For the 2025 Wilton Municipal Elections, GOOD Morning Wilton asked all candidates to submit a 150-word bio; candidates running for the Boards of Selectmen, Finance and Education and the Planning and Zoning Commission were asked to sit for a video interview and submit an 800-word op-ed. In addition, candidates in the other races were invited to submit an op-ed if they wanted. More information is available in GMW’s Election Guidelines and Policies.
GMW Video Interview
Candidate Submitted Bio
A Wilton resident for over a decade, Andy brings over 25 years of financial and strategic leadership to his candidacy. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and strategic advisor, Andy has decades of experience guiding organizations through complex regulatory, compliance, and growth challenges. He brings a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to governance, informed by deep expertise in financial analysis, risk management and infrastructure planning. Andy is running for the Board of Selectmen to help revitalize town amenities, support balanced residential development — including affordable housing — and foster transparent collaborative leadership. He believes Wilton’s success depends on responsible budgeting, smart infrastructure investments and governance that prioritizes both accountability and community character. With a track record of civic engagement and a pragmatic mindset, he is ready to serve with integrity and will bring fiscal discipline, transparency and strategic thinking to the Board of Selectmen.
Candidate Submitted Op-Ed
Wilton Deserves Better: A Call for Accountability, Transparency and Community-Driven Leadership
by Andy Warren, Republican candidate for Board of Selectmen
Wilton is a town full of promise — rich in history, strong in community and blessed with natural beauty and engaged citizens. But promise alone isn’t enough. To preserve what makes Wilton special and prepare for the challenges ahead, we need leadership that’s disciplined, transparent and focused on results. That’s why I’m running for the Board of Selectmen.
As a CPA, I’ve spent my career managing complex budgets, building systems that work, and asking the hard questions that lead to better decisions. I’m not a politician — I’m a problem-solver. And I believe Wilton needs more of that right now.
Strengthening Town Hall: Structure, Accountability and Transparency
Wilton’s Town Hall should be a model of clarity, efficiency and public trust — but right now, it’s falling short. Too many roles lack clearly defined responsibilities and reporting lines, and that ambiguity has led to confusion, missed opportunities and a lack of accountability.
We need to modernize how our town government functions. That starts with creating a clear, public-facing organizational chart that outlines who does what, who reports to whom, and how decisions are made.
Our auditors have flagged material internal control deficiencies for multiple years, and those issues must be addressed. I will advocate for stronger oversight, regular performance reviews, and a culture of transparency where communication flows freely between departments. These aren’t just administrative upgrades — they’re essