Board of Police Commissioners - 2025 Candidate Comparison

MAJOR UPDATE (October 15, 2025): This race includes an INCUMBENT seeking re-election and a challenger with direct law enforcement experience. Key findings:

• John Dembishack (D) is the INCUMBENT (2021-2025) with 4 years proven board service, NOT a new candidate
• Robert Kozlowsky (R) is CONFIRMED as a Shelton Police Lieutenant (20+ years), the only candidate with direct law enforcement experience
• This significantly changes the race dynamics - see full analysis below

Election Date: November 4, 2025

Seats Available: 4 (four-year terms)

Vote for: Up to four candidates

Term Length: 4 years

Total Board Size: 7 members

Position Overview

The Board of Police Commissioners oversees the Weston Police Department, appoints and evaluates the Chief of Police, sets departmental policy, manages the police budget, and ensures accountability and transparency in policing. This board serves as civilian oversight of law enforcement, balancing public safety needs with community values and fiscal responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Appoint and evaluate the Chief of Police
• Set police department policy and priorities
• Oversee police budget and resource allocation
• Ensure accountability and professional standards
• Address community concerns about policing
• Manage labor relations and personnel matters
• Select annual "Citizen of the Year"
• Balance public safety with civil liberties

Connecticut Charter Requirement: No more than a bare majority can be from the same political party (max 4 of 7 members from one party).

How to Vote

Vote for UP TO FOUR candidates for four-year terms. Four seats are available.

Candidates:

• Democratic: Steve Ezzes, John Dembishack
• Republican: Robert Kozlowsky, Kirby Brendsel

Candidate Summary Table

Detailed Candidate Comparisons

Professional Background

Steve Ezzes (Democratic):

• Investment Banking & Finance:
  • Original member, Leverage Finance Group at Goldman Sachs & Co.
  • Partner at Bass Investment Limited Partnership
  • Current career in investment banking and investment management
• State Appointment:
  • Connecticut Lottery Corporation (appointed by Governor Lamont)
  • Member of Executive Committee
• Town Leadership:
  • Current: Chairman, Board of Education
  • Previous: 8 years Board of Finance (served as Chairman for much of tenure)
  • Building Committee member
  • Facility Optimization Committee member
• Recent Action: Announced appointment of Erica Forti as Weston's new Schools Superintendent (June 2025)

John Dembishack (Democratic - INCUMBENT):

• Current Position: Board of Police Commissioners (2021-2025) - seeking re-election
• Professional Background:
  • "Tech-savvy technology powerhouse" with extensive IT/engineering experience
  • Director of Engineering and Professional Services (Flagship Networks Inc., IT Services/IT Consulting, NYC Metro Area)
• Education:
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA) - University of Connecticut
  • Bachelor's degree - Franklin Pierce College
• Recognition: Westport Rotary Public Protection Award
• Town Involvement: Member, Weston Democratic Town Committee
• Board Experience: 4 years as Police Commissioner (2021-2025)
• Key Distinction: Only candidate with current board experience as an INCUMBENT

Robert Kozlowsky (Republican):

• Law Enforcement Career: Lieutenant, Shelton Police Department (20+ years of service)
• Veteran Services Leadership:
  • Board President, Homes for the Brave (Bridgeport-based nonprofit serving homeless veterans)
  • Extensive veteran advocacy and support work
  • Participated in Marine Corps Marathon supporting military veterans
• Professional Experience: Two decades of police department operations, command-level leadership
• Community Service: Deep commitment to veterans and public service
• Key Distinction: Only candidate with direct law enforcement experience

Kirby Brendsel (Republican - Appointed 2024):

• Current: Vice President, ESG & Sustainability Director at Flagstar Bank (role created 2022)
• Police Commission: Appointed December 17, 2024 (less than 1 year service)
• Previous Professional Experience:
  • Sustainability and ESG roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
  • Sustainability and ESG positions at Welltower
  • Various roles in banking, corporate real estate, investments, strategic consulting
• Military Service: Major, U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps ("stint in military intelligence" after college ROTC scholarship)
• Education:
  • MBA - Jones Graduate School of Management, Rice University
  • B.S. in Business - College of William and Mary (ROTC scholarship)
• Born: Fort Benning, Georgia
• Weston tenure: 10+ years resident

Relevant Experience for Police Commission

Steve Ezzes (Democratic):

