CT Patch Candidate Profile: Michele Paquette For Planning & Zoning Commission

WESTPORT, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked local candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Candidate's Name:
Michele Paquette

What office are you seeking?
Planning and Zoning

What town do you live in?
Westport

Campaign Website
https://www.paquetteforpandz.c...

Party Affiliation:
Republican, Coalition for Westport

Occupation:
Retired Biotechnology Executive (total 35 years of experience), now dedicated to service

Family:
My husband and I are both retired from the corporate world and are now actively involved in various entrepreneurial ventures and service projects. We love Westport and are enjoying our lives with boating, fishing, hiking, and playing pickleball. I share 3 adult stepsons with my husband and we are so proud of their accomplishments.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No one in my family works in politics nor do they work for the Westport government.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have never held a public office.

Why are you seeking this office?
I'm seeking a seat on the Planning & Zoning Commission because Westport deserves leadership that listens and responds. My civic advocacy began when I engaged with development proposals and saw community voices overlooked. In Saugatuck, over 200 residents opposed an 800% density increase, advocating for 200–400%. Our input was dismissed, leading to The Hamlet proposal. Nearly 1,600 signed a petition, hundreds attended meetings, and many submitted letters. The project didn’t meet zoning requirements, yet two incumbent candidates abstained after their straw votes of approval. I respect their service, but Westport needs transparent, courageous leadership that amplifies residents.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Overdevelopment is the most pressing concern voiced by Westport residents—and it demands the full attention of the Planning & Zoning Commission. It stems from three key areas: deviation from our 2017 Town Development Plan (POCD), approval of zoning amendments that increase density beyond current limits, and Connecticut’s 8-30g mandate, which allows developers to bypass local zoning if affordable units are included.

Residents support thoughtful development and affordable housing—but not when it compromises Westport’s charm, livability, and infrastructure. Concerns about traffic, noise, sustainability, and strain on schools and services are growing.

To address this, I’ll lead with transparency, accountability, and resident-driven decision-making. First, we must create a new Town Development Plan with robust public input—and ensure it’s followed. Second, I’ll push for stricter scrutiny of zoning amendments, especially those that increase density.

Third, we must tackle 8-30g with a proactive, regional strategy. I’ll advocate for state-level reform, funding, and collaboration with neighboring towns. We also need someone at Town Hall to own execution of our affordable housing plan. Finally, as commissioner, I’ll explore creative zoning tools, support public-private partnerships, and pursue redevelopment of current buildings so density is not increased.

Growth is inevitable—but it must be managed with vision, care, and community at the center.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
First and foremost, what sets me apart is the strategic and operational experience I bring to the table.
As a retired biotechnology executive, I’ve led global teams and multi-billion-dollar businesses, navigating complex challenges and delivering results. Over the course of 25+ years in operational leadership, I’ve built visions for products and services that meet customer needs—within multi country highly regulated environments. This required interpreting rules, technical data, aligning stakeholders, crafting executable strategies, and managing budgets with precision. Success wasn’t theoretical; it was measured, tracked, and achieved.

I’ve worked closely with CEOs and board members to gain alignment on goals and execution plans. That same disciplined, collaborative approach is exactly what I would bring to Planning & Zoning. In this context, residents are the customer. They have a vision for Westport, and it’s our responsibility to help realize it—thoughtfully, transparently, and with accountability.

I would be honored to apply my experience in service of our community, ensuring that resident voices guide our town’s future.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I’m passionate about improving how residents are informed and engaged in Westport’s planning process. Right now, project details are posted on a town website just a week before meetings, placing the burden on residents to find the information to stay informed. We can do better. By using technology to notify residents about key developments early, we can empower meaningful participation. I also propose changing the meeting format so residents speak before commissioners —ensuring public input shapes the discussion. Finally, we should bring back more in-person meetings to foster better dialogue and connection. These changes will create a more transparent, inclusive process that truly values community voices.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
In the biotechnology field, I’ve led global teams through complex regulatory and compliance landscapes. One experience that demonstrates this was when a promising treatment for children with a fatal genetic disease failed its clinical trial—not because it didn’t work, but because the trial was poorly designed. Regulatory bodies rejected the product, and by the rules, treatment had to stop.
But I had met these children, their families, and the scientists who saw firsthand how the therapy was changing lives. Children who were once dying were now living and some even fully active, which was unheard of.

I couldn’t accept the status quo. I had to act fast because most companies shelved these kinds of products. I read the regulations and worked with our regulatory and legal team to find a path forward. We crafted a solution, gained support from global regulators, and convinced company leadership to continue treatment.

I don’t accept “no” when lives or communities are at stake. I find solutions, build consensus, and advocate for those who need a voice. I’ll bring that same determination, creativity, and courage to Westport—ensuring residents are heard, protected, and empowered in every decision that shapes our town’s future.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
A mentor once told me, “You could be the kindest person on the planet, and someone still won’t like you—simply because you’re too nice.” That insight has stayed with me. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how thoughtful or well-intentioned we are, we can’t control how others perceive us. The best approach is to show up as your authentic self—respectful, genuine, and grounded in your values. From there, let the chips fall where they may. You’ll never please everyone, but you’ll always be at peace knowing you stayed true to who you are.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Throughout my life, I’ve come to recognize just how fortunate I’ve been—and I carry deep gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had. That awareness has shaped my commitment to service. I don’t often speak about it, because it’s not about recognition; it’s simply a core part of who I am.

As a college student, I volunteered to support children who had been removed from their homes and were awaiting placement with foster families. That experience opened my eyes to the realities many children face. Later, in my mid-twenties, after moving to a city for the first time, I became even more aware of how my upbringing and environment had played a critical role in shaping my path. It wasn’t just hard work—it was also the support and encouragement I received along the way.

Since then, I’ve dedicated over 35 years to supporting children in less fortunate circumstances. Today, I continue that work through mentoring a young teenager in the Norwalk Mentoring Program. I also coach women—both formally and informally—helping them step into their potential and lead empowered lives.

Service is not something I do occasionally; it’s how I live. I see the Planning and Zoning position as an extension of that commitment—a meaningful opportunity to serve my town, contribute thoughtfully, and help shape a community. It would be a true privilege to do so.