BREAKING NEWS: Alper Resigns as RTC Chair

BREAKING NEWS:  MONDAY, SEPT. 18, 5:03 A.M.–Very early this morning, Al Alper sent an email announcing his resignation as chairman of the Wilton Republican Town Committee.

Alper, who has served in a variety of town posts as well as at the helm of the RTC for the last almost 10 years, was a visible presence, someone unafraid to share what he thinks and feels. He set much of the tone for the Republican party in Wilton during his tenure and has had a strong influence on local politics.

Alper recently threw his hat into the ring to run for selectman. The RTC nominated two other members, choosing them over their chairman as official slated candidates at their July nominating meeting. Adding to the drama, there were differing versions about what and how it happened. Speculation ensued about whether Alper would push the party to a primary, but instead he gathered signatures to become a petition candidate and is on the ballot as such for the upcoming municipal election in November.

Here’s the body of his statement:

“For nearly a decade I have had the great privilege and high honor of serving as Chair of the Wilton Republican Town Committee. During that time we have shared many victories, whether they be the contests that ushered in the transitioning of the CT Senate from Judy [Freedman] to Toni [Boucher], and House seat from Toni to Gail [Lavielle], or the challenges right here at home on nearly every major Board or Commission, Team RTC marshaled their efforts to ensure November favored us at the ballot. On the national stage our candidates enjoyed handsome victories here at home but for a few occasions as well. Their campaigns knew they had a reliable team in Wilton who would work hard and deliver local victories; and almost without exception you didn’t let them down. For these reasons, outside of Wilton other Town committees call us Free Wilton in your honor.

“Social and personal victories were not in short supply either. The Wilton RTC undertook a significant shift as we expanded our volunteerism into the community, kicking off and/or participating in events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, the Wilton Town Wide Cleanup, Toys for Tots, stocking the Food Bank, raising money for the Heat Up Fund, collection coats for the underprivileged, and the list goes on. Our good work, entitled “Our Principles in Action”, benefited thousands of Wilton families and, for many of us who participated, we found the great personal joy that only charity can bring. Your good work is what makes Wilton home, creating a place that draws others in; giving her character and compassion, making a Town into a community, a community into a village, and a village into neighborhood.

“While our successes were legion, we also weathered some trials and tribulations. Along the way we lost many good souls; friends and neighbors whose good work and friendship made us better people, and better citizens. And while they will always be missed, what made and makes their absence tolerable is the comfort we have found in one another; softening the personal tolls they take, making us stronger and more resolute as we honor their good work by working harder.

“The results speak for themselves and I could not be more proud. No amount of words can express my gratitude for the many years you have allowed me the honor of serving you as Chair as we rose, time and again, to each occasion.

“The role and responsibility of Chair is bigger than the man or woman who assumes the title. In fact, it demands they personally be obsequious to the larger Organization and Party. Their voice more a guidepost than a dictate. Their role is to let the organization work its will and crowd source its decisions, empowering each member to make a difference in his/her own way; giving voice to the larger body politic they represent. When those outcomes run counter to the Chairs belief or opinion, s/he must support it wholeheartedly, exuberantly regardless. I have spent my time as Chair with these beliefs and executed my responsibilities accordingly.

“However, decisions of the organization as of late have left me at a cross roads with a choice to make; to stay on the path of least resistance and remain as Chair, or choose the path I believe is right. A path that would add diversity of thought and an opportunity for reflection to the organization, and the public square. It is because I believe so strongly in the role, and the responsibilities of the position that I am compelled to resign, effective immediately as Chair.

“I feel it is important to lend my voice to the conversation as a member of the community and in the audience of the organization; unencumbered by the responsibilities of Chair, untethered from the demands that would otherwise have silenced me, unbound by the duties to defend decisions I cannot support.

“I wish the best of luck to [RTC vice chair] Chris [Finkelstein], [secretary] Lianne [Acosta-Rua]  and [treasurer] Carol [Lenihan], and will support them fully in any way, shape or form they need as they lead the organization. They have been good friends, close confidantes and outstanding leaders. They are extraordinary individuals, and I care deeply for them. The RTC is lucky to have them, I am honored to know and have served with them. Chris, Lianne and Carol, just ask and I am there for you.

“I also want to give a warm and personal Thank you!’ to all of the sub-committee Chairs who, by and large did the heavy lift and gave us terrific candidates, and superior elected/appointed leaders. Over the near decade the list of names is long, but I will never forget your selfless acts of leadership. You forever have my personal gratitude.

“I also want to make special mention of Don Drummond. Don is, as a very close friend of mine would say, bonfide. All of these years would have been much more difficult, if not impossible without him. And not just for me, but for the entire organization in all its renderings over the years. Don, I considered you a very good friend, an outstanding committee-member and the personification of what being a Republican means.

“I look forward to sitting in the audience and joining in the full throated conversation….Al”