• Strengths:
  • Financial oversight expertise: 8 years Board of Finance including chairmanship - critical for police budget oversight
  • Policy governance: Current BOE Chairman - experience setting policy for major town department
  • Leadership: Led superintendent search, managed complex board operations
  • State-level perspective: CT Lottery Corporation appointment provides broader government view
• Application to Police Commission:
  • Budget review and fiscal accountability
  • Policy development and oversight
  • Personnel evaluation and hiring processes
  • Municipal operations and governance
• Limitation: No direct law enforcement or police oversight experience

John Dembishack (Democratic - INCUMBENT):

• Strengths:
  • 4 years board experience (2021-2025): Only incumbent with proven track record
  • Technology expertise: "Tech-savvy powerhouse" - critical for modern policing (body cameras, databases, cybersecurity)
  • Public administration education: MPA from UConn - specifically trained for public sector management
  • Recognition: Westport Rotary Public Protection Award demonstrates professional credibility
• Application to Police Commission:
  • Institutional knowledge: 4 years of board decisions, policies, and Chief oversight
  • Modern policing systems: IT infrastructure, data management, technology procurement
  • Public administration: Trained understanding of government operations and accountability
  • Proven track record: Can be evaluated based on 4 years of actual service
• Key Advantage: Only candidate with demonstrable board performance record

Robert Kozlowsky (Republican):

• Strengths:
  • Direct law enforcement: Shelton Police Lieutenant with 20+ years experience - most professionally relevant background
  • Command experience: Lieutenant-level leadership in police operations
  • Operational expertise: Deep understanding of police department challenges, procedures, best practices
  • Veteran services: Board President of Homes for the Brave - nonprofit governance and veteran advocacy
• Application to Police Commission:
  • Professional insight: Understands law enforcement from inside perspective
  • Operational knowledge: Police procedures, training, equipment, staffing needs
  • Budget realism: Knows actual costs and needs of police operations
  • Best practices: Exposure to modern policing standards and innovations
• Key Question: Does direct law enforcement experience enhance civilian oversight or create conflicts of interest?

Kirby Brendsel (Republican - Appointed 2024):

• Strengths:
  • Current commissioner: Appointed December 17, 2024 (less than 1 year)
  • Military intelligence: Major in U.S. Army - leadership and security operations understanding
  • Extensive town service: Multiple commissions over 10+ years (Conservation, Sustainability, Parks & Rec, Lachat Farm)
  • Corporate leadership: VP-level position with organizational management
• Application to Police Commission:
  • Recent appointment: Learning board operations but limited track record
  • Military background: Leadership, operational planning, security understanding
  • Town government: Deep familiarity with Weston operations across multiple boards
  • ESG expertise: Corporate governance, accountability, ethical operations
• Limitation: Less than 1 year of actual board experience compared to Dembishack's 4 years

Community Involvement & Service

Steve Ezzes (Democratic):

• Longtime Weston resident
• 8 years Board of Finance service (including chairmanship)
• Current Board of Education Chairman
• Building Committee and Facility Optimization Committee service
• State appointment: CT Lottery Corporation
• Deep town government experience across multiple major boards
• Demonstrated commitment through years of volunteer service

John Dembishack (Democratic - INCUMBENT):

• Weston resident
• 4 years Police Commissioner service (2021-2025) - INCUMBENT
• Democratic Town Committee member
• Westport Rotary Public Protection Award - recognized for public service
• Technology leadership: Described as "tech-savvy technology powerhouse"
• Graduate education in public administration (MPA, UConn)
• Proven civic commitment through 4 years of board service

Robert Kozlowsky (Republican):

• Career in public service: 20+ years Shelton Police Department (Lieutenant)
• Nonprofit leadership: Board President, Homes for the Brave (serving homeless veterans)
• Veteran advocacy: Marine Corps Marathon participant supporting military veterans
• Significant community service through law enforcement and veteran services
• Weston community ties: Specifics to be determined

Kirby Brendsel (Republican):

• 10+ years Weston resident
• Extensive town board service:
  • Current: Police Commission (since Dec 2024), Conservation Commission
  • Former: Sustainability Committee, Parks & Recreation Commission, Lachat Town Farm Commission
• Multi-board experience demonstrates sustained civic engagement
• Environmental focus: Professional and volunteer work in sustainability
• Community recognition work: Chairs Citizen of the Year committee

Key Differences

Current Board Experience - CRITICAL DISTINCTION

• Dembishack: INCUMBENT (2021-2025) - 4 years of actual board service
• Brendsel: Appointed December 2024 (less than 1 year)
• Ezzes: No police commission experience (extensive BOF and BOE in other areas)
• Kozlowsky: No police commission experience

Significance: Dembishack has 4+ years of demonstrated performance that can be evaluated. Brendsel has less than 1 year. Ezzes and Kozlowsky are new to this board.

