Every Friday until Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 7, GOOD Morning Wilton has published Letters to the Editor that we received about the candidates and/or election-related issues. To learn more about our election coverage guidelines and policies, click here. Please note, due to an increase in the number of Letters to the Editor we have received, we increased the number of letters we published each Friday from 10 to 12. This is the last set of letters we’re running before next Tuesday.
Both Bufano and Cole are Qualified, Smart and Tough
To the Editor:
I am writing to express support for Lori Bufano and Josh Cole for Selectmen. Both are exceptionally qualified, smart and tough. Josh has spent a career untangling Gordian knots in a sophisticated commercial law practice, experience that is not for the faint of heart and will be an asset. Lori Bufano’s CV sounds similar notes: Lori is an M.B.A. who has served Wilton for years and is an accomplished professional at Yale Health with Six Sigma credentials, to say nothing of a productive tenure on the BoS. Josh and Lori have also shown, unlike others, the right temperament for BOS.
Bill Lalor
Bufano Exemplifies Honesty, Fairness and Professionalism
To the Editor:
I confidently support Lori Bufano to be re-elected for a second term to the Board of Selectmen in order for her to continue to serve the citizens of Wilton. Lori has called Wilton her home since 1973. She loves living in Wonderful Wilton and serving our community. She has proven to be an asset to our community during her years as an elected official. Lori is a current member of the Board and has distinguished herself as a forward-looking, experienced selectman. As the liaison between the Board and the Economic Development Commission (EDC), Lori has supported the EDC’s initiatives to entice new developments. Prior to being on the Board of Selectmen, Lori served 10 years as an elected member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning and Zoning Commission.
Lori exemplifies honesty, fairness and professionalism. She is an experienced, devoted, tireless public servant, and truly a gem of a person.
Linda Sweeny
Fresh Eyes and New Voice for BOE in Gretchen Jeanes
To the Editor:
Wilton Voters–I hope you will join me in voting for a candidate who will bring fresh eyes and a new voice to the BOE, and the only candidate whose own children still have the majority of their primary education ahead of them in Wilton Public Schools—Gretchen Jeanes.
Her perspective as a parent with young children in the schools is one that has been missing from the BOE for a long time. And because that perspective is unique and extraordinarily valuable, let’s add it back to the BOE.
As an active member in the community and the schools, Gretchen isn’t afraid to question the status quo and doesn’t just attend meetings and talk about things—she makes things happen.
I have seen, firsthand, Gretchen demonstrate her commitment to both our schools and fiscal responsibility while serving on the Miller-Driscoll Building Committee, where I have worked with her since early 2016. She led its Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment group that ended up providing furniture for three times as many classrooms than the original committee had earmarked, for almost $200,000 less than what was budgeted. That’s making a positive difference.
Vote for a new voice and tangible results. Vote Gretchen Jeanes!
Patti Temple
Bufano, Cole Both Have Qualities Wilton Values in its Leaders
To the Editor:
There are many reasons why the Wilton Republican Town Committee and voters from all political affiliations are enthusiastically endorsing and supporting Lori Bufano and Josh Cole to represent them on the Board of Selectmen. Yes, they bring the best mix of real-world experiences and skills from their impressive careers and years of public service and leadership on town boards. But, more importantly, they exhibit the qualities we all value most in Wilton’s leaders–good judgment, solid integrity, accountability, thoughtfulness, fairness, confidence and effectiveness. I trust they will best represent our town. Vote for Lori and Josh on November 7.
Scott Lawrence
Wilton Lucky to Have Someone of Jeanes’ Caliber and Commitment
To the Editor:
I am writing to show my enthusiastic support for Gretchen Jeanes. Wilton is lucky to have someone of her caliber and commitment to education, running for the Board of Ed. Gretchen currently serves on the Miller Driscoll Building Committee and is a William Raveis Real Estate agent. She has two children in the Cider Mill and Middlebrook schools. But her dedication to the Wilton Public Schools goes far beyond the interests of her own children.
She cares deeply about the quality of education for all students. She volunteers for both PTAs, organized 4th Grade Fun Night, is hands on with kids by helping them belay at Middlebrook’s climbing program, Project Adventure, has helped with the Cider Mill Walkathon in addition to running it multiple times.
I first met Gretchen at my child’s Walkathon. She was the organizer of it and did an outstanding job of making it run smoothly which isn’t an easy task with close to 900 students, parent volunteers and teachers. Each year she helped raise over $30,000 for the Cider Mill PTA.
She is committed to involving parents in the decisions the Board will face. Gretchen will bring her ideas, expertise and diligence to this position. Let’s bring in some new perspectives and help continue to keep Wilton Schools thriving.
Thank you,
Kelly Ongley
Jeanes’ Involvement with Schools Reflect Dedication to Children, Families
To the Editor:
As an involved parent within the Wilton Public Schools as well as a supportive community member, I care about how my children and we as parents are represented and served. Having sat through public hearings on budget and our schools, I often sat with another Wilton Public Schools parent, Gretchen Jeanes. Gretchen served as the Vice President of Fundraising for the Miller Driscoll and Cider Mill PTAs where our children attend. She helped raise over $25,000 per school repeatedly for over three years to ensure enriching programming at each school. Her involvement with the school system, the PTAs and Miller Driscoll’s building committee reflect her dedication to children and families.
