Patch Candidate Profile: John Bolton, 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

JOHN BOLTON

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552039250967

What city or town do you live in?

Westport

What office are you seeking?

Commissioner 4 Planning & Zoning

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

J.D. 1990 / B.A. 1987

What is your occupation?

Attorney & Counselor at Law

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

Proud Dad of KR Bolton - Staples H.S. Class of 2021

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

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

Alternate Commissioner Planning and Zoning since July 2021

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?

Feeling a strong need to get involved and give back to my community as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, in July 2021, I was appointed as an Alternate Commissioner to Westport’s P&Z. It has been a privilege to serve Westport in this capacity, and a pleasure working alongside the capable and professional staff at the P&Z Department. It's about giving back to my community with an eye toward making Westport – “Bestport”.

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

"Density" as every major issue before the P&Z brings with it this specific issue. Affordable housing; traffic; infrastructure, parking, etc. To this end, I will continue to promote deliberative and responsible economic development that adds to the quality of life for all of us while ensuring Westport’s long term economic stability.

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

The most significant difference is the pace of development. We need to be more deliberative and plenary when entertaining applications that affect infrastructure, education, traffic, and property rights.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Regardless of party affiliation, incumbency or otherwise, a zoning commissioner does not get paid (with the notable exception of personal satisfaction) for devoting an enormous amount of time and energy to this most important position. The fact that an incumbent has already served and made the commitment to serve our town - in my opinion - makes it almost virtually impossible to have "failed the community".

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

Traffic, promoting the tax base, infrastructure, affordable housing, and listening as the latter promotes TRANSPARENCY :-)

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

As a practicing attorney for 33 years, I have appeared in front of various ZBA, P&Z and Historic Commissions. In every instance I've broadened my perspective and experience in this realm coupled with serving the past 2.5 years as an alternate Commissioner on Westport's P&Z.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

More often than not, people come to me for guidance and representation because something is not going right for them legally. They won't always have party manners or be particularly happy when interacting with me or others because of the strain he/she/they are experiencing from a particular legal issue/controversy. Keep that in mind and be patient.

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

I cannot be an 100% effective Commissioner without input and feedback from my constituents. Every stakeholder in Westport is important to me - regardless of one's economic station in life. I cannot emphasize enough the implied partnership that exists between the electorate and public servants - a partnership that is truly effective with two-way communications and a never ending commitment to remain engaged with the community.