Professional Relevance to Policing - CLEAR HIERARCHY

1. Kozlowsky: Direct law enforcement (Police Lieutenant, 20+ years) - MOST professionally relevant
2. Dembishack: 4 years board experience + MPA + technology expertise
3. Ezzes: Financial oversight and policy governance
4. Brendsel: Military intelligence, organizational leadership, ESG governance

Significance: Kozlowsky is the only candidate with direct police operations experience. Dembishack is the only candidate with proven board oversight experience.

Town Government Experience

• Ezzes: Extensive (8 years BOF Chair + BOE Chairman) - DIFFERENT boards
• Brendsel: Extensive (10+ years across multiple commissions) - NOT police commission
• Dembishack: 4 years Police Commissioner + Town Committee
• Kozlowsky: None documented in Weston

Significance: Ezzes and Brendsel have extensive Weston experience but on OTHER boards. Only Dembishack has Police Commission experience.

Education & Professional Training

• Dembishack: MPA (Master of Public Administration) from UConn - formal training in public sector management
• Brendsel: MBA from Rice University
• Ezzes: Not publicly documented
• Kozlowsky: Not publicly documented

Significance: Dembishack has specific graduate-level training in public administration and government operations.

Military/Law Enforcement Background

• Kozlowsky: Police Lieutenant (20+ years) + veteran services leadership - MOST relevant
• Brendsel: U.S. Army Major (Military Intelligence Corps)
• Ezzes: None documented
• Dembishack: None (but has board oversight experience)

Significance: Kozlowsky has direct law enforcement career. Question: Does this enhance civilian oversight or create conflicts?

Recognition & Awards

• Dembishack: Westport Rotary Public Protection Award
• Kozlowsky: Marine Corps Marathon participant supporting veterans
• Ezzes: Multiple board chairmanships
• Brendsel: Various town commission appointments

Public Information Availability

• Ezzes: Extensive public record from years of service on OTHER boards
• Dembishack: NOW extensive - 4 years board service, MPA, technology background, award recognition
• Kozlowsky: NOW confirmed - Police Lieutenant, Homes for Brave Board President
• Brendsel: Detailed public information from professional and civic work

Key Similarities

Commitment to Service

• All four candidates seeking to serve the community
• All have some form of civic or professional commitment

Weston Investment

• All are Weston residents (though tenures vary)
• All seeking to contribute to town governance

Party Endorsement

• All endorsed by their respective parties
• All represent their party's choices for this position

Race Dynamics & Strategic Considerations

MAJOR UPDATE: Incumbent vs. Challengers Race

This is NOT four new candidates - it's an incumbent defending his seat:

The Real Race:

• John Dembishack (D): Incumbent seeking re-election (2021-2025) - 4 years track record
• Robert Kozlowsky (R): Challenger with direct law enforcement experience (Police Lieutenant, 20+ years)
• Steve Ezzes (D): Challenger with extensive OTHER board experience (BOF Chair, BOE Chair)
• Kirby Brendsel (R): Recently appointed (Dec 2024) seeking first elected term

Critical Questions This Raises:

1. Should the incumbent with 4 years experience be re-elected?
2. Does Kozlowsky's law enforcement background make him more qualified than the incumbent?
3. Do voters value proven board service (Dembishack) or professional law enforcement expertise (Kozlowsky)?
4. Does Ezzes's extensive town government experience on OTHER boards translate to police oversight?
5. Has Brendsel served effectively during his 10-month appointment?

