NEWS

Izzo Backs Baron's Site For YMCA

By DON CASCIATO dcasciato@bcnnew.com
Printed in the Westport News

"I am definitely going to run," said Izzo, who lost in 2001 when he ran against Farrell. "I was going to do this whether Diane Farrell did it or not."

In addition, during a telephone interview Wednesday, the Republican candidate said he was against building a new YMCA at Mahackeno on Rices Lane near exit 41 of the Merritt Parkway. Instead, he prefers a Baron's South site near the Senior Center, which was opened earlier this year.

During his term on the Board of Selectmen, he often has spoken out against many of the building projects of the Farrell administration and their cost.

The announcement of his YMCA downtown support could quite possibly put the focus on his candidacy although residents near Baron's South in the past have opposed a YMCA in that spot.

No to Mahackeno

"I wouldn't destroy 36 acres in the Mahackeno area," he said. "A downtown presence would be good for commerce. And, there is room for it."

Asked about his overall objectives, Izzo said: "I want to maintain the quality of life in Westport. But in a much more efficient manner [than Farrell's administration.]"

However, after her Tuesday announcement Izzo praised Farrell. "While it's no secret that Diane and I have serious political differences, we also share the same love for Westport . . ." [See Letters to the Editor, page A31]

Izzo said that he was meeting with friends and supporters and would form campaign committees in the weeks ahead. He declined identifying his backers until later.

He estimated that he would need between $25,000 and $30,000 for the campaign. When it was suggested that he might need as much as $100,000, Izzo countered: "I'm not in the business of buying elections."

He also said he would reach out to Democrats and independents now and in his administration if he is victorious. "I don't believe in Democrats and Republicans on local issues," said Izzo. "I'm not blindly obedient to a political party."

The selectman also pointed out that he was confident that he would win the nomination if other Westport Republicans decided to run against him.

One possible challenger is Gavin Anderson, the senior Republican member on the Board of Finance. He had announced his candidacy in 2001, met with reporters in a local lawyer's office, but later decided against running. Anderson Studies Options

On Wednesday, Anderson said he was considering a run for first selectman. "I'm certainly not ruling it out," he said. "As far as my plans go, I will have a close look at it. I'm not going to close any doors."

He did voice his belief in working together to achieve goals. "It helps when we work together," said Anderson of his experiences on the Board of Finance. "We've achieved a lot together." During his terms on the board he has worked on various projects with Shelly Kassen, the vice chairman of the board and a Democrat.

Anderson also lauded Farrell. "She is a charming lady. I wish her well," he said.

State Sen. Judith Freedman (R-26), a veteran of Westport politics, said: "I don't think so," when asked if she would consider running.

Jo Fuchs-Luscombe, another veteran of Westport politics and a former state representative, also said she wasn't interested in running for first selectwoman. "For me, every time there is an election for that position, someone asks me why I don't run and throw my hat in the ring. I find that suggestion very flattering. It is a serious job and an important job."

Fuchs-Luscombe also observed that many politicians on various levels of government face what she termed a "three-term problem" in which popularity could be fading for an incumbent or new issues could make it difficult to serve again or the person wants to do something else.

On the Democratic and independent side, no one declared their interest or responded to telephone messages as of noon yesterday.