Letter: We Need Brian Stern on Board of Finance

Editor,

I write to support the re-election of Brian Stern to the Westport Board of Finance. His service on the Board over the last four years has allowed our town to maintain excellent services while keeping tax increases at the lowest four year rate (2%) in decades.  

I have been Brian Stern's colleague throughout his 35 year career as a senior executive at Xerox Corporation.  His business experience has been critical to the Board of Finance in the past and will be critical again as the Board navigates the challenges that lie ahead for our town.  I have observed, first hand, how Brian, who was President of four Xerox major divisions, implemented operational efficiencies while launching award-winning products.  In his 35 year Xerox career, Brian delivered high quality services at affordable costs (just what our town needs).

I realize that success in business is a lot easier than success in public service. The "people skills" required in public service can often be absent in business success. Such is not the case with Brian.  At Xerox, I was able to see how Brian's engaging personality coalesced support around his vision.  His personality, leadership and management style helped avoid the friction and back-stabbing that undermine many endeavors within a large organization.  Brian was a top executive who was well-respected at all levels of the company for his sensitivity and problem solving skills.  I can also vouch for Brian's uncompromising ethical values.

In short, I urge all Westport residents who expect visionary, effective, and ethical leadership to vote for Brian Stern for our Board of Finance.