Every Friday until Election Day, GOOD Morning Wilton publishes Letters to the Editor that we’ve received about the candidates and/or election-related issues. Letters are limited to 225 words and must be signed with a full name and verifiable address. GMW will publish up to 15 letters each week in the order in which they are received with a deadline of Thursday at noon; any letters received after we hit that 15-letter limit and/or deadline will be held for subsequent weeks. Election Letters to the Editor can be submitted through the “Submit a Story” link on the main menu before noon on Thursdays. Please click HERE to read our election coverage guidelines, policies and requirements about Letters before submitting one.
Elect Eric Fanwick for Smart, Data-Driven Financial Leadership
To the Editor:
Wilton’s financial future depends on leaders who combine experience, integrity and data-driven decision-making. That’s why I’m supporting Eric Fanwick for the Board of Finance.
A Wilton resident and proud parent of four Wilton High School graduates, Eric has been part of this community for decades. He understands what makes Wilton an extraordinary place to live and why sound fiscal planning is essential to maintaining its excellence and affordability.
Professionally, Eric brings deep expertise in analytics, economics and technology. He holds a degree in economics from George Washington University and a Master’s in computer science. His career has spanned leadership roles in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings, including serving as chief technology officer at FamilyTime.com, running his own consulting business, and currently serving as senior manager of data analytics at Charter Communications. There, he helps guide executives in making informed, strategic decisions for a company with over $55 billion in annual revenue.
Eric’s analytical mindset and commitment to transparency will serve Wilton well. He believes every budget decision should be rooted in data, foresight and a long-term view of what’s best for residents.
This November, vote for Eric Fanwick for the Board of Finance, a trusted, forward-thinking leader who will keep Wilton strong, stable and thriving.
Anthony A. Iorfino
Dismayed by Republicans Who Won’t Repudiate Trump Administration’s Actions
To the Editor:
I’m a Democrat who’s often voted for Republicans — more often than my Democratic friends imagine.
But that was then, this is now.
The lack of pushback by “moderate” Republicans against this mean-spirited, anti-female, anti-immigrant, autocratic administration is dismaying.
Do state and local Republicans really support….
- the dismantling of the Department of Education?
- cuts to Medicaid and ACA that leave millions without insurance or with severe cost increases?
- the firing of independent Inspectors General, appointed by both parties as a guard against corruption and waste?
- the silencing or dismissal of any federal official who issues a report not in keeping with administration “narrative”?
- the pardon of Jan. 6 rioters who sought to overturn an election and caused the death of at least one police officer?
- the lack of due process in snatching “suspected” illegals off the streets?
- the elevation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and his anti-vax colleagues to the Department of Health?
- the curtailment, near abandonment, of efforts to promote clean energy and counter climate change?
- a tax policy designed by and for billionaires?
At my most bipartisan, I can’t support candidates who sit silent as these abuses take place. On Nov. 4, a vote for any Republican at any level is a vote in support of Donald Trump. I won’t do it.
Bob Carney
Rich McCarty, David Tatkow — Their Business Experience and Acumen are Good for Bd. of Selectmen
To the Editor:
The business experience and acumen of the Democratic candidates are good for Wilton’s Board of Selectmen and I proudly support both.
Richard McCarty is running for Board of Selectmen with a deep commitment to collaborative, nonpartisan leadership. He has lived in Wilton for 30 years with his wife, Ann, raising three children. Richard is a retired corporate attorney with over four decades of experience in insurance, financial services and governance. He was a senior vice president and general counsel for the U.S. and Bermuda subsidiaries of a publicly traded company. Richard believes Wilton must address long-term challenges, including infrastructure and affordability, with transparency, integrity and a vision for the town’s future.
David Tatkow brings unique experience to the Board of Selectmen as an investment advisor to several multi-billion dollar pension funds. He has lived in Wilton for the past 11 years and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and is running firstly to provide level-headed leadership for our town during a time when our values are coming under attack from political developments nationally, and secondly to contribute to a vision of Wilton which thoughtfully evolves and grows from the current form we love into something even greater. David’s children are currently attending Cider Mill and Middlebrook Schools.
Vote for Richard and David on Nov. 4. Move Wilton forward!
Jim Kapustka
Matt Raimondi’s Leadership is Proven
To the Editor:
Serving with Matt Raimondi on the Board of Finance and other committees has given me a front-row seat to Matt the BOF Chair as well as Matt the person. Many seeking offices do so in support of an agenda. Matt, a lifelong Wilton resident, has only one agenda: to make Wilton a better, more affordable place to live. For him this isn’t politics, it is stewardship.
