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Their recommended nomination as candidates was announced Tuesday night. But the duo won’t become the party’s officially endorsed candidates until the entire Republican Town Committee takes a vote. The vote will take place in July.
“The Board of Selectman Nominating Committee is pleased to recommend Jim and Avi to the full RTC,” said Bob LaFleur, who headed the RTC’s Board of Selectmen Nominating Committee. “We know our fellow Westporters will agree that this team has the leadership abilities needed to usher in a new era of progress for our town.”
Marpe, former vice chairman and acting chairman of the Board of Education, announced last November his intent to run for first selectman. He stepped down from the board at that time to focus on his campaign.
Marpe was first elected to the education board in 2005. In 2007, he was elected by his board colleague as vice chairman. He became acting chairman after former Chairman Don O’Day resigned from the board in August.
Marpe is currently chairman of the Westport Weston Family Y’s Board of Trustees. His professional background includes a 32-year career with Accenture, a global management consulting firm. He retired from Accenture in 2002 as a senior partner.
Kaner is the current chairman of the Westport Board of Finance. He was first elected to the board in 2005 and became chairman in 2011. Professionally, Kaner owns Morton Williams, a New York City supermarket chain. He formerly worked as a principal with the management consulting firm Booz Allen & Hamilton.
Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, a Democrat, announced in January he would not be seeking re-election. So far, no Democratic candidates have been announced.
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