Currently, as there remains only one active Wilton parent on the Board of Education, it is felt another current parent is necessary. A parent who is relatable, amenable and responsible. A parent whose children will continue for years within the Wilton Public Schools. Gretchen provides relevancy to a position needing current parent relationships with administration, other parents, and the community as a whole. She has consistently defined a future role serving on the Board of Education as that of serving the children and families of Wilton. She has been successful in effectuating change which has enabled the district to provide the best for our children and there is no doubt she would be an effective leader, advocate, and team player.
Julie Fowler
Knapp’s Experience and Common Sense Stands Out for P&Z
To the Editor:
I’m writing to support Doris Knapp and her return to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Doris’ experience and common sense stood out at last week’s Candidate Forum. Her perspective was wise, while open-minded. I applaud her suggestion about considering multi-use development in Wilton Center. As she said, if we are to “remain as we are,” and keep the character of our town, we need to grow. We’re lucky to have her on the P&Z, and she should be given the opportunity to continue the good work.
Bob Sabo
McFadden has Never Stopped Working to Make Wilton a Better Place
To the Editor:
Deborah McFadden has always served our community with determination and dedication. Two years ago, while on the Board of Selectmen, McFadden chose to run for first selectman because she was committed to the community and to providing the town with a choice in local elections. Whether in elected office or in volunteer positions, she has never stopped working to make Wilton a better place. She will work for all Wilton residents. Wilton needs Deborah McFadden’s important voice on the Board of Selectmen.
Laura Schwemm
Wilton Needs Low
To the Editor:
Wilton needs Deborah Low on the Board of Education. Her 38 years of educational experience, including here in Wilton for over 20 years as Assistant Superintendent and High School Principal, make her uniquely qualified for the position. She has dedicated her career to the needs of children. Deborah was instrumental in creating increased awareness of our children’s social and emotional needs. She also advocated for needed initiatives such as improved early literacy and math instruction and expanded support services. Deborah Low would bring exceptional and valuable perspectives to the Board.
Christine M. Tenore
Hemmerle, Jeanes and Low will Keep Integrity of Apolitical BOE
To the Editor:
Three of four candidates will be elected to the Board of Education. With school climate, fiscal responsibility and maintaining excellence at stake, I support Glenn Hemmerle, Gretchen Jeanes and Deborah Low. They’ve shown passion for and ability to serve in the best interests of our community, schools and all our children…regardless of political persuasion. They demonstrate curiosity to understand, learn from and empathize with diverse perspectives–critical skills for the BOE, as finding solutions in challenging times requires commitment to creativity and collaboration.
Current member Glenn has demonstrated insight, balanced perspective, and commitment to community, courtesy and teamwork to address tough problems.
Deborah, a seasoned educator, has dedicated her professional life to educating children in Wilton and Ridgefield. She has been innovative in managing costs and inclusive of a wide range of perspectives.
Gretchen brings professional experience finding creative solutions to daunting problems (including fiscal ones), a demonstrated record of service to our schools, and the perspective of a parent with children currently in the district.
Temperament matters. For public boards–the BOE more than most–members need thick skin, and be able to debate and discuss peacefully. You represent the entire town, not a political party. As a parent and, recently Cider Mill’s parent-at-large, I have watched many BOE meetings over the years. One of the many strengths of the current BOE–one all members have committed to publicly and demonstrate regularly–is that it’s apolitical. I want that integrity maintained. Looking forward to seeing you at the polls.
Kim Hall
McFadden is Honest, Straightforward, Tolerant and Open to Listening
To the Editor:
I have known Deborah McFadden for a number of years and worked with her on a variety of issues. I would like to say she is one of most honest and straightforward people I have ever dealt with. She is also exceptionally tolerant. She is unusually open to listening to people with opposing points of view. I strongly support her for selectman.
Dan Troph
Gunther Will Champion Best Interests of Our Town
To the Editor:
It is my privilege to introduce you to Tom Gunther, running in this election for the position of Zoning Board of Appeals. Tom’s excellent qualifications merit attention. Tom successfully served as chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Mamaroneck, NY for 10 of the 13 years he spent on that Board, prior to moving to Wilton 11 years ago. He is an MBA graduate of Pace University and completed several courses at the Pace School of Law in Real Estate Law and Land Use issues, and has worked for 27 years in the Banking Industry, some of which as a Commercial Lender. These qualifications, along with his thoughtful, conciliatory personality, make Tom Gunther the perfect person for this position.
“You want to preserve the character of Wilton, but at the same time foster sufficient development so the town thrives for generations to come,” he says. “Every case is different. I try to keep an open mind regarding the best interests of the individuals, the town and the land.”
In addition to the above, Tom Gunther is a member of Wilton’s CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) as well as an amateur radio operator.
Please elect Tom Gunther to the Zoning Board of Appeals in this election, because he will champion the best interests of our town and its future.
Sincerely,
Kathy LaVorgna