Boasting an impressive resume of accomplishments, Matt is smart, steady, pragmatic, well-informed and deeply invested in Wilton and its future. He invests large amounts of time doing the homework resulting in researched, thought-out solutions to complicated financial issues, resulting in clear, actionable direction.
Under his leadership, the Board of Finance has become more focused, transparent and accountable, setting a higher standard for how Wilton manages its finances. Matt has strengthened long-term planning, modernized financial analysis, and created an open dialogue between town boards which didn’t previously exist. He is earnest in his efforts to balance fiscal discipline with community priorities, doing so with compassion and empathy for town employees, residents and, as a Wilton graduate himself, especially our students.
Matt’s leadership is proven, and Wilton is better because of his hard work. I urge you to vote for Matt Raimondi. Wilton couldn’t ask for a more capable or dedicated chair.
Rich Santosky
Former Board of Finance Member, 2021-2023
Wilton Lucky to Have Kari Roberts at Board of Finance Table
To the Editor:
I write to express my strong support for Kari Roberts, who is running for Wilton’s Board of Finance this November.
Kari is a long-standing and deeply committed member of our community. She, her husband Tim, and their two children, Mikey and Jill, have grown up in our schools and community.
She has generously given her time to many causes: chairman of Children’s Day School of Wilton nursery school; manager for many Wilton and non-Wilton youth sports programs; coach of WHS freshman girls’ lacrosse team; Sunday school teacher -— demonstrating a clear commitment to our youth. She drives for the ABC House. Kari is a financial supporter of the Norwalk River Valley Trail and volunteer at the Wilton Land Trust. She co-chaired Wilton Library’s annual fundraiser, “Ladies Soirée,” for three years. Kari brings a strong financial background to the table. Spending 21 years working in finance in New York City, she developed the skills and insights necessary to make thoughtful, fiscally responsible decisions.
Kari’s known for her strong moral compass, clear principles and common-sense approach to problem-solving. I am confident she will be a thoughtful steward of Wilton’s financial resources and strong advocate for transparency and accountability.
Please join me in supporting Kari Roberts for the Board of Finance this November. Our town would be lucky to have her voice at the table.
Sincerely,
Lisa Cawley
Kari Roberts — the Kind of Leader Wilton Needs
To the Editor:
Wilton needs leaders who understand both financial stewardship and community values. That’s why I’m proud to support Kari Roberts for the Board of Finance.
Kari has lived in Wilton for 26 years, where she and her husband raised two children who attended Wilton Public Schools. A Stanford University graduate with a degree in economics, Kari spent over two decades on Wall Street, ultimately serving as a managing director at a global investment bank. Her work focused on helping families build financial stability and homeownership — experience that directly translates to Wilton’s priorities around budgeting, affordability and responsible growth.
Kari’s commitment to Wilton runs deep. She has volunteered with the Wilton Land Conservation Trust, ABC Wilton, the Wilton Library Ladies’ Soirée, and local youth programs, and serves on the board of a nonprofit supporting K–12 education in underserved communities.
If elected, Kari will bring analytical rigor, transparency and collaboration to the Board of Finance. She supports strategic partnerships with organizations like AdvanceCT to attract businesses that complement Wilton’s economy and is eager to explore initiatives like a housing authority to address affordability in line with Wilton’s Plan of Conservation and Development.
Kari Roberts is exactly the kind of experienced, thoughtful leader Wilton needs, she will plan wisely for our future.
Ceci Maher
Richard McCarty, David Tatkow will Help Wilton Face Challenges
To the Editor:
I am writing to urge my fellow Wiltonians to vote for Richard McCarty and David Tatkow for Board of Selectmen. These gentleman are committed community volunteers with many years of service to our town. They have a clear understanding of what makes Wilton great, but more importantly, what could make it better.
Our town’s leaders face some daunting challenges. Richard and David both have very strong financial management backgrounds, with deep experience in long range planning and collaborative asset and risk assessment. These are qualities our Board of Selectmen will need, if we are to properly manage the rapid growth we’re currently facing. Equally important though, is the fact that both men have proven willing and able to work cooperatively across party lines for the good of the whole community. They have each pledged to enhance transparency and accountability, and to solicit input from residents concerned about where our town is headed. As I say, these are challenging times for Wilton. I feel these two gentlemen are the best candidates to help us move forward. As a 45-year resident and volunteer, I know how hard it can be to attract top notch workers. We’re fortunate to have Richard and David make this commitment.
