At last night’s Board of Selectmen meeting (Monday, Sept. 21), the board took a vote on filling the seat vacated when Jim Saxe resigned on Sept. 8. They considered Ken Dartley, who was nominated by the RTC to replace Saxe, and approved Dartley by a vote of 3-to-1.
Selectman Dick Dubow was the lone dissenter, casting a vote against Dartley, and explaining that while he admired Dartley and would look forward to working with him “in a constructive fashion” if the appointment was approved by a majority, he “reluctantly” would vote against Dartley, because Dartley had signed a petition organized by Sensible Wilton.
“It’s a very specific issue for me. He was forthright to tell us that he had been a signatory to the Sensible Wilton petition, and I have some really significant problems with that. It really reflects an unwillingness to accept the town’s determination of a majority vote by an issue that was fully litigated, and it’s enough of a concern to me that I’m going to vote no,” Dubow said.
Dubow’s colleague Michael Kaelin said he wanted to “dispel any negativity that might create,” by “enthusiastically” endorsing Dartley.
“Ken’s a great choice for the Bd. of Selectmen. I would like to return the favor. Ken is the one to urge me to serve on the BoS and run for the BoS, so I was only too happy to return the favor to Ken and urge him to run for the BoS. The reason is Ken represents a very important constituency in town; he represents a very important point of view in town, and we all benefit from varying points of view on this board.”
Kaelin added that Dartley has earned a spot on the BoS.
“He has done a tremendous amount for the town since he has lived here, and it ranges from Kick for Nick and collecting soccer balls in memory of the great Wilton citizen [Nick Maderas], to being one of the initiators of Stay at Home Wilton and the Wilton Commons to the other service organizations he’s involved in. He’s a terrific guy who would make a terrific addition to the board.”
Deb McFadden explained why she also supported Dartley’s appointment, although she shared Dubow’s concern.
“I think I do not know Ken as well as the other members, I’m just getting to know him. Having looked through his resume, it’s clear that he is very professional, and has contributed a lot to this community and he is a valued member of this community, and has really rolled up his sleeves. He has not just talked the talk but walked the walk, and doing community service and volunteer work.”
Her reservation touched on the Sensible Wilton issue as well.
“Like Dick I am concerned that he was not accepting of the vote we took on Miller-Driscoll. However I also respect the RTC in making a nomination and feeling that this is the candidate that they wanted to put forward. With reservations, I will vote to support Ken in joining the BoS, and will work with him and hopefully we can build a strong relationship and get to know each other better and understand each other’s view points.”
First selectman Bill Brennan said he was “pleased to support” Dartley’s appointment.
“I’ve known Ken many years, he’s been an active citizen on a broad range of activities. The most important this is that Ken has a very good executive background and he brings a dimension that was needed on the board and that he’ll continue to play an important role on the BoS.”
Kaelin, McFadden and Brennan all voted in favor of Dartley’s appointment. Following his swearing in by town clerk Lori Kaback, Dartley took his seat at the BoS table.
I attended the BOS meeting tonight to witness the discussion on the “interim CFO” and the vote to replace Mr Saxe with the RTC’s choice (Ken Dartley.)
BOS member R. Dubow was the only one to vote against Mr. Dartley citing the fact that Ken signed the Sensible Wilton petition. The implication is appalling! Does Mr Dubow genuinely believe all 1300-1800 SW petition signers are not qualified to serve the community? His “nay” vote confirms this patent dismissal of those who took the time and had the passion to vote!
Would Dubow have had Martin Luther, Patrick Henry in his sights too?! Liberal socialists are supposed to be “open minded.” But in this case, if and only if everyone agrees with him!
Mr. Dubow is a major player in tax dollar mismanagement. Try asking town hall for contracts and invoices for the 6.4 million already expensed for MD….you will get a response from the town attorney
I have know Ken Dartley for 15 years. He is a true gentleman and probably the most qualified person anyone could choose for Selectman.
D Dubow is unknown to me. But his crude and thoughtless comments about Mr. Dartley show he is more qualified to be a member of the old Soviet politburo than a representative of the democrats on our board of selectmen. As for his fellow traveler Deb McFadden, her go along comments make my choice for First Selectmen easier.