Experience Comparison

Police Commission Experience:

• Dembishack: 4 years (2021-2025) - LONGEST
• Brendsel: 10 months (Dec 2024-present)
• Ezzes: None (extensive on BOF/BOE)
• Kozlowsky: None (but 20+ years police operations)

Law Enforcement Background:

• Kozlowsky: 20+ years as Police Lieutenant - ONLY candidate with direct experience
• Dembishack: 4 years civilian oversight
• Brendsel: Military intelligence background
• Ezzes: None

Two Democrats + Two Republicans, Four Seats

This creates perfect balance opportunity:

Scenario 1: Vote for All Four Candidates

• Result: All candidates elected, perfect partisan balance (2D + 2R)
• Expertise Mix:
  • Incumbent with 4 years experience (Dembishack)
  • Direct law enforcement (Kozlowsky)
  • Finance/policy governance (Ezzes)
  • Military/recent appointee (Brendsel)
• Pro: Bipartisan board, combines proven service (Dembishack), professional expertise (Kozlowsky), financial oversight (Ezzes), and town knowledge (Brendsel)
• Con: Four different experience profiles - no clear unified approach

Scenario 2: Vote for 3 Candidates (Mixed) Possible combinations:

• Both Democrats + Kozlowsky: Incumbent + Finance expert + Law enforcement (Dembishack + Ezzes + Kozlowsky)
• Both Republicans + Dembishack: Incumbent + Law enforcement + Recent appointee (Dembishack + Kozlowsky + Brendsel)
• Incumbent + Both Republicans: Keep incumbent, add law enforcement & appointee (Dembishack + Kozlowsky + Brendsel)
• Both Democrats + Brendsel: Incumbent + Finance expert + Appointee (Dembishack + Ezzes + Brendsel)

Scenario 3: Vote for Party Line

• Both Democrats only: Incumbent (Dembishack) + Financial oversight (Ezzes)
  • Keeps proven commissioner with 4 years experience
  • Adds BOF Chair expertise for budget oversight
• Both Republicans only: Law enforcement (Kozlowsky) + Recent appointee (Brendsel)
  • Brings direct police operations expertise
  • Keeps recent appointee with military background

Scenario 4: Vote Based on Key Qualification Priority If you prioritize PROVEN BOARD EXPERIENCE:

• Vote for Dembishack (incumbent, 4 years) first
• Consider Ezzes (8 years BOF/BOE) second
• Consider Brendsel (10 months appointed) third

If you prioritize LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERTISE:

• Vote for Kozlowsky (Police Lieutenant, 20+ years) first
• Consider Dembishack (4 years civilian oversight) second
• Consider Brendsel (military intelligence) third

If you prioritize FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT:

• Vote for Ezzes (8 years BOF Chair) first
• Consider others for complementary skills

If you prioritize PROVEN INCUMBENT:

• Vote for Dembishack (only incumbent with 4 years record)
• Add others based on complementary expertise

Party Balance Consideration

Current Board: 7 total members This Election: 4 seats available By Charter: Max 4 of 7 from one party

Implications:

• If you vote all 4 candidates (2D + 2R), you ensure balanced representation from this election
• Other board members' terms and party affiliations affect overall balance
• Your vote can significantly impact partisan composition

Experience vs. Fresh Perspective - UPDATED

Most Experienced on THIS Board:

• Dembishack: INCUMBENT - 4 years Police Commissioner (2021-2025)
• Brendsel: 10 months Police Commissioner (appointed Dec 2024)

Experienced on OTHER Boards:

• Ezzes: 8+ years BOF/BOE (Chairman roles) - NO police commission experience

Professional Experience (First-Time Candidates for THIS Board):

• Kozlowsky: 20+ years law enforcement (Police Lieutenant) - NO board experience
• Ezzes: 8+ years town governance on other boards

True Fresh Perspective (No board OR professional relevance):

• None - all candidates bring relevant experience

Information Availability - NOW SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED

Strong Information NOW AVAILABLE:

• Ezzes: Extensive public record from 8 years BOF/BOE service
• Dembishack: NOW CONFIRMED - Incumbent with 4 years board service, MPA, IT expertise, Rotary award
• Kozlowsky: NOW CONFIRMED - Police Lieutenant (20+ years), Homes for Brave Board President
• Brendsel: Detailed professional and civic information

Remaining Information Needs:

• Dembishack: Need to evaluate 4-year performance record through meeting minutes
• Kozlowsky: Need campaign platform, vision for civilian oversight, Weston community ties
• All candidates: Need policy positions and priorities for next term

Critical Questions for Voters

About John Dembishack (INCUMBENT - 2021-2025)

As the incumbent, his 4-year record can be evaluated:

1. What has he accomplished during 4 years on the board?
2. How has the police department performed under his oversight?
3. What major decisions or policies has he supported?
4. Has his technology expertise modernized police operations?
5. How has his MPA training benefited the board?
6. What is his track record on budget oversight?
7. How has he handled community relations and accountability issues?
8. Why should he be re-elected for another 4 years?
9. What are his priorities for a second term?
10. Can his 4-year performance be evaluated through meeting minutes?