Kevin Craw
Democratic Slate will Fix Broken P&Z Process and Reflect Voices of All Residents
To the Editor:
For the past year, many residents have asked the same question: “What’s going on with P&Z?”
Most people don’t pay attention to the political makeup of the Planning and Zoning Commission. But did you know that it has been controlled by the Republican Party for years? With limited Democratic representation — and a consistent disregard for the concerns of Democratic members’ as well as those of many Wilton residents — the current P&Z leadership has repeatedly advanced agendas and procedures that minimize diverse input.
We don’t need to revisit in full detail how the enormous structure now overshadowing the library came to be, but it’s clear it didn’t have to happen this way. The result reflects a series of well-documented missteps by the commission’s chair and vice chair — decisions made with the backing of Republican party leadership. Now, we’re seeing similar issues with the recently approved Old Ridgefield Rd. mixed-use project, built on a floodplain without sufficient parking.
It’s time to correct this. Wilton needs a P&Z Commission that prioritizes transparency, public involvement, and thoughtful, community-based development that preserves Wilton’s character.
The Democratic slate shares that vision: to fix a broken process and ensure planning decisions reflect the voices of all residents.
Learn more about the Democratic candidates online, and join me in voting for Ken Hoffman, Trevor Huffard, Dr. Michelle Saglimbene, Margit Ritz and Jessica Rainey.
Carol Ball
Ken Hoffman will Bring Practical Vision with Experience on P&Z
To the Editor:
Wilton needs leaders on the Planning and Zoning Commission who combine practical vision with extensive experience. This is why I am supporting Ken Hoffman.
Ken has called Wilton home since 2000, when he and his wife Kerry chose the town for its schools, open spaces and strong sense of community. A proud father of five Wilton Public Schools graduates, Ken understands what makes the town special and how thoughtful planning can help preserve it.
Professionally, Ken brings over 30 years of experience in financial consulting and investment strategy. As President of Optima Group, Inc., he advises leading global firms on growth and organizational planning. He currently serves on Wilton’s Planning and Zoning Commission and the Wilton Pension Investment Committee. He has also volunteered in youth sports and local nonprofits.
Ken’s leadership on P & Z has been marked by balance, transparency and a commitment to community input. He believes Wilton’s growth should be guided by data, collaboration and respect for the character of the town.
As Wilton faces major decisions about housing, development and infrastructure, Ken’s steady informed approach will be critical. He is exactly the kind of experienced community minded leader we need to keep Wilton strong.
Please join me in voting to re-elect Ken Hoffman to the P & Z Commission.
Tim Malburg
Support Bo Mitchell to Continue Safeguarding Our Town
To the Editor:
I am writing in extremely strong support of Bo Mitchell‘s candidacy for Constable. At a time when public safety, resilience and preparedness are more important than ever, our community has been kept safe with his unmatched dedication, experience and service for over four decades.
A Wilton resident for 55 years, he served as a police commissioner for 16 years before being elected as a constable, a position he has held since 2001. An early member of Wilton CERT, he also established 911 Consulting, providing emergency and crisis preparedness for major corporations and universities nationwide. He holds 23 professional certifications in homeland security, emergency management, business continuity, crisis communication, intelligence and threat analysis, hazard control and disaster recovery. Simply put, no one brings a deeper knowledge of safety, security and crisis response.
Running because he believes that Wilton’s safety is a fundamental responsibility, his deep record shows that he has always put our community first. His work speaks for itself, and I am proud to support him.
I urge my friends and neighbors to join me in voting for Bo Mitchell for Constable. His decades of leadership and lifelong commitment to Wilton make him the clear choice to continue safeguarding our town.
Barli Nugent
After Bd. of Finance Debate, Kari Roberts is Clear Choice
To the Editor:
As a strong advocate for civic engagement, I believe it’s crucial that we vote in our local elections — especially when we have candidates like Kari Roberts running for the Board of Finance.
For those who attended the recent BOF debate, it was clear that Kari brings both the professional expertise and the collaborative mindset that Wilton needs. Her thoughtful responses and deep understanding of the town’s finances stood out, and her closing statement — that she wants Wilton to be a vibrant town with less debt — truly resonated with me as a taxpayer.
Just because we have the ability to take on more debt doesn’t mean it’s the responsible choice. Kari emphasizes fiscal responsibility, transparency and collaboration — values that are essential to making sustainable progress without overburdening residents.
We are fortunate to have someone as qualified and committed as Kari Roberts stepping up to serve. I encourage my fellow residents to learn more about her and consider the steady, thoughtful leadership she offers.
Suma Iyer