Monday, Nov. 2⎯Four candidates, two spots. Those are the hard-and-fast numbers in the race for Wilton’s Board of Selectmen. To help Wilton residents make (or finalize) a choice tomorrow, GOOD Morning Wilton posed several questions about issues facing the town. We received answers from Gil Bray, Dave Clune and Michael Kaelin. We did not receive any answers or response from Brian Lilly.
GMW: What specific areas in town are you interested in focusing on as a selectman and what specific suggestions will you make to improve those areas?
Bray: During the Bd. of Selectmen debate on Oct. 26, there was general agreement that the primary issues of concern to Wilton citizens are the ever growing tax burden and the need to maintain a strong, vibrant, high-quality educational system. As a selectman I would take a two-pronged approach: careful evaluation of each item in the BoS budget to ensure they are necessary, prudent and in the public’s interest; and engage in an aggressive review and update of the Economic Development Commission recommendations. I believe that smart economic development is a viable approach to better aligning Town expenditures with revenue. I want to reduce our tax burden while maintaining public safety and quality services by encouraging investment, expanding the Grand List and working closely with Planning and Zoning to ensure a more business-friendly climate in Wilton.
- We need to consider shared services with the BOE and regionalism with surrounding communities. Public/private partnerships are also a way to expand services to residents in a cost effective way.
- I would listen closely to the Energy Commission, which is planning to perform an energy audit of Town Hall, having successfully captured and tracked the energy use at the high school demonstrating how it is possible to bend the energy expense curve with intelligent analysis and thoughtful investment. I would also promote the Solarize Wilton Plan for residents and small businesses which is being presented to the BOS in November. Most residents are unaware that Wilton has won several Bright Ideas grants for energy conservation and renewable energy implementation.
- The BoS should also pull out the Senior Survey done several years ago for evaluation and updating. There are numerous programs relating to housing, taxes and activities which should be reviewed, coordinated and planned with a vision for the next 5-10 years.
Clune: There are three areas I would focus on as a member of the Board of Selectmen:
Economic Development: Through organizing the recent Economic Development Forum, I am more confident than ever that Wiltonians have excellent and implementable ideas to drive economic development, which is not just about bringing more businesses into town. We must also create reasons for people to visit to Wilton, to stay, and return – which will increase traffic for existing businesses and the new ones we plan to attract.
Developing a more formalized process for public-private partnerships will allow interested individuals, who can demonstrate community support, a known process to more readily move projects forward.
As a selectman, I will champion ideas and outside-the-box thinking, to help bring these great ideas to fruition.
Communications: Wilton will benefit from a comprehensive communications plan that informs residents and makes it easier to do business in Wilton. One of the easiest ways to improve transparency and accessibility in town government is with a new website that will make forms, reports, processes, calendars, meeting agendas and minutes easier to find and share. We should also use social media to push out timely information, rather than assume residents will come looking for it.
Schools & Amenities: For the tax base to grow, and property values to increase, we must provide compelling, tangible reasons to move to and stay in Wilton over neighboring towns with whom we compete. Our schools are our number-one asset and I will support them in every way possible as a selectman. There is also so much more we can do with our other existing assets: Merwin Meadows, Schenck’s Island, the Norwalk River Valley Trail and the Rte. 7 corridor, to name a few. And there are also new ideas we can consider: a splash pad/play area, seating areas, or a temporary ice skating rink – which should be situated and designed with the purpose of drawing people into Wilton Center.
Kaelin: Economic development: we need a new comprehensive, long range plan for conservation and development that will increase our commercial tax base and make Wilton an attractive place for people to both live and work. We need to take advantage of the fact we are in the middle of the most prosperous area in Connecticut with both a train line and state highways making it easy for people to get here. We need to partner with the state government to upgrade the train line, and we need to partner with our neighbors to develop a comprehensive plan to spur economic growth in the entire region from Danbury to Norwalk.
We cannot go it alone. The entire region faces significant economic challenges as the result of state tax policies. More people and businesses are leaving the state than coming into it. We need to partner with our neighbors to reverse this in our economic region. To do this we need to take advantage of our built in advantages–our proximity to New York and Stamford, terrific public schools, comfortable homes that are becoming more affordable every day, and well-educated, resourceful, and community minded citizens.
