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. These are not endorsements from GMW.com.

Jim Meinhold, ex-Bd. of Finance Member, Supports Former Colleague Vanderslice

Jim Meinhold, a former Democratic member of the Board of Finance, recently endorsed Lynne Vanderslice for first selectman. In his endorsement Jim stated:

“As a member of the Board of Finance, I worked with Lynne Vanderslice from 2008 to 2014 — arguably the most financially challenging period in Wilton’s history.

“During that time, I found Lynne to be talented, intelligent and thoughtful.

“Based on her background, she was able to immediately grasp all aspects of the town’s finances. Using her expertise and ability to communicate, she quickly became the lead person to develop the BOF’s analysis and projections of the Town’s finances. An independent thinker, Lynne always listened to and considered others’ opinions before analyzing issues on their merits. A vocal supporter of Wilton’s educational system, she was still able to ask critical questions of the Board of Education with respect to their spending and cost structure.

“My experience on the BOF was that virtually all the town’s elected officials rarely, if ever, thought or reacted to town issues based on political considerations. I believe anyone who followed town government over the years would often have a hard time deciding who the Democratic or Republican members were. To put it simply, Town officials mostly agree on the town’s issues and their solutions.

“The consideration for choosing the next first selectman should be the candidate’s past management and financial experience, skill sets, ability to listen to other’s opinions and understanding of what it takes to lead. Lynne is the superior candidate in those regards.

“I urge all Wiltonians — Democrats, Republicans and Independents — to vote for the best candidate, Lynne Vanderslice.”

ABC Founder, Past President Gives Vanderslice Her Endorsement

Maureen Graham, founder, past president and long-time board member of A Better Chance of Wilton, Inc. has endorsed Lynne Vanderslice for first selectman.

“My husband and I lived in Wilton for 28 years. We were involved in the community as volunteers for much of that time.

“I met Lynne 19 years ago as we were just organizing and beginning an A Better Chance program. There were a very few of us then, Lynne being one of them, but the program has flourished over the years.

“I have vivid memories of the summer of 1996 when Lynne co-chaired the renovation of the house at Godfrey Pl. for the start of our program. Lynne, and her son, Paul, Jr., spent the summer ‘on site’ during the construction. Every morning she would set up Paul’s table filled with activities for the day so she could be on the job! If it weren’t for Lynne and Paul Jr., the house would not have been completed on time.

“That was just the beginning for Lynne. Over many years, she volunteered to do anything necessary to help the program be the success it is today. On the board for many years, she served in many capacities:  on Committees for Scholar Selection, Standards, Resident Director Search, Property Search, Capital Campaign, College Coach and Board positions; as property manager; as vice president; and as president.

“When retirement took us away from Wilton, I was confident we were leaving ABC in good hands with Lynne as president.

“Lynne will be an outstanding first selectman. She has the experience and skills, as well as the ability to pitch in and help on any level.”