Time

The stockbroker assistant who was the government's star witness in the case against Westport's Martha Stewart today was spared jail time and probation and was fined $2,000 for his part in the case.

Douglas Faneuil, 28, who testified that his boss ordered him to tip Stewart about a stock trade, previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and cooperated with government lawyers.

U.S. District Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum handed out a lesser sentence than recommended by guidelines. She cited Faneuil's "substantial assistance" during the trial.

The federal sentencing guidelines recommended a prison sentence of up to six months that could have been followed by probation.

"I want to apologize for my mistakes," Faneuil told Cedarbaum before sentencing. "Thankfully I've learned my lesson."

"I believe it would have taken an exceptionally brave 26-year-old to prevent all this from happening," he said.

"Nonetheless, I deeply regret not being that brave. This ordeal has been a disappointment for too many people, myself included.

"If I were given the opportunity to prevent it from happening again, I would choose to do so every single time."

Stewart was sentenced last week to five months in prison and five months of house arrest for lying about the stock sale.

Her former stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic, drew the same term for conspiring with her. They are both free pending appeal.

Faneuil told the judge that although he testified truthfully about tipping the celebrity homemaker, he had little confidence that he would be believed.

"Facing an aggressive legal assault on my character, I didn't believe that the truth would carry enough weight to be heard clearly, particularly against rich and powerful people. I was wrong and for that I am immensely grateful."

Federal prosecutors, in a letter to the judge, sought leniency on behalf of their star witness and praised Faneuil's cooperation as "truly extraordinary."

"He knew he would be admitting to serious crimes, that he would be sacrificing his career in the securities industry, and that we would be placing his word against that of two powerful and respected people," they said.

Faneuil testified in February that he was ordered by Bacanovic, his boss at Merrill Lynch & Co., to secretly tip Stewart that Sam Waksal, founder of ImClone Systems Inc,was dumping his shares in his biotech company.

After being tipped, Stewart sold almost 4,000 shares of ImClone on Dec. 27, 2001, a day before ImClone's shares fell on news that regulators had rejected an application for its cancer drug.

Faneuil had initially lied to investigators for months about the stock trade, but had testified that he did so because he was physically afraid of his boss, Bacanovic, and worried he would be fired.

The defense tried to discredit Faneuil as an admitted drug user and a liar. Lawyers used e-mails to show jurors he had a spiteful fixation on Stewart while he worked at Merrill Lynch & Co.

After handling a call from Stewart, Faneuil told a friend in an e-mail: "I have never, ever been treated more rudely by a stranger in my life."

Three days later, he wrote to another friend: "Martha yelled at me again today, but I snapped in her face and she actually backed down! Baby put Ms. Martha in her place!!!"

Singing at Camp

Youngsters in grades five through nine participating in Westport Continuing Education's Westport Youth Summer Theater Camp wound up their five-week workshop Thursday night. Norah Kennedy and Zoe Apoian sang "Ah, Paris!" in the "Around the World in 80 Plays" revue. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Getting Ready for "A Community Collects:" What Do Our Neighbors Collect?

By Emily Laux
Contributing Editor
WestportNow.com

The homes in my quiet neighborhood are full of surprises. One of my neighbors, a banker with a lot of frequent flyer miles, collects sand from beaches and deserts around the world.
Elise Meyer, curator of "A Community Collects," with her collection of 1930s-era Chase Chromeware, which she says proves “that once the collecting bug hits, it’s hard to stop at just one.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

His collection is meticulously displayed -- each sample of sand is sealed and neatly labeled in a glass laboratory vial.

Hundreds of the matching glass vials are perfectly lined up in rows in an enormous rosewood cabinet he had custom made in Hong Kong.

His wife’s collection of snow globes is equally impressive, but less rigorously displayed.

They sit in a friendly manner on open shelves suspended below her kitchen cabinets, inviting guests to pick them up and shake vigorously.

Another neighbor collects antique shoe forms. These wooden models are hung up and down the walls of her entry hall, where their simple raw-wood forms greet her visitors with a rustic-but-super-hip attitude.

And around the corner, yet another neighbor has a rather serious collection of contemporary sculpture and paintings, much of it acquired through barter with artist patients in the early years of his dentistry practice.