About Robert Kozlowsky (Challenger - Law Enforcement)

As the only candidate with direct police experience: 11. Does his law enforcement background enhance or compromise civilian oversight? 12. Would he be too sympathetic to police department perspectives? 13. Or would his operational knowledge make him a more effective overseer? 14. How would he balance his professional law enforcement experience with civilian oversight role? 15. What is his vision for police accountability and community policing? 16. How long has he been a Weston resident and involved in the community? 17. Does his veteran services work demonstrate commitment to public service? 18. What specific improvements would his expertise bring to the board?

About Steve Ezzes (Challenger - Finance & Governance Expert)

19. Does his extensive BOF and BOE experience translate to police oversight?
20. Is financial oversight expertise valuable for police budget review?
21. Can his policy governance experience benefit police commission?
22. Is his transition from education to public safety appropriate?
23. What specific police commission priorities would he focus on?
24. Would he bring needed fiscal discipline to police budgeting?
25. Does he have understanding of law enforcement operations?

About Kirby Brendsel (Appointee - Dec 2024)

26. Has he served effectively during his 10-month appointment?
27. Should he be elected based on less than 1 year of service?
28. Does his military intelligence background benefit police oversight?
29. Is his extensive OTHER commission service (Conservation, etc.) relevant?
30. Does ESG professional focus apply to police accountability and governance?
31. What has he accomplished as commissioner since December 2024?

About Board Needs & Civilian Oversight Philosophy

32. Should incumbent commissioners be re-elected by default?
33. Or should they be evaluated on performance and potentially replaced?
34. Is direct law enforcement experience (Kozlowsky) essential or could it compromise civilian oversight?
35. Does professional police experience enhance understanding or create conflicts of interest?
36. Should board include financial expertise for budget oversight? (Ezzes)
37. Is technology/IT background valuable for modern policing? (Dembishack has this)
38. Does public administration training (MPA) matter for civilian oversight?
39. What mix of perspectives creates strongest civilian oversight?
40. Should board have operational police expertise or only civilian perspectives?

About Voting Strategy in Incumbent Race

41. Should you prioritize re-electing the incumbent (Dembishack)?
42. Or should you prioritize adding law enforcement expertise (Kozlowsky)?
43. Does partisan balance matter (voting all four: 2D + 2R)?
44. Should you vote based on proven experience (Dembishack 4 years, Ezzes 8 years)?
45. How do you weight: Board experience vs. Professional police experience vs. Financial oversight?
46. Is it better to keep proven commissioner or bring fresh law enforcement perspective?
47. Should appointments (Brendsel, less than 1 year) be automatically elected?
48. Which combination of expertise best serves public safety oversight?

Information Gaps & Critical Needs

John Dembishack (INCUMBENT) - Performance Evaluation Needed

NOW CONFIRMED: Incumbent Police Commissioner (2021-2025) Voters need:

1. 4-year performance record: What has he accomplished?
2. Meeting minutes review: His votes, positions, leadership on key issues
3. Police department outcomes: How has the department performed under his oversight?
4. Technology initiatives: Has his IT expertise modernized police operations?
5. Budget oversight: His record on police budgeting and fiscal responsibility
6. Community relations: How has he handled police accountability issues?
7. Second term vision: What are his priorities if re-elected?
8. Campaign message: Why does he deserve re-election?

Key Advantage: Unlike other candidates, Dembishack has a DOCUMENTED 4-year record that can be evaluated through meeting minutes and board actions.

Robert Kozlowsky - NOW CONFIRMED Law Enforcement Background

CONFIRMED: Shelton Police Department Lieutenant (20+ years) Voters need:

1. Weston residency details: How long has he lived in Weston?
2. Vision for civilian oversight: How would he approach overseeing police as a police professional?
3. Conflict of interest handling: Would he be too sympathetic to police department perspectives?
4. Community policing philosophy: What are his views on police accountability and community relations?
5. Specific proposals: What improvements would his expertise bring?
6. Campaign platform: Clear policy positions on police commission priorities
7. Why he's running: What motivates a career police officer to seek civilian oversight role?

Key Strength: Only candidate with direct law enforcement operations experience. Key Question: Does this enhance or compromise civilian oversight?

