As part of GMW.com‘s coverage of the elections on Nov. 3, and of the campaigns leading up to that day, we have set out some guidelines. Candidates are invited to submit op-ed pieces before the elections. Deb McFadden is the Democratic candidate for Wilton’s first selectman.
It has been ten years since Wilton has had a contested race for first selectman. Has that been only because citizens of Wilton are satisfied with “business as usual” ⎯ determined by one political party and its leadership ⎯ or because voters have gradually come to believe that their voices are not being heard, don’t matter very much, and perhaps even worse are being ignored? Why step up, speak out, or even bother to vote?
This year you have a choice. Your vote will help determine where our community is headed and, as importantly, how we choose to get there. Yet on the surface, party platforms, both Republican and Democrat, seem more alike than not; there appears to be consensus on at least the major issues of fiscal responsibility and economic development; and nearly all of us support our senior citizens. So what is the choice? Where are the two candidates different? How will the person we elect on Nov. 3 truly make a difference?
The differences lie primarily in the contrasting style of leadership each of us brings to the office. For myself, I can tell you ahead of time that I do not have all of the answers, nor do I expect to make every decision on my own. As first selectman, I will provide leadership that listens: listens to the professionals who serve our citizens; listens to my colleagues on other boards and commissions; listens to the leaders of our business community; and listens to you and your neighbors who, like me, have chosen to live here in Wilton.
In setting priorities, I will reach out for diverse opinions and encourage dialogue among various stakeholders. In evaluating options, I will seek best practices from other towns and cities and bring them to Wilton. And in assessing results, I will encourage feedback from all of our citizens.
Although at least some of our goals may be similar, my opponent and I come to this race from very different backgrounds and with very different experiences. My husband, Jack, and I are unequivocally committed to sending our children to Wilton Public Schools. That’s why we moved here. We have worked hard to support the public schools and champion educational excellence. My volunteer experience since coming to Wilton eighteen years ago includes a range of organizations from PTA and our church, to scouts, STAR, and several local booster groups supporting band, football, basketball, and lacrosse. We love Wilton and care deeply about supporting its family values.
In my previous life before coming to Wilton, I gained a well-earned reputation in conflict resolution and consensus building among competing interest groups. My work as a trouble-shooter and problem solver in two mayoral administrations in Salt Lake City, working closely with local, state and federal agencies, has prepared me well for the challenges of leadership in municipal government
It has been said that being a first selectman is analogous to being a CEO. While there are clear differences between a top/down approach in managing a corporation and how a mayor or first selectman manages local government, in some ways they are very much the same. Being a first selectman, like a CEO, is more about leadership, establishing a comprehensive strategic vision, determining priorities among opportunities and challenges, demanding broad accountability, building relationships, engaging fellow citizens, and ensuring the long-term health of the town; it is less about accounting for each individual pencil or micromanaging each individual department in an organization.
I believe I possess the essential qualities, skills, experience and disposition required to be an effective first selectman to lead, engage, collaborate and advocate for Wilton. Those who have endorsed me and many more share that belief.
For the record, I want to thank all of those who have come forward, pledging their support and, in doing so, urging you to elect me as your next first selectman, including: U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Attorney General George Jepsen, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Ridgefield first selectman Rudy Marconi, and Weston first selectman Gayle Weinstein, along with the many local officials and volunteers who serve the citizens of Wilton every day throughout the year.
Finally Wilton has a choice; and the choice is yours.
As you consider who to elect as your first selectman, visit my website for specific details about my views on important issues, and please remember to go to the polls on Nov. 3. I ask for your vote and hope you will give me the opportunity to lead our town, together, over the next four years.