Knowing about these collections is part of what makes my life in Westport interesting. These neighbors of mine are idiosyncratic, even eccentric, in their interests and tastes, and I like to think I am too.

My own collections -- Burmese wedding boxes, Cambodian silverwork, antique fabric, Madonna paintings -- define some part of my character and differentiate me from my neighbors, my fellow soccer moms and all those other Westporters with whom I have so much in common.

What do our neighbors collect? What, why and how to they collect? For that matter, why does anyone collect anything? How does one start and maintain a collection? Is it possible to create a valuable collection on a shoestring budget?

The concept of collecting, and its interpretation by this community is the subject of an innovative and ambitious gallery show scheduled to open at the Westport Arts Center in April 2005.

"A Community Collects" is the brainchild of Elise Meyer, a 17-year Westport resident, art curator, and writer, who has long been fascinated by the collector’s impulse and the process of collecting.

As curator of "A Community Collects," Meyer is now seeking out collections to be part of the eight-week exhibition, much of which will displayed in the Westport Arts Center’s 2,000 square-foot gallery.

Meyer envisions an exhibition of approximately two dozen collections, which will express the scope and variety of collections in and around Westport.

She also hopes that the individual collectors will take an active role in the exhibition, participating in the process of the gallery display, and writing or speaking about the process of creating their collection.

“I think this exhibition will be very much a dialogue between viewers and the collectors,” Meyer said in a recent interview.

“I love the way collectors light up when they are showing me their collections. I want to bring that enthusiasm into the gallery, and especially to people who don’t yet collect anything.

"My hope is that this exhibition will give people more confidence in themselves and conviction in their own taste, because collecting is a wonderful way to express your individuality.”

Meyer invites collectors in and around Westport to contact her. She is in the early stages of the selection process for "A Community Collects," and welcomes information on any type of collection, from the mundane to the esoteric, high and low taste.

Not every collection will be selected, but each will be given thorough and serious consideration.

Meyer is most enthusiastic about collectors and/or collections that will inspire others to collect. Contact Elise Meyer at collects@westportartscenter.org or leave a message for her at the Westport Arts Center, 203-222-7070.

(Editor's Note: Emily Laux, in addition to being a WestportNow Contributing Editor and photographer, is also publicity coordinator for the Westport Arts Center. The opinions and accuracy of information in this article are the responsibility of the contributor.)

Friday, July 23, 2004

8 p.m. Levitt Paviliion - Rock around the docs with DNR, Fairfiield County's all-physician rock band

The Advocate: "Farrell vs. Shays: Light as Well as Heat?"

Today's The Advocate of Stamford/Norwalk, in a lead editorial, said if all the money being raised in the much-watched 4th Congressional District this year means a more thorough and substantive debate about issues facing the district and the country, "then we say: Bring it on."

The text of the editorial:

The 4th Congressional District race continues to remind us just how ordinary recent elections in lower Fairfield County have been. If discussion of the issues is as substantive as the politics in this election, then this race could set a high standard for local democracy.

Fund raising is off to a brisk start, not only for incumbent Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Bridgeport, but also for his Democratic challenger, First Selectwoman Diane Farrell of Westport. And it's only July.

Mr. Shays has raised slightly more than $1 million; Ms. Farrell, $725,000. For Mr. Shays, that's more than the $919,160 that he spent in his last re-election campaign two years ago.

As important, Ms. Farrell already has significantly out-raised Mr. Shays' opponent in that election. Stephanie Sanchez spent $110,699 in the 2002 election, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit group that tracks political fund raising and spending. Lack of funding was one of the factors noted in Ms. Sanchez' defeat.

This year, who is giving, or may give, is as impressive as the sums that have been raised.

Emily's List, the women's political action committee that raised nearly $10 million in contributions last year, has endorsed Ms. Farrell. Mr. Shays' spokesman said the designation was routine. It's not. Emily's List is a well-recognized, influential organization that knows how to pick its battles. The group generally spends money where it thinks it will do the most good.