Where to Find Information

Candidate Forums:

• League of Women Voters typically hosts forums
• Critical for this race given information gaps

Party Contacts:

• Weston Democrats: weston-democrats.org
• Weston Republicans: westonrtc.org

Direct Outreach:

• Contact campaigns through party organizations
• Request detailed background information
• Ask specific questions about qualifications

Public Meetings:

• Attend Police Commission meetings to understand board operations
• See current commissioners (including Brendsel) in action

Understanding Police Commission Role

Core Responsibilities

1. Appoint Chief of Police: Most important decision - selecting law enforcement leader
2. Policy Setting: Establishing department priorities and operational policies
3. Budget Oversight: Reviewing and approving police department budget
4. Performance Evaluation: Assessing Chief's performance and department outcomes
5. Community Relations: Addressing resident concerns about policing
6. Accountability: Ensuring professional standards and ethical conduct

Civilian Oversight Principle

• Board members are civilians overseeing professionals
• Not required to have law enforcement background (some argue it creates conflicts)
• Bring diverse community perspectives to police governance
• Balance public safety with civil liberties and fiscal responsibility

Relevant Skills & Experience

Useful backgrounds:

• Financial oversight (budget review)
• Personnel management (Chief evaluation)
• Organizational leadership (department guidance)
• Community relations (public engagement)
• Legal understanding (policies and procedures)
• Technology knowledge (modern policing systems)
• Military/law enforcement (operational understanding, but potential conflicts)

Current Board Context

• 7 members total with staggered terms
• This election: 4 of 7 seats
• Must not exceed 4 members from one party (by charter)
• Serves under civilian oversight model

Potential Expertise Combinations

Option A: All Four (Perfect Balance)

Ezzes + Dembishack + Kozlowsky + Brendsel

• Partisan: 2D + 2R balanced representation
• Expertise: Finance + (Tech?) + (Law enforcement?) + Military/Current
• Experience: Two with extensive town service, two fresh perspectives
• Pro: Comprehensive diverse board
• Con: Some candidates have limited confirmed information

Option B: Both Experienced (Ezzes + Brendsel)

• Focus: Proven town government service
• Expertise: Finance/policy governance + Military/current commissioner
• Partisan: 1D + 1R
• Leaves: Two seats for other voters to determine
• Pro: Both have extensive public records and demonstrated commitment

Option C: Party Line Voting

Both Democrats (Ezzes + Dembishack):

• Finance expertise + possible technology background
• Extensive experience + fresh perspective

Both Republicans (Kozlowsky + Brendsel):

• Possible law enforcement + current commissioner
• Possible operational experience + military intelligence

Option D: Issue-Based Selection

Priority Financial Oversight? → Ezzes Priority Technology/Modern Policing? → Dembishack (if IT confirmed) Priority Law Enforcement Knowledge? → Kozlowsky (if police background confirmed) Priority Proven Service? → Brendsel (current commissioner) or Ezzes (BOF/BOE)

Resources

Full Candidate Profiles

• Steve Ezzes: View Profile
• John Dembishack: View Profile
• Robert Kozlowsky: View Profile
• Kirby Brendsel: View Profile

Contact Information

Steve Ezzes:

• Current: BOE Chairman
• Contact: Weston Democratic Town Committee (weston-democrats.org)

John Dembishack:

• Contact: Weston Democratic Town Committee (weston-democrats.org)

Robert Kozlowsky:

• Contact: Weston Republican Town Committee (westonrtc.org)

Kirby Brendsel:

• Current: Police Commissioner
• Professional: Flagstar Bank
• Contact: Weston Republican Town Committee (westonrtc.org)

Board of Police Commissioners

• Website: westonct.gov - Board of Police Commissioners
• Meetings: Check website for schedule
• Meeting Minutes: Available on town website
• Current Board: 7 members with staggered terms

Weston Police Department

• Chief of Police: Chief position appointed by commission
• Department Size: Check town website for current staffing
• Budget: Police budget reviewed annually by commission and BOF

Additional Resources

• League of Women Voters: Non-partisan candidate forums
• Town Budget Documents: Police department budget available at westonct.gov
• Voting Information: Town Clerk and westonct.gov

Voting Details

• Election Day: November 4, 2025
• Early Voting: October 20 - November 2, 2025
• Sample Ballot: westonct.gov and Town Clerk's office
• Absentee Ballots: Contact Town Clerk

Last Updated: October 15, 2025

MAJOR UPDATE - RACE DYNAMICS CHANGED:

Critical Discovery: This is an INCUMBENT Race

John Dembishack is NOT a new candidate - he is the INCUMBENT seeking re-election after 4 years of service (2021-2025).

