Exiting First Selectwoman Jen Tooker Thanks Westport

WESTPORT, CT — In an open letter to constituents this week, exiting Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker thanked the community after four years as its leader. She did not seek re-election to the office, instead running briefly for governor, a campaign she suspended in September.

Earlier this month, Democrat Kevin Christie was elected First Selectman to replace her.

Below is the text from Tooker's letter to the community:

As many of you know, the guiding principle of my administration has been to ensure that Westport is the best place to live, work, play, and learn in the region—a community where everyone is welcome and truly feels that they belong. That vision was our North Star, shaping every decision and serving as the measure of our accomplishments. I could not be prouder of all that we achieved together.

Over the past four years, we made remarkable progress on the five priorities I outlined when Andrea Moore and I took office—along with so many other important initiatives. As a community, we stood by one another in times of sorrow and celebrated together in moments of joy. We engaged in causes that make both our town and our world a better place, and we spoke up, respectfully challenging each other whenever we saw opportunities for growth.

Andrea and I made history as Westport’s first all-female First and Second Selectwomen team—and, together with Candice Savin, as the first all-female Board of Selectwomen. We led with compassion, integrity, professionalism, and heart. And today, I am proud to share that Westport is in the strongest financial position in its history and our future is very bright.

I also want to recognize our incredibly talented and dedicated Town employees - my leadership team, and all my colleagues in Town Hall - without whom none of this would have been possible. Working alongside you each day has been an absolute privilege, and a lot of fun! My deepest thanks as well to our exceptional Police, Fire, and EMS departments, whose commitment keeps our community safe. I have told you many times that you are truly the best of the best, and we are so fortunate that you have chosen to build your careers here in Westport.

To our residents, business owners, teachers, school administrators, and nonprofit leaders—thank you. Westport is better today because of all of you. You are what makes Westport so special. This role has always been as much about listening as it is about leading, and because you all took the time to share your thoughts and challenges, I was able to make decisions that truly reflected the needs of our community. Some of our best ideas came directly from you - StartUp Westport is a shining example - and I hope you continue sharing your vision and creativity with Westport’s new administration.

Serving as your First Selectwoman has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I am excited for my next chapter, and I am deeply proud to continue to call Westport my home. Together, we will ensure that Westport remains the best place to live, work, play, and learn in the region. It will continue to be a community where everyone is welcome and truly feels they belong.

Thank you, Westport!