Campaign committees of both the Republican and Democratic parties have identified this race as one to watch. The chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee has asked 10 political action committees to support Mr. Shays and candidates in 38 other "crucial" races this year. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has yet to decide whether to fund Ms. Farrell's campaign.

Money alone may not win an election, although it's almost impossible to win a race without it. That is one reason why we expect spending in this race to be high.

Shays-Farrell could be one of the hardest-fought congressional races in the country this year. Mr. Shays has many strengths. He has developed a national following for his maverick views on campaign finance, domestic terrorism and his highly publicized "town meeting" with constituents on the Clinton impeachment, which he said prompted him to vote against unseating the controversial president. He also has a reputation for delivering good service to constituents who approach him about issues from the local post office to federal funding for housing.

But while many in this area admire Mr. Shays' studied independence, others are troubled by it. Many are irked by his continued support for controversial Bush initiatives such as the war in Iraq. Meanwhile, some conservatives think he is too liberal on environmental, civil rights and women's issues. With sufficient funding and sound positions, Ms. Farrell may be able to show voters that she is a credible alternative. Voters need to hear more about her stand on a variety of issues, including how she differs from Mr. Shays.

A well-funded campaign isn't always good. It can buy too many candidate commercials on radio or television in late October, for example. But if all of this money means a more thorough and substantive debate about issues facing the 4th Congressional District and the country, then we say: Bring it on.

Good Buddies

The pet companion program of Westport-based CLASP Homes was recently featured in a national newsletter of PetsMarts Charities. CLASP, which serves developmentally disabled adults, found that by adopting homeless pets and bringing them into CLASP homes, both the pet and resident benefited. Shown here are Hollis and her cat Sky. Contributed photo

Thursday, July 22, 2004

7:30 p.m. - Auditorium - Planning & Zoning Commission
8 p.m. - Levitt Paviliion - The Armstrong Duo, chamber music

Blumenthal Announces Global Warming Lawsuit at Sherwood Island

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, joined by Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, tells a Sherwood Island press conference today about a "groundbreaking" lawsuit filed by Connecticut and seven other states against global warming polluters to force them to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

UPDATE: New Haven Line Restores Normal Service

Downed power lines in New Rochelle disrupted service on Metro-North's New Haven Line at the end of the morning rush hour today affecting thousands of commuters. But the line said normal service was restored by 5 p.m.

A Metro-North spokesman said four tracks in the area of New Rochelle were knocked out of service due to wire damage, which occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m.

Service remained disrupted throughout the day, but in mid-afternoon a spokesman "Metro-North expected to operate regular PM peak service on the New Haven Line."

An announcement shortly after 5 p.m. said full service had been restored.

Two hours after the mishap, the railroad said one track had been opened and there was limited inbound service to Grand Central Terminal.

About 20 trains were affected by the outage, according to the spokesman.

In most cases, passengers transferred to buses or made their own arrangements using taxis and private cars.

However, at least one train sat without power for about 90 minutes before another train pulled alongside and passengers were able to transfer.

An Amtrak spokesman said all service was suspended between New Haven and New York's Pennsylvania Station by the outage.

Longtime Westporter Stanley A. Barnett Dies at 83

Stanley A. Barnett, a longtime Westporter who served as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission and was active in the Westport League of Women Voters, has died at the age of 83.

His son, Don, said his father died Monday at Waterbury Hospital after a brief illness.

Barnett moved to Heritage Village in Southbury in 2000 after living in Westport for more than 40 years. But he returned here frequently for town events and the occasional Town Hall brown bag lunch.

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, who appointed Barnett as one of her representatives to the Southwest Regional Planning Agency, said she was saddened by his passing.

"He was just a terrific guy," she said. "He was energetic and enthusiastic and was especially good for the P&Z and the League (of Women Voters). We will miss him."

"I called him 'The Organization Man' because he was so detailed and so organized," said Hope Hageman, who served on the P&Z and who remains active in the League of Women Voters. "He was a good friend."

Hageman said Barnett was instrumental in organizing meetings leading to the last revision of the town's Plan of Conservation and Development in 1997.

"He was a P&Z alternate at the time and helped hire the consultants and organize the public meetings leading up to the plan," she said.

Born in New York City, Barnett was a graduate of The City College of New York and was a retired management consultant.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lucienne.

Survivors include his son, Don A. Barnett of Trumbull; a daughter, Danielle Barnett of Melbourne, Fla.; two brothers, his twin Bernard Barnett of Tarrytown, N.Y. and Joseph Barnett of California.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450

Westport's Sherwood Island Hosts Global Warming Suit Announcement

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal used Westport's Sherwood Island State Park today as the backdrop for announcement of a suit aimed at forcing the nation's largest power companies to cut their carbon dioxide emissions.
Sherwood Island State Park: Global warming lawsuit announced. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Blumenthal and attorneys general from seven other states and New York City filed a public nuisance lawsuit in Manhattan's federal district court earlier in the day and then addressed a news conference there.

Blumenthal later traveled to the Westport state park where he held another news conference. Also in attendance were Chris James of the state Department of Environmental Protection and Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell.

Blaming the federal government for inaction, Blumenthal said he expects more states to join California, Connecticut, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and New York City in the legal action.

"Some may say that the states have no role in this kind of fight or that there's no chance of success. To them I would say think tobacco," he said. "We're here because the federal government has abdicated its responsibility as it also did with tobacco."

In 2003, states received about $8 billion in legal settlements with the tobacco industry.

This time, Blumenthal said, "we are not seeking a nickel from any of these companies. We are simply forcing them to comply with the law."

The Connecticut official said the suit seeks to hold the companies responsible and slash carbon dioxide emissions by 3 percent a year for 10 years.

"It sends a powerful message to hold them accountable," Blumenthal said.

Farrell said Sherwood Island was "a right and appropriate place" for such a lawsuit to begin. She said like the legal actions against tobacco companies, this one reflects grass roots opposition to unhealthy practices.

Today's lawsuit seeks to pressure five power producers - American Electric Power Co., Southern Co., Xcel Energy Inc., Cinergy Corp. and the federal Tennessee Valley Authority - to clean up their emissions and help curb global warming.

The states that are suing claim those power producers own 174 fossil fuel-burning power plants that produce 646 million tons of carbon dioxide annually - about 10 percent of the nation's total.

"Our lawsuit is a huge, historic first step toward holding companies accountable for these pernicious pollutants that threaten our health, economy, environment and quality of life," Blumenthal said.

The attorneys general say that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide could have catastrophic effects, including increased asthma and heat-related illness, depletion of drinking water supplies, a decline in fisheries and erosion of infrastructure.

Marc Violette, a spokesman for New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, declined to comment on details but said the lawsuit would, "for the first time, put global warming on the litigation map," the AP reported.

"This is a precedent-setting, first-of-its-kind lawsuit," he said.

Scott Segal, director of the Washington, D.C.-based Electric Reliability Coordinating Council, a group that includes Atlanta-based Southern, criticized the lawsuit for trying to hold individual companies responsible for global climate change.

"If you gave the facts of global climate change to a first-year law student, and they recommended a public nuisance case, they would get an `F,"' Segal said.

"The idea that any one company's emissions are responsible for global climate change is more political science than environmental science."

Jeffrey Marks, with the National Association of Manufacturers, which represents AEP, Southern and Cincinnati-based Cinergy, said regulating carbon dioxide emissions would severely depress the U.S. economy, limit the use of fossil fuels, and hinder environmental improvements.

Pat Hemlepp, a spokesman for Columbus, Ohio-based AEP, agreed, saying, "A lawsuit is not a constructive way to deal with climate change.

"There is nothing one company, five companies, or one country can do to resolve global warming. It will require a global commitment including developing nations."

Paul Newman Stars in Special Benefit Performance of "Trumbo" Tonight

The Westport Country Playhouse, located temporarily in Ridgefield, presents a special benefit performance tonight of "Trumbo" starring Paul Newman and Gordon MacDonald. The play is about the blacklisted screenwriter and novelist, Dalton Trumbo, and the loss of his freedom of speech. Contributed photo

Gillespie Center Shelves No Longer Bare

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The shelves at the Interfaith Housing Association's Gillespie Center are bare no longer. The Rev. Peter Powell, head of the Westport group, said Tuesday he has been overwhelmed by the community response to his plea to help restock the food shelves at the facility which serves the homeless as well as distributes food to the needy. Contributed photo

Riding the Cannon

One of the cannons at Compo Beach was a good place for this youngster to enjoy the warm sunshine Tuesday. WestportNow.com photo

Board of Finance Approves $700,000 Reval Funding

The Westport Board of Finance Tuesday night approved $700,000 to conduct a physical revaluation of Westport homes and businesses.

Before the 6-0 vote, the town's new tax assessor, William Gaffney, assured members that he would personally oversee the work of the firm chosen for the job and was putting his reputation on the line.

"If this performance is unacceptable to the citizens of this town, that is my performance," he said.

Two firms have submitted bids for the work, both under the approved amount.

Board chair Steve Ezzes said he expected the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) to reduce the amount when it takes up the matter at its Aug. 3 meeting depending on which firm is selected.

Gaffney said conducting the physical revaluation would be a very public process with public meetings held to explain to residents how it would be carried out.

"All along the way, you will be informed," he said.

Westport decided to conduct the physical reval after the state approved legislation allowing the town to postpone its revaluation for up to three years.

First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell announced March 4 that she would seek to postpone the reval because of discovery of a backlog of 1,700 building permits that had not been added to the tax rolls going back to 1998.

At Tuesday night's meeting, board members said the town will be sending out in the next few days bid specifications to hire a firm to review the town's procedures in order to avoid a repetition of the backlog problem.

Meanwhile, it was learned that letters were being sent out today to 1,200 homeowners informing them that they will be receiving an additional tax bill as a result of processing of the backlog of building permits.

Ready to Go Over the Side

Westport volunteer firefighter Mike Acquino (l) gets some last minute instructions from Westport firefighter Brett Kirby before repelling from the roof of Westport fire headquarters Tuesday evening in a training exercise. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Easy Does It

Westport volunteer firefighter Mike Acquino carefully makes his way down the side of Westport fire headquarters Tuesday night. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Almost There

Almost to the ground, Westport volunteer firefighter Mike Acquino gives a wave after a successful exercise Tuesday night. Fellow volunteer Bob McManus mans the safety rope. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
7 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Conservation Commission
7 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Sommers-Rosenthal family band
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A- Zoning Board of Appeals
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Library Board
7:45 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - RTM Finance and RTM Public Works Committees

Comedy Night at the Levitt

Comedian Andy Campbell was one of several comedians who entertained the audience tonight on a clear, warm evening at Westport's Levitt Pavilion. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Westport Property Transfers July 12-16, 2004

Property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk's office for the period July 12-16, 2004:

James M. and Margaret M. Pendry to Peter and Catherine Russell Harbottle, 28 Bulkley Ave. North, $667,500. .

Mary Pisaturo McGlynn to Kim Cavalier Alianiello, 55 Woodside Ave., $800,000.

Estate of Ruth Adams to Bernard X. and Leona O. McGeady, 412 Harvest Commons, $710,000.

John M. and Carolyn Greene Miller to Thomas Y. and Marion S. Howard, 63
Bulkley Ave. North, $805,000.

James S. and Linda C. Keeler to Sara H. and Ranjit Ahluwalia, 3 Squire Lane, $1,000,000.

Nanette J. Buziak to Roy and Cecile Corr, 280 Compo Road South, $1,075,000.

Hans M. and Jennifer M. Richter to Eric and Katherine Leinwand, 49 Gorham Ave., $910,000.

Jay Fein to James and Elena Byrne, 15 Roseville Road, $465,000.

Bernard X. and Leona O. McGeady to Richard and Lisa Sanchez, Trustees, Sanchez Family Trust, 23 Compo Parkway, $1,612,500.

Robert W. Robbins to Jeffrey T. Wood, 36 Otter Trail, $901,000.

Arnold K. and Janet B. Wolgast to Charles B. and Valerie Wolgast, 20 Sturges Commons, $900,000.

Evan and Andrea Fisher Berkley to Michael E. and Christina C. Goodman, 12 Fragrant Pines Court, $787,000.

James J. and Denise F. Lincoln to David and Susan Carson, 30 St. John Place, $1,035,000.

William A. and Joan G. Burgess to Mehmet and Selda Pasa, 29 Otter Trail, $1,500,000.

Gayle L. Rochlin AKA Gayle Aufderheide to Geoffrey S. and Lucreta A. Rochlin, 31 Meeker Road, 47 percent interest, $225,000.

Martin Greenberg to Pluto Acquisitions LLC, Unit 18 Lansdowne, $747,000.

Klaus and Pamela Knuth to Michael and Mary Vogt, 12 Rocky Ridge Road, $705,000.

Helen M. Salzberg, Trustee, Helen M. Salzberg Revocable Trust to Cynthia P. Deutsch, Unit 139 Lansdowne, $747,000.

Michael J. and Jennifer M. Sheehy to Mark Leondires, 3 Rockland Place, $770,000.

Kurt R. and Eileen M. Tiefenthaler to David and Kristina Lepska, 7 Maplewood Ave., $760,000.

Eiko Adams Qualified Personal Residence to Rinaldo and Diana DiIorio Jr., Saugatuck Ave. 0.013 percent, $825,000.

Farrell Speaks Out on Town Hall Theft

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell said today she has ordered a tightening of handling of cash in town departments following discovery of the theft of $500 in cash and $2,000 worth of electronic equipment from a Town Hall office.

In a statement, Farrell said, "It is important that we assure Westport residents that cash transactions are properly accounted for and managed."

She said she and John Kondub, town controller, have met with heads of departments that handle cash "to review their practices and, in some cases, modifications to their daily procedures will be made in order to assure that no amount can be pilfered."

In her statement, Farrell said she was informed July 8 that a Town Hall office was missing $500 in cash and immediately notified police. (See WestportNow July 19, 2004)

In a separate statement, she said four days later, on July 12, she put Deputy Assessor Kevin Murowsky on "a paid administrative leave of absence."

The First Selectwoman added, "As this is a personnel matter, no further information regarding the status of his employment with the Town of Westport is available at this time."

While Farrell did not directly link Murowsky to the investigation, a Town Hall source earlier told WestportNow that he was being questioned in the probe.

"The police were immediately contacted and began an investigation that remains ongoing," she said.

"In addition to the missing cash, electronic equipment in the amount of approximately $2,000 is also unaccounted for.

"Since the investigation continues, the police are not releasing any information that could possibly impede their progress. When the police are ready to release information, they will do so immediately."

Farrell: We are Reviewing Procedures for Handling Cash

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, seen addressing a Board of Finance meeting tonight, said today that she has met with heads of departments which handle cash to review procedures “to assure that no amount can be pilfered.” She spoke after police disclosed they are investigating $500 in cash missing from a Town Hall office. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Construction Crew Hits Gas Line at Long Lots School

A construction crew working on the expansion of the parking lot at Long Lots Elementary School hit a high pressure gas line today, fire officials said.

Firefighters ordered the site and school evacuated as they checked for gas inside the building and awaited utility crews.

The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at a time when some residents were using the school's playing fields. They were told to move away from the affected area.

Police detoured traffic in the area until repair crews gave the all clear shortly after 6 p.m.

A Little Cooler at Compo

The temperature got up to the upper 80s in portions of Westport today, but at Compo Beach sea breezes kept things a little cooler – perfect weather to work on a tan. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Bayberry Blocked by Dump Truck Rollover

A dump truck belonging to Westport's Kowalsky Bros. Inc. construction company flipped over today on Bayberry Lane near Meeker Road. No one was injured in the mishap, but traffic was blocked in both directions until it was cleaned up. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Getting in a Little Sun

Sunny skies and warm temperatures Monday made for perfect weather for reading and getting some sun along the Saugatuck River in Westport's center. Today's forecast: partly sunny and humid with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, highs in the lower 80s. WestportNow.com photo

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

8:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Human Services Commission
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Jesup Green - Westport Public Library book sale -- all books free
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Arts Advisory Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 201 - Youth Commission Executive Committee
5:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Tree Board
7:15 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Board of Finance anticipated executive session
8 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Board of Finance

Martha Stewart Appears on CNN's "Larry King Live"

