Every Tuesday until Election Day, GOOD Morning Wilton will publish endorsements received by the candidates. This information has been compiled from press releases sent by the campaigns or endorsement letters sent to GMW by public officials/organizations. These are not endorsements from GOODMorningWilton.com. To learn more about our election coverage guidelines and policies, click here.
First Selectman Lynne Vanderslice Gives Endorsement Nod to Bufano and Cole
Vanderslice: “Having worked with all four candidates, I know their temperaments, their values, and their ideas.”
To the Editor:
I strongly endorse Lori Bufano and Josh Cole for the Board of Selectmen. As First Selectman, I take the decision whether to endorse Board of Selectmen candidates very seriously. Followers of the Board know I don’t blindly make decisions based on political affiliation. Having worked with all four candidates, I know their temperaments, their values, and their ideas.
Judgment, integrity and a willingness to put the interests of the Town above all else are the most important qualities in a Selectman. Furthermore, they must be able to bring unique and needed experiences and skills. Effective Selectmen must also be willing to work collaboratively in meetings and roll up their sleeves to contribute beyond the meetings. Lori and Josh meet all these criteria.
Lori has drawn on her professional expertise in assisting the Town and the Board of Education in purchasing management and efficiencies. She is part of the DPW Director search committee and is an invaluable resource for me to talk through ideas. As a long-time career woman balancing the demands of family, including resident elderly parents, she is a unique demographic on the Board.
Josh’s extensive real world real estate experience as a commercial real estate and finance attorney will fill a current void of expertise on the Board. Growing the grand list is a priority that will benefit from having Josh’s skills and experience at hand. The Board will be addressing a number of real estate related matters, including proposed changes to conservation agreements and discussion of underutilized town-owned properties. As chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Josh has improved its organization and functioning by working as a consensus builder. As the parent of young children, Josh represents the future and a significant demographic of the community.
The State financial crisis is the single biggest risk to the Town. We need effective and respectful leaders working in a non-partisan manner to deal with this crisis. Lori and Josh are two such leaders.
Some candidates are asking you to cast only one vote to better their chances. The same request was used two years ago in an attempt to block Dave Clune’s election. I found it self-serving and contrary to the best interests of the Town then, and I do now.
For these reasons, I ask that you use both of your Board of Selectmen votes on Nov. 7, and that you cast them for Lori and Josh.
Thank you.
Lynne Vanderslice
First Selectman
Selectman Richard Dubow Endorses Two Candidates
Deborah Low: “Extraordinary and Exceptionally Qualified Candidate” for BOE
To the Editor:
Rarely do we have an opportunity to elect someone of Debbie Low’s skill, talent, and character to public office. She is an extraordinary and exceptionally qualified candidate for Board of Education, and I urge every Wilton voter–Democrat, Republican and unaffiliated—to cast his or her ballot for Debbie Low on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Having worked with Debbie over my many years on the BOE, BOF and BOS, I know she is prepared and eager to hit the ground running; to listen carefully to the concerns of others; to ask tough questions; to offer innovative and fiscally responsible solutions; and to promote best practices that will benefit each and every student in our schools. Her knowledge and experience as parent, teacher and administrator make Debbie Low the obvious choice to help lead Wilton schools into the future. Please make Debbie Low your choice for Board of Education on Election Day.
Richard J. Dubow
Member of the Wilton Board of Selectmen
Elect McFadden, Assure at Least One Democrat on BOS
To the Editor:
Deb McFadden’s broad experience, articulate voice, strong work ethic and inclusive style make her the ideal candidate for Board of Selectmen. Having worked with Deb in her previous service on the BOS, I know she will always be prepared, thoughtful and diligent in her consideration of issues. A good listener and always ready to speak her mind, Deb’s presence as the only Democrat on the Board, will help nurture a healthy and robust discussion of Wilton’s future. Please help assure there is at least one Democrat on the Board of Selectmen. Elect Deb McFadden.
Richard J. Dubow
Member of the Wilton Board of Selectmen
Selectman Lori Bufano Supports Preston and Hemmerle for BOE
Hemmerle and Preston will be Excellent School Stewards
To the Editor:
I am pleased to support Glenn Hemmerle and Andrea Preston’s candidacies for the Board of Education. Our school system is among Wilton’s greatest assets, so we need to be sure to elect individuals to the BOE who are committed to building on our tradition of excellence, while being mindful of our town’s financial situation. I have confidence that Glenn and Andrea espouse these qualities, and will be excellent stewards of our schools. And as a graduate of Wilton High School, I am well aware of Glenn’s role as the number-one Warrior Fan, as evidenced by his regular attendance at school events.
Lori Bufano
Member of the Wilton Board of Selectmen
Finance Board Member John Kalamarides Endorses Low, Jeanes and McFadden
Low and Jeanes will Serve BOE with Commitment
To the Editor:
I urge you to vote for Deborah Low and Gretchen Jeanes for Board of Education. Debbie Low, a former school superintendent and a Wilton educator as well as a long-time Wilton resident, brings skill, knowledge, and experience to the Board. Gretchen Jeanes is a parent of school age children who attend Wilton schools. She has served with me as a member of the Miller-Driscoll Building Committee and has proven to be a hard working, intelligent, and dedicated member. Both will serve with commitment.
John Kalamarides
Member of the Board of Finance
McFadden has Shown She is Right Candidate for Selectman
To the Editor:
Deb McFadden has shown that she is the right candidate to be elected as a selectman. She is committed to solving the fiscal issues that are coming in the next few years. She has proven her ability to work previously on the Board of Selectmen. She is known for her skills, her knowledge, and her willingness to work hard in a non-partisan way. Vote for Deb McFadden on Election Day.
Thanks,
John Kalamarides
Member of the Board of Finance
Former Superintendent of Schools David F. Clune Endorses Low
Low a Proven Leader
To the Editor:
I recruited Debbie Low for a leadership position in the Wilton Schools in 1987. Over the next 20 years, through her unrelenting advocacy for children, in several leadership positions, Wilton gained recognition as the top school district in Connecticut. Throughout her stellar professional career, Debbie was consistent in demonstrating the human, conceptual and technical skills that are hallmarks of successful leaders. Moreover, by engaging all constituencies she was able to achieve a delicate balance between educational priorities and fiscal prudence. Debbie was my choice 30 years ago; please join me in making her your choice for the Board of Education now.
Sincerely,
David F. Clune
Superintendent of Wilton Schools, 1982-2004
Preston Backs Shiue, Poundstone and Pagliaro
To the Editor:
As a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission, I have a deep understanding of the challenges that face Wilton as we consider ways to grow our economic base while maintaining our semi-rural feel. Who we elect to P&Z this year will determine how we address these challenges, which is why I strongly support the re-election of Peter Shiue and Sally Poundstone, and the election of Chris Pagliaro. Sally and Peter have demonstrated their strong commitment to smart growth, while Chris, a licensed architect, has long favored responsible development that protects our town character and resources.
Andrea Preston
Member of the Planning & Zoning Commission