While the three contested races (Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, and the Planning and Zoning Commission) have taken all the attention and spotlight, there are several other candidates running in uncontested Wilton races.

Meet the candidates running in those unopposed spots. Each of candidates was asked to supply biographical write-ups. (They are listed here in the order in which they appear on the ballot.)

Board of Finance

(Vote for up to 3)

Richard Creeth (D):   A sitting member of the Board of Finance, Creeth is a former four-term selectman, chair of the DTC, and longtime advocate of energy efficiency who was instrumental in the formation of the Wilton Energy Commission. He is a former member of the Tri-board, comprising members of the BOS, BOE and BOF. As a member of the BOF he has devised and helped to institute financial tools that more precisely determine the effect of proposed expenditures on the mill rate.

Jeffrey Rutishauser (R):  Rutishauser and his wife, Jennifer, have lived in Wilton for 26 years and have three children, all of whom graduated from Wilton Public Schools. He has been involved in Wilton government for the past 17 years, serving on the Board of Finance and the Investment Committee for Wilton’s Pension Fund.

“I am running for re-election to the Board of Finance to continue the emphasis of controlling the Town’s operating expenses and tax increases. This will involve finding ways to deliver Town services more efficiently. A major challenge in the coming years will be handling anticipated cutbacks in State aid.”

Stewart  Koenigsberg (R):  Koenigsberg is a 27-year resident of Wilton. He and his wife, Jane, have three children, all of whom attended Wilton’s public schools.

Koenigsberg retired from General Electric as a company officer in 2015. He was most recently the president and CEO of GE Capital Markets, where he managed all capital markets activities for GE Capital worldwide. Before joining GE in 1989, he was a senior manager at Arthur Andersen & Co. Koenigsberg has served on a variety of corporate boards. He has extensive experience in financial management, financial and operational controls, regulations, and commercial and residential real estate.

Zoning Board of Appeals

(Vote for up to 2)

Thomas Gunther (D):  Gunther is an 11-year Wilton resident, active in Wilton CERT and former 10-yr ZBA chair in Westchester. He works in the technology field and is a HAM radio operator (W1TEG).

“After attending a Town Hall meeting of one of our representatives telling us to ‘get involved at the local level’ to foster positive governing, I answered the call for ZBA candidates. The DTC Platform, ‘Listen to Wilton,’ is what I stand for. I will always be respectful, open and transparent toward everyone appearing before the ZBA while executing the laws of CT and Wilton. Please support me and the entire Democratic ticket.”

Kenny Rhodes (R):  Moved to Wilton in 2005. Community activities:  baseball, soccer and football coach, Cub Scout leader, Kiwanis member and youth mission trip leader with the Congregational Church.

“I’m running for reelection to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Homes that pre-exist, or don’t conform to, current zoning regulations are prevalent throughout Wilton. Residents need a board member who can listen objectively, and make fair decisions regarding the numerous Connecticut zoning statutes that affect improving their homes.”

Zoning Board of Appeals–Alternates

(Vote for up to 2)

Jaclyn Coleman (D):  Coleman is the managing member of the Law Office of Jaclyn S. Coleman, PLLC, which was established in 2009. She represents purchasers and seller in both commercial and residential real estate transactions in New York and Connecticut.

“My 15 years experience as a real estate attorney has made me both adept at interpreting zoning regulations and aware of the importance of balancing implementation of these regulations with the unique nature of certain real property. As a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, I can use  my skill set to benefit the Town of Wilton, which has been a wonderful place for my family.

Tracy Serpa (R):  

Board of Assessment Appeals

(Vote for up to 1)

Rudy Hoefling (R):  Hoefling was born in Germany and immigrated to the US in 1969.  He has lived in Wilton since 1989, with three daughters who graduated from Wilton High School. Currently a member of Kiwanis. His business career was in electric power generation, consulting financial institutions on investments in renewable, gas and fossil projects.

“Objectives:  As a potential Board of Assessment Appeals member, I have the following objectives:  to fully understand the basis and process of assessments; give community members the opportunity to fully explain the basis for their appeal, without any bias or preconceived notion; ensure every committee decision is fair and balanced; provide appellants with written rationale for case resolution.”

Constables

(Vote for up to 5)

Bo Mitchell (D):  Mitchell was police commissioner of Wilton for 16 years, retiring in February 2001 to found 911 Consulting, which creates emergency management, crisis communication and disaster recovery plans for corporate clients, many Fortune 500 companies nationally. As police commissioner he wrote the department’s strategic plan and reorganized the department, expanding the force from 36 to 44. He has lived in Wilton since 1970.

Ernest Ricco (D):  Ricco owns Ricco Enterprises, a construction and property management firm. He chairs the Wilton Democratic Platform committee, producing the recently-adopted “Listen to Wilton” platform, and is a member of the State Platform Committee. Ricco has served on numerous state and national Democratic delegations and has represented CT Democrats at state and national conventions.

Prior to moving to Wilton in 1994, Ricco was elected to the Stratford Town Council in 1985 at the age 22. Ricco and his wife, Brenda, have six children ages 12-26, all of whom have graduated or presently attend Wilton Schools.

Ray Tobiassen (R):  

Chris Gardner (R):  Gardner has lived in Wilton since 1977 with his wife, Tina. He has served Wilton as a Republican constable since 1984. He is a founding member of Wilton CERT, and was an active member of the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps for 17 years.

“My wife and I raised two young adults who attended the Wilton Schools. I served honorably in the USAF (1965-1969). I graduated from Iona College with an MBA and I own my own business selling Automated External Defibrillators (AED). If reelected Constable I will continue my responsibilities as defined by Connecticut statute.”

Warren Serenbetz (R):