Marpe Endorses Tooker, Moore For Westport Board of Selectmen

WESTPORT, CT — First Selectman Jim Marpe announced this week his endorsement of Jennifer Tooker as the town's next first selectman, as well as Andrea Moore as second selectman.

Tooker currently serves as the town's second selectwoman, while Moore is the current vice-chair of the town board of finance

Marpe, a Republican, previously announced in April he will not seek a third term as the town's chief elected official this fall. He has served as first selectman for two terms, having been elected to the position in 2013 and won reelection in 2017 with Tooker as his running mate for the latter race.

In a statement, Marpe said he was proud to announce his "unwavering support" for Tooker and Moore as board of selectmen candidates.

"The primary job of the first selectman is the day-to-day management and oversight of 15 town departments and nearly 300 employees," Marpe said in a statement. "It is truly a combination of being both a CEO and a COO, as well as the 'public face' of Westport. Jen and Andrea are the only candidates whose professional backgrounds include significant management and leadership experience. Jen's additional experience on the Westport Board of Education, board of finance and the conservation commission make her uniquely qualified to take the helm of Westport leadership."

In a statement sent to Patch, Tooker cited her professional background and the various roles she has held in town as experiences that make her an ideal candidate for the soon-to-be vacant first selectman position.

"Westport is a great place to live and work," Tooker said. "I know what it takes to ensure Westport remains exceptional, as I've been part of the team that has successfully led this community over the past few years. My professional background and various roles in public service uniquely position me to bring a steady, experienced managerial approach to the job of first selectman. Westporters respect a thoughtful, transparent, bi-partisan approach to getting things done. They will continue to get that with a Tooker/Moore administration."

Moore also noted in a statement sent to Patch that her experience in various town roles offers her a unique perspective on issues residents are facing.

"As a lifelong Westporter, the current vice chair of the board of finance, a former member of the [Representative Town Meeting], and an active volunteer in the education community," Moore said, "I believe I have a unique perspective on the challenges and concerns of Westport residents. I am excited to work on behalf of everyone in our wonderful town to find innovative solutions that improve their quality of life."

Marpe said Tooker has been an invaluable partner in his administration for nearly four years. He cited her ability to solve complex problems and bring people together as the reason she has been tasked with managing some of his administration's most important initiatives, such as chairing the ReOpen Westport Advisory Team.

"Under Jen's leadership, this team has done remarkable work helping local businesses safely open and operate during the [coronavirus crisis]," Marpe said. "This role was a natural extension of the work she has done with the local business community during her entire term as second selectwoman."

Tooker also launched the Westport Together program, which Marpe said promotes the positive development of local children with a focus on the "social and emotional health and well-being" of the community.

"It is this combination of effective governance and caring and compassion for our residents that makes Jen such a vital asset to Westport," Marpe said, "and because of the key roles in which she has served, Jen has a unique perspective on how to lead Westport into the future and a clear vision of what our community can be."

Tooker said serving Westport alongside Marpe has been a privilege she has enjoyed every day over the past three and a half years.

"Jim leads by example," Tooker said in a statement. "His love of this community and his tireless commitment to Westport has made us one of the most desirable towns in Connecticut. I am honored to receive Jim's endorsement and to know he has confidence that Andrea and I understand the work of the office and that we will continue the legacy of making Westport the best place to live and work."

Marpe noted he has also worked closely with Moore in her roles on the Westport Board of Finance and the RTM over the past several years.

"I have been continually impressed with Andrea's deep commitment to community, her dedication to serving constituents with integrity and transparency, and her common sense, bi-partisan approach to addressing issues facing the Town," Marpe said. "I am proud of the work we have achieved together over the past several years on behalf of Westport, and I am confident that Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore are best positioned to continue the town's positive direction and meet new challenges and opportunities with success."

Moore said Marpe has been "a remarkable leader" for Westport, and she was honored to receive his endorsement.

"[Marpe] has shown what it means to be a true public servant," Moore said in a statement, "and our community has benefited greatly from his responsible, bi-partisan approach to governing. Along with Jen Tooker, I am truly honored to have his endorsement as a candidate for Westport Board of Selectmen, and I am committed to continuing this inclusive, effective and forward-looking management of the town we all love."