Ted Hoffstatter, a Democrat who has served on Wilton’s Board of Selectmen since 2008, will be stepping down at the next BoS meeting on Monday, Dec. 15, GOOD Morning Wilton has learned.
Hoffstatter emailed GMW late on Monday evening, Dec. 8, confirming that his pursuit of a graduate degree has presented a time conflict with his BoS duties, and that he has decided to resign.
“At this coming Monday’s meeting, I will be resigning from the Board of Selectmen. Unfortunately, in order to complete my Masters degree this year, my course schedule presents a direct conflict with our meeting schedule,” he wrote.
Hoffstatter is currently working toward a masters degree in School Counseling at Fairfield University. Hoffstatter graduated from Wilton High School in 1987.
“It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the Town of Wilton for the past seven years, and a privilege to serve with my fellow Board members. Growing up here, and watching my Mom volunteer for causes such as saving our Old Town Hall, I was able to witness first hand what a rewarding experience public service can be. Since I first stepped onto the Board, my goal has always been to listen to friends and neighbors first, and leave partisan politics far behind. I look forward to remaining involved in the future, in whatever capacity I am needed. Thank you all for the opportunity to participate. It has been quite a ride!”
According to sources, Hoffstatter has already informed first selectman Bill Brennan of his plan to step down from the BoS.
Wilton’s Democratic Town Committee (DTC) chairman Thomas Dec offered his appreciation for Hoffstatter’s work.
“We thank Ted for his service over the past seven years and his many contributions to Wilton over that time. He has been an advocate for our quality of life and always put the town’s interests above all else. We wish him all the best as he completes his masters program and have no doubt that he will contribute to our town in years to come,” Dec said.
Hoffstatter’s resignation leaves a seat to be filled on the BoS. The Wilton DTC will have to find someone to nominate as a replacement to finish Hoffstatter’s term (which is up in 2015) and then will recommend that person to the Board of Selectmen, who would vote on whether or not to confirm the DTC’s recommended nominee.
“As of right now we don’t [have a nominee]. Anyone in town interested in serving, the DTC nominating committee will be interviewing potential candidates to fill the vacancy, and we hope to fill it as soon as possible with someone who can really hit the ground running and participate in the upcoming budget process,” Dec said.
Hoffstatter is the second selectman to resign from the board this fall. Hal Clark resigned in November following the sale of his Wilton home and his move to Ridgefield. He was replaced by Michael Kaelin.