Jen Tooker Announces Candidacy For Westport First Selectman

WESTPORT, CT — A day after Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe announced he would not seek re-election, Second Selectwoman Jen Tooker announced her candidacy for First Selectman. Tooker is seeking the Republican nomination and will be joined by running mate, Andrea Moore, currently Vice Chair of the Board of Finance.

Tooker and Moore launched their campaign on Friday — in front of friends and family — on the steps of Westport Town Hall, highlighting their five priorities:

• Strengthening Westport’s local economy by reopening businesses safely and promoting Westport as the best place to work, live and play in the region;
• Enhancing Westport’s treasured amenities, including Longshore, Baron’s South, and other public parks and recreational facilities;
• Building a community of belonging, safety and well-being for all of Westport’s residents and business owners;
• Bolstering property values by ensuring steady tax rates, financial discipline, world-class schools, and excellent amenities and services;
• Establishing Westport as the regional leader for sustainability and environmental stewardship

A Democratic candidate has not yet emerged. Four years ago, Melissa Kane, who serves as Third Selectwoman, was Marpe's Democratic opponent and ran a close campaign.

"It has been a privilege to serve Westport as your Second Selectwoman," Tooker said. "This is an amazing town where we enjoy an excellent quality of life. I've been part of the team that has worked diligently to ensure Westport is a great place to live and work. This community deserves a local government that is accessible and accountable with leadership skills, management expertise and a strategic perspective. As First Selectman, I will continue to bring these skills to Town Hall every day."

In addition to the Board of Selectmen, Tooker also has served on the Board of Finance, the Board of Education, the Conservation Commission and the Representative Town Meeting.

Moore, a Westport native, also served on the RTM, and is on the Board of Trustees of the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

Both have business backgrounds, Tooker in the reinsurance industry, Moore in financial services. Tooker also spearheaded the initiative Westport Means Business, and also the ReOpen Westport advisory committee last year as the community climbed out of the economic hole from the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is an honor to run alongside Jen Tooker, a truly accomplished leader for Westport," Moore said. "I am continually impressed with the effective, bi-partisan way Jen solves problems and drives positive change. Westport is a truly special place to call home, and I know Jen will work every day to bring people together, represent our community with the utmost integrity, and employ a fresh perspective to meet challenges and new opportunities in the days ahead."