Robert Kozlowsky is CONFIRMED as a Shelton Police Department Lieutenant with 20+ years of law enforcement experience.

This completely changes the race:

The Real Race Structure

1. Dembishack (D): INCUMBENT with 4-year track record + MPA + technology expertise
2. Kozlowsky (R): Challenger with direct law enforcement experience (Police Lieutenant, 20+ years)
3. Ezzes (D): Challenger with extensive OTHER board experience (BOF Chair, BOE Chair)
4. Brendsel (R): Recently appointed (Dec 2024) seeking first elected term

Key Qualifications NOW CONFIRMED

John Dembishack (INCUMBENT):

• 4 years Police Commissioner (2021-2025) - track record
• Master of Public Administration (MPA) - UConn
• "Tech-savvy technology powerhouse" - IT/engineering expertise
• Westport Rotary Public Protection Award
• ONLY candidate with demonstrable board performance record

Robert Kozlowsky (CHALLENGER):

• Shelton Police Department Lieutenant (20+ years)
• Board President, Homes for the Brave (veteran services)
• ONLY candidate with direct law enforcement experience
• Key question: Does this enhance or compromise civilian oversight?

Steve Ezzes (CHALLENGER):

• 8 years Board of Finance (Chairman)
• Current Board of Education Chairman
• Extensive town government experience on OTHER boards
• Strong financial oversight expertise

Kirby Brendsel (APPOINTEE):

• Police Commissioner since December 2024 (10 months)
• U.S. Army Major (Military Intelligence)
• 10+ years extensive commission service
• Shortest actual board tenure

Critical Questions for Voters

The Incumbent Question:

• Should Dembishack be re-elected based on 4 years of service?
• Can his performance be evaluated through meeting minutes?
• Does his track record justify a second term?

The Law Enforcement Question:

• Is Kozlowsky's police experience an asset or conflict of interest?
• Does civilian oversight work better with or without professional police expertise?
• Would his operational knowledge enhance or compromise oversight?

The Experience Question:

• Does Ezzes's extensive OTHER board experience translate to police oversight?
• Is Brendsel's 10-month appointment enough to warrant election?
• Who has the most relevant qualifications for THIS specific board?

The Balance Question:

• Voting all four (2D + 2R) provides perfect partisan balance
• But creates board with very different experience profiles:
  • Incumbent (Dembishack)
  • Law enforcement professional (Kozlowsky)
  • Financial oversight expert (Ezzes)
  • Recent appointee (Brendsel)

Voter Recommendations UPDATED

1. EVALUATE THE INCUMBENT: Review Police Commission meeting minutes from 2021-2025 to assess Dembishack's performance

2. ATTEND CANDIDATE FORUMS: Ask Kozlowsky how he would handle civilian oversight as a career police officer

3. CONSIDER QUALIFICATION HIERARCHY:

   • Board experience: Dembishack (4 years) > Brendsel (10 months) > Others (none)
   • Police expertise: Kozlowsky (20+ years Lieutenant) > Others (none)
   • Town government: Ezzes (8 years) > Brendsel (10+ years OTHER boards) > Dembishack (4 years one board) > Kozlowsky (unknown)
   • Financial oversight: Ezzes (8 years BOF Chair) > Others

4. DECIDE YOUR PRIORITY:

   • Prioritize proven board service? Vote Dembishack
   • Prioritize law enforcement expertise? Vote Kozlowsky
   • Prioritize financial oversight? Vote Ezzes
   • Prioritize town experience? Vote Ezzes or Brendsel
   • Want all perspectives? Vote all four (2D + 2R)

5. UNDERSTAND THE STAKES:

   • This is not just filling seats - it's choosing between:
     • Re-electing an incumbent vs. bringing new leadership
     • Adding professional police expertise vs. maintaining civilian-only oversight
     • Continuing current approach vs. bringing different perspectives

KEY INSIGHT: All four candidates bring relevant but DIFFERENT qualifications:

• Dembishack: Only proven board track record (4 years)
• Kozlowsky: Only direct law enforcement experience (20+ years)
• Ezzes: Strongest financial and governance expertise (8 years)
• Brendsel: Most extensive town service across multiple boards (10+ years)

Your vote should prioritize which qualification matters most for effective police oversight in Weston.