The citizen who proposed that we brand ourselves as a “green” town at the recent economic development forum is on to something, but we should not stop there. We would benefit even more if we partnered with our neighboring towns to create a “green” corridor from Norwalk to Danbury with Wilton in the center of it all. The possibilities are exciting and I am eager for us to get started.
GMW: If you were to be sitting down with Wilton’s budget book tomorrow, where would be the top three areas you’d flip to in order to start considering cuts, and why?
Clune: Before considering any cuts, I will attend the upcoming budget presentations that will be made by the individual departments and commissions. After a thorough review of each department’s budget proposals and explanations, as well as developing an understanding of how the impact of a particular cut will affect each department, I will look for ways to contain costs. One way to do this is through shared services both in town and with neighboring towns, and reducing redundancies across departments.
Kaelin: Capital projects: I would like to find a way to reduce the cost of the Miller-Driscoll building project in partnership with the Miller Driscoll Building Committee and all the various constituent groups who have expressed an interest in the project. We should consider all the possible uses for the fire station on Ridgefield Rd. before we commit to a major renovation of it; and we have to find another way to finance the renovation or rebuilding of the police station rather than bonding the entire cost of it.
Bray: The BoS budget has been well managed for some time with headcount being held in check for over five years. That does not mean there are categories in excess of the public service provided or programs that are not in keeping with market practices today. Headcount by department must also be reviewed. As we enter the budget season I will look closely at each category and evaluate each one from the bottom up. Group insurance is one area I would like to better understand and evaluate. Defined benefits is another area that may be out of step with today’s business environment. Electric and utilities, though not major expense items, should be able to be trimmed through investment recommendations from the Energy Commission mentioned above. I have gone through eight years of BoE budgets so I have a good feel for the process and what to look for.
GMW: The Economic Development Commission was formed in 2012. The prime directive it was given was to focus on creating a website, which it has done. What specific ideas do you have to encourage more economic development in Wilton.
Kaelin: As stated in my answer to Question 1, we need a new comprehensive long range plan for conservation and development.
Bray: The first step would be to enhance the information available on the Economic Development Commission website to include prioritized development properties and properties for redevelopment. We should also list the top businesses in Wilton. The BoS should consider a full time economic development director similar to the director of facilities to act as a focal point for economic development activities. This person would create the quick reaction task force, as recommended by the Commission to deal with investment opportunities as well as companies considering relocating. I would also suggest conducting market research from the retail and business (Class A) perspective. What do current retail and corporate entities find attractive about Wilton? Also we need to find out who is visiting Wilton’s retail establishments, both residents and non-residents, today and what do they think is missing in terms of retail. The BoS needs to reach a common vision on economic development based on these findings, then establish what our priorities are and our outlook for the next 5-10 years.
Clune: To assist the town in moving forward, a dedicated professional should be hired to spearhead and coordinate our economic development program. This person will work with the Board of Selectmen, the Economic Development Commission and residents to put a plan into action. The plan will proactively maintain existing businesses, target new businesses identified as a good fit for the town and help them navigate the Town’s processes, as well as sell the Wilton brand every day.
Another idea that has been discussed is the creation of a collaborative group comprised of a member of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Planner’s Office, Planning and Zoning, and the Economic Development Commission to help new and existing businesses.
GMW: Where are we not spending ENOUGH? Is there any area you see as underserved by Wilton’s budget?
Bray: I am concerned about the Social Services budget. We need to carefully evaluate the services being provided and whether they are sufficient for our town’s needs. This is one area of cooperation between the BoE social workers and the BoS social workers. Is the Town of Wilton adequately servicing the needs of our citizens who need help?
Clune: Economic development. It is important to recognize that economic development is not just about bringing more businesses into town. We must also create reasons for people to come to Wilton, to stay, and return – which will increase traffic for existing businesses and the new ones we plan to attract.
We must also ensure that prospective residents and businesses are aware of Wilton and perceive Wilton as the preferred location for their families and businesses. In May of 2014, through the hard work of volunteers, the Wilton Economic Development Commission published a report outlining various areas where community expenditures can be made with the expectation that there will be a reasonable return on investment.
