For the 2025 Wilton Municipal Elections, GOOD Morning Wilton asked all candidates to submit a 150-word bio; candidates running for the Boards of Selectmen, Finance and Education and the Planning and Zoning Commission were asked to sit for a video interview and submit an 800-word op-ed. In addition, candidates in the other races were invited to submit an op-ed if they wanted. More information is available in GMW’s Election Guidelines and Policies.
GMW Video Interview
Candidate Submitted Bio
Dr. Michelle Saglimbene is running for the Planning and Zoning Commission to help shape Wilton’s growth. A longtime resident with deep roots in town, she is committed to ensuring that Wilton’s future reflects the needs of both current and future generations.
As a graduate of Wilton High School, Michelle has witnessed the town’s evolution as a student, parent and professional. Now, she’s ready to give back by serving in a role where long-term thinking and compassionate leadership are essential.
Saglimbene holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nurse Leadership degree from Fairfield University. With experience as an emergency and critical care nurse, she exudes a blend of empathy, precision and problem-solving, qualities she brings to P&Z.
Michelle understands the balance between preserving Wilton’s character and planning for its future. If elected, she will develop strategic plans that reflect residents’ voices and honor what makes Wilton unique.
Candidate Submitted Op-Ed
Wilton Deserves a More Transparent Path Forward
by Michelle Saglimbene, Democratic Candidate for Planning and Zoning
In Wilton, we pride ourselves on being a town that plans thoughtfully, values transparency, and encourages community input. Yet lately, that balance feels off. Too often, residents feel that development decisions happen before they have had the chance to fully understand or contribute. As a result, trust in our local boards and Town Hall has diminished, and that trust is the foundation of good planning.
As a nurse and lifelong Wilton resident, I have learned that good decisions, whether in healthcare or business, start with listening. Our town boards can strengthen through collaboration and by creating earlier, more meaningful opportunities for public input. Residents should be able to clearly understand what is being proposed and how it may affect our neighborhoods, schools and environment. Growth should reflect our shared values, preserving Wilton’s character while preparing for its future.
Recent community discussions, such as those surrounding the properties on Belden Hill Rd., have underscored the importance of communication and engagement. Residents have raised thoughtful questions about rezoning, density and long-term impact, emphasizing the need for transparency and balance. Similarly, projects in Wilton Center and elsewhere have sparked dialogue about how best to align growth with affordability goals, environmental stewardship and community priorities. These examples highlight a broader need for open communication and consistent collaboration among boards, developers and residents. The 8-30g legislation, designed to promote affordable housing, reminds us how complex planning can be. Balancing state legislation with town priorities requires commitment, accountability and shared understanding — not unilateral decision-making.
Wilton residents understand that growth is both possible and necessary. What we need is a Planning and Zoning process that invites conversation early, explains proposals clearly, and earns public confidence through open dialogue. When leadership listens, people engage. And when people engage, the process becomes stronger and more representative of our shared vision.
Our community deserves a process that values residents’ voices as much as any proposal. We deserve leaders who protect Wilton’s unique identity, its open spaces, community, and sense of place, while planning responsibly with creativity and foresight for what comes next.
This is not about saying ‘no’ to progress. It is about saying ‘yes’ to transparency and the principles that keep Wilton’s future aligned with the values that have always defined it. With accountability and community collaboration, we can continue building a Wilton that grows with purpose and intention.
Vote for Michelle Saglimbene on Nov. 4!
Candidate Interview Clips
Q: Why are you the right person to serve on Wilton’s Planning and Zoning Commission?
Q: Given where the town has been, your lived experience, and your life here now, do you think the town is headed in the right direction with Planning and Zoning? What do you think about Wilton’s overall development?
Q: Nuts and bolts — what would you like to see downtown look like?
Q: When you talk about contracts, you’re referring to resolutions for the commission to approve, correct — whether regulatory or otherwise?
Q: How would you suggest the town move forward on increasing its affordable housing offerings? What ideas do you have to increase affordability in Wilton?
Q: Let’s talk about overall planning. We hear about “vibrancy” and “attracting more young people.” What should the town be doing to achieve those goals?
Q: The Housing Committee was disbanded, and its role was unofficially handed to the Capital Planning Committee. Should Planning and Zoning be leading the affordable housing planning instead?
Q: How do you increase public input and give residents a stronger voice in zoning and planning decisions?
Q: Do you think in-person meetings — which P&Z currently doesn’t hold — would help improve public input?
Q: Is there a nearby town that Wilton should look to as an example of good planning and zoning?
Q: Ridgefield has ample parking downtown. How should Wilton address parking to make its center both walkable and successful?
Q: Given the number of multifamily developments already approved, does Wilton need a different approach to development? What types of projects would you like to see the town attract?
Q: You mentioned smaller-scale multifamily housing — is that what you envision as an alternative to large apartment complexes?
Q: As a mom of young kids, if you could bring any new public amenity to Wilton, what would it be?
Q: How about businesses — what kinds would you love to see come to town?
Q: Now that the Wilton Center Master Plan is complete, what area should Planning and Zoning focus on next for an area master plan?
Q: How do you feel about building height limits and the taller buildings we’re seeing in Wilton?
Q: Give us your 30-second elevator pitch — why should voters choose you for Planning and Zoning?
