Patch Candidate Profile: Amie Tesler, Planning & Zoning Commission

WESTPORT, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Westport will be on the ballot, including Board of Selectman, Board of Education, Board of Finance, RTM and others.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 7, Westport Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next few weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Name

Amie Tesler

What city or town do you live in?

Westport

What office are you seeking?

Planning & Zoning Commissioner

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

I attended The University of Connecticut, earning a BA in Psychology & Marketing.

What is your occupation?

Director of North America for international design firm. I have over 25 years of marketing and business development experience in the commercial development, architecture and construction arenas in NYC and globally.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Married with two children and a cat. Cats count as kids.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes. I've been a Planning & Zoning Commissioner for the last two years in Westport.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I believe if you want to enact change, you have to step up. I firmly believe the integrity of our towns is in peril with overdevelopment and rushed decisions without thought for the future, unintended consequences. I truly want the voters of Westport to be heard and have a seat at the table.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I firmly believe any and all zoning should be in the hands of local towns. This should be a bipartisan, transparent effort that empowers constituents to have a voice on how they think we can expand our town's wonderful offerings to all that want to be a part of our community. 830-G is unrealistic for a large majority of the 169 towns in CT. We, as a town, need to think long term, versus the now, on how best to expand affordable housing to both our teachers, first responders and police who truly, keep our community afloat but can't necessarily, afford to reside here.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I truly believe in the maintaining the essence and integrity of a small New England town, while organically and methodically, creating expansion opportunities for both local and domestic businesses alike. This takes thought, foresight and insight from all governing local bodies and constituents.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Traffic, making the zoning process even more transparent, hopefully, involving more of the community in zoning matters and not rushing a vote on major text amendments that come our way. I want the community to feel empowered to speak voice their concerns.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have worked with some of the top names in retail, food & beverage, and the commercial real estate world in terms of securing business, furthering brand recognition, and maintaining longstanding working relationships both domestically and internationally.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

You have to fail to succeed.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I truly believe in local communities, in local control, in voters being involved and being the voice in the dialogue for constructive change.