Wilton has not fully embraced the series of short and long term recommendations from this report. The next Board of Selectmen should revisit that document and take a fresh look at the recommendations made. There should also be a mechanism by which residents and businesses alike can provide feedback and ideas for economic development.
Kaelin: Planning for the future, and, more specifically, planning to increase the commercial tax base and spur economic development.
GMW: If money were no object, what changes to amenities would you like to see happen in Wilton?
Clune: Money is always an object, whether it’s raising funds to start a project or future expenditures to maintain a project. But, in the spirit of answering the question, I would first hold a forum to hear residents’ great ideas, which I know there are many. Some of the areas in which I would like to see amenities improved:
- Increase the frequency and speed of train service on the Danbury Line to South Norwalk so that residents and businesses can more easily move between Wilton and the New Haven Line.
- Update the facilities at Merwin Meadows to create a full-service recreation area akin to Meade Park in New Canaan. Improve the changing rooms, bathrooms and playground, add a food stand and outdoor eating area. Provide additional recreational activities, such as Friday movie nights.
- Create a walkway/bikeway to connect Wilton Center and Cannondale.
- Create a river walk with interspersed seating areas along the Norwalk River in Wilton Center.
- Add a playground with splash pad and an outdoor ice rink (winter only) to attract people to Wilton Center.
Kaelin: Generally, I am not in favor of spending tax dollars on “amenities” unless the demand for them is so widespread that the vast majority of residents consider them “necessities.”
Bray: My focus is to bring more residents and non-residents to the town center. First I would like to remove the gazebo and replace it with a band pavilion for concerts, dance programs, speakers and small theatrical productions. I would like to see a portion of Schneck’s Island improved for a children’s play area. Ideally it would be nice to finally get an indoor ice rink in the center. This would attract hockey teams from the area, reduce the cost for the Wilton ice hockey teams and provide recreation to our residents. Such a facility would be a source of revenue and attract a large number of neighboring town residents to the center who would visit our retail shops and enjoy our restaurants. I would hope they would become repeat visitors.
GMW: Did you sign either Sensible Wilton petition and what is your position on Sensible Wilton?
Kaelin: No, I did not sign either Sensible Wilton petition, and I cannot comment on Sensible Wilton as an organization because of questions that have been raised concerning it in a lawsuit pending in the Connecticut Superior Court. However, I certainly agree with its stated goals of transparency and fiscal responsibility, and I believe that the more people involved in the political process the better the outcome.
Bray: No, I did not sign a Sensible Wilton petition. Sensible Wilton evolved with reasonable objectives by representing Wilton residents upset by the Miller-Driscoll project. Over time it has morphed into a rump group who are financially damaging the Town, abusing Town officials through frivolous FOI requests and taking up valuable time of Town officials that should be focused on Town business.
Clune: I attended the Town Meeting and voted on the Miller-Driscoll question. I did not sign Sensible Wilton’s petitions.
GMW: What is the most important quality/skill/characteristic you bring to the board table?
Bray: In terms of a single characteristic I would say objectivity complimented with curiosity and persistence. Add to that my 27 years in Wilton serving the community in various capacities. My varied life experiences both within and outside Wilton would add an experienced and a thoughtful voice to the BoS.
Clune: I am a patient listener and creative thinker which allow me to make well informed decisions. Two constants in my career have been collaboration and problem solving. I understand ethics, transparency and doing the right thing through my roles as an assistant district attorney with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and as a compliance and ethics officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. I am confident these strengths will benefit the town.
I petitioned to run for the Board of Selectmen as an unaffiliated candidate for one reason: I love Wilton and want to make a difference and hope others will continue to step forward to do the same. I ask that you support my candidacy by learning more at daveclune.org. Please vote Nov. 3.
Kaelin: An open mind. I am not doctrinaire and know that my first impression is not always accurate. I am eager to hear what everyone has to say and believe we benefit from the clash of ideas. I am capable of changing my mind based upon the arguments and evidence that are presented to me, and I am just as capable of dealing with people who are incapable of changing their minds based upon the arguments and evidence that are presented to them. I am a consensus builder, but also know how to deal with people who are unreasonable and make unrealistic or inappropriate demands.