Voters may not have opted to elect resident Melissa Rotini, who ran as an unaffiliated candidate, to Wilton’s Planning & Zoning Commission last November, but now, Wilton will get to benefit from her expertise in municipal government, when Rotini is sworn in as a member of the Economic Development Commission (EDC).

Rotini was one of three residents appointed to the EDC by the Board of Selectmen during Monday evening’s BOS meeting. The other two new appointees are Kim Purcell and Christian Bilella.

After last November’s election, Rotini said she knew there would be a “next step” for her with regard to volunteering in town. In an email to friends and supporters, Rotini wrote, “That time is here.”

Rotini is a municipal attorney working in the Westchester County Attorney’s Office. In a bio she submitted to GOOD Morning Wilton for our election coverage, she wrote, “I have handled lawsuits regarding environmental reviews, roadway design, and administrative cases involving stormwater and wastewater treatment systems, among many other types of matters. I’ve worked with engineers, planners, construction companies and managers, and, of course, attorneys. I’ve dealt with complex cases, high-profile cases, and politically-charged matters. It is my job to assess information, identify issues, and listen to all positions. I want to use these skills to benefit the town.”

Rotini took her first Wilton volunteer spot when she was appointed in June 2017 to fill a vacancy on P&Z. In her GMW bio she gave the reason why she wanted to volunteer:  “Simple, to help the town. I consider myself lucky to have had a wide range of work experiences and opportunities to learn varied information,” she wrote, adding that she has actively sought getting more involved locally, including as a room mom in her daughter’s kindergarten class and volunteering for PTA and other events.

In her email letting people know that she had accepted the EDC appointment, she mentioned what seems to be her approach to sitting on the commission.

“EDC is a commission tasked with taking public input and creating solutions to many issues in our town that impact not only businesses, but our residents. Many business owners come to EDC to discuss their challenges and as we work to respond to the economic hurdles identified, I believe we need to keep residents’ concerns in mind. Balance is key.”

First selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice told GMW that the three new EDC members are “outstanding” and that each brings “unique skills and experiences” to town service.

“Kim Purcell has an extensive background in marketing including digital marketing, which will be an asset in promoting the town. Christian Billela has commercial real estate management experience within Southern Fairfield County, so he will be able to provide valuable insights. Melissa Rotini brings both her land use and regulatory knowledge and her knowledge of what is happening next door in Westchester County. The EDC has done some great work and we are confident these three residents will contribute to keep that going.”