Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff today announced he has initiated a series of steps to aid Westport citizens and businesses in battling the current economic crisis.
Gordon Joseloff: Seeking ways to ease economic pain. Contributed photo
“Like many other communities across the country, our citizens and businesses are experiencing the economic pain, and I believe local government must be a leader in doing what we can to ease that pain,” Joseloff said.
To this end, Joseloff said he has taken the following steps:
—formed a government and business partnership to find ways to promote local businesses and encourage Westporters to shop locally.
—sought and won Planning and Zoning Commission approval to temporarily suspend a regulation banning standalone signs outside businesses so they can better promote their services.
—instituted a review of other town regulations with the goal of promoting local businesses; and
—joined in a private social media effort to raise funds for Westporters in need, with initial help aimed at providing tuition aid for college-bound Staples High School students.
Joseloff said he and Finance Director John Kondub met last week with 15 local businessmen and bankers as well as with state Representatives Joe Mioli and Kim Fawcett on ways Westport’s government can aid local businesses.
“We discussed many good ideas and will be following up on a number of them,” the First Selectman said.
At his request, the Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday voted to suspend enforcement of a ban on standalone signs outside businesses until Oct. 1.
“While it may seem like a small gesture, I hope it’s symbolic of ways town government can assist small businesses in these very difficult times,” Joseloff said.
Joseloff said he has also instituted a review of other town regulations and procedures that might aid the plight of small businesses.
He said he had also encouraged Westporter Krista Bradford in her efforts to aid other Westporters through establishment of a Westporters Helping Westporters Network on the social networks Facebook and Linkedin.
“Westporters helping other Westporters is something we all can support,” he said.
“Many families are facing unprecedented financial upheaval and by joining together in ways such as this we hopefully can make their lives easier.”
I think the social network idea is a good one but I have not been able to find or connect on either facebook or linkedin – could I have the incorrect name?
—-formed a government and business partnership to find ways to promote local businesses and encourage Westporters to shop locally.
OK, here’s a suggestion. Drop the ridiculous retail plastic bag ban. We will be moving our grocery shopping to Norwalk stores, and I am sure that there are others near the Norwalk or Fairfield lines that will be making similar moves. I just feel that convenience trumps feel good legislation.