Westport's Martha Stewart appeared tonight on CNN"s "Larry King Live," her first live interview since her sentencing Friday. Asked her opinion about her longtime Westport friend Mariana Pasternak, who testified against her at her trial, Stewart said she could not comment on specifics of her case but added: "Let's say that her two daughters are my god children...It's pretty hard..." CNN/WestportNow.com photo

Books at Half Price

Volunteers Gloria and Tom Hunter collect the money as shoppers take advantage of today's half price sale at the Westport Public Library's annual book sale on Jesup Green. The sale winds up Tuesday with all remaining books available at no charge – but donations encouraged. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Police Say Town Hall Theft Investigation Underway

Four days after Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell confirmed she put Deputy Assessor Kevin Murowsky on administrative leave, Westport police today said a theft investigation is underway at Town Hall involving about $500 in cash and $2,000 in electronic equipment.
Police Chief Alfred R. Fiore: Theft investigation underway (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

A brief statement from Police Chief Alfred R. Fiore did not name Murowsky, but a Town Hall source said he was linked to the investigation.

“The Westport Police Department is conducting an investigation of a complaint that was filed by a town employee,” the statement said.

“Approximately $500 in cash and electronic equipment valued at approximately $2,000 is missing from an office at Town Hall.”

“The criminal investigation is ongoing therefore we cannot expand on details at this time.”

Murowsky has been a Town Hall employee for about two years. He filled in as acting assessor after Farrell put Assessor Glen Werfelman on leave March 4. (See WestportNow July 15, 2004).

Definitely Not the Dog Paddle

Sunday was a good day for a canoe ride along the Saugatuck River. Lowrie Gibb of Westport took along his dogs Puppet (l) and Pookie. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Monday, July 19, 2004

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Jesup Green - Westport Public Library book sale -- all books half price

Farrell Officially Opens Campaign HQ

Westport Democratic First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell today officially opened her Westport headquarters for her campaign to unseat veteran Republican Rep. Christopher Shays. She promised to wage a stiff fight and said, "The best is yet to come from our area. See more photos on POLITICS page. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Historical Society "Ultimate Sale" Day Two

The Westport Historical Society hosted day two of its weekend "Ultimate Sale" today as the downtown area attracted hundreds of visitors for the Westport Arts Festival and Westport Public Library annual book sale. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Commentary: “Martha Stewart Put Westport on the Map?” I Don’t Think So

By Gordon Joseloff
Editor/Publisher
WestportNow.com

The media frenzy whipped up by Martha Stewart’s sentencing Friday produced some interesting – and frankly, dead wrong – portrayals of Westport by media organizations and reporters who ought to know better.

This lead on an Associated Press story datelined Westport about reaction in Stewart’s hometown no doubt made many Westporters flinch:

“Martha Stewart helped give this prosperous town cachet as she built a local catering business into an empire showcasing domestic perfection…”

CNN reporter Alina Cho, reporting live from in front of Oscar’s Delicatessen on Main Street Friday, informed her audience that Westport "has always been an affluent community but a bedroom community until Martha Stewart put it on the map.”

With all due respect to my media colleagues, I don’t think so.

And the AP’s fudging the lead a bit by saying Stewart “helped” give the town cachet doesn’t cut it.

Even the newest arrival to Westport knows that the town has a long history of being home to artists, writers, media types and Fortune 500 CEOs as well as ordinary folks.

Martha Stewart did not put Westport “on the map” nor bring it any more cachet – at least no more than Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Michael Bolton, Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas, or Don Imus, who are among our other current resident luminaries.

Whether you think Stewart deserved what she got or was a victim of overzealous prosecutors is beside the point. Westporters are no more or less divided on the issue than anyone else.

But they would probably agree on this advice to journalists writing about Westport: don’t attribute Westport’s notoriety to Martha Stewart. It only lessens your credibility with those who know better.

And that’s not a good thing.

Sunday, July 18, 2004

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Jesup Green - Westport Public Library book sale
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Main Street - Westport Arts Festival
10 a.m. .- 5 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - Ultimate Sale
7 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Eight to the Bar - swing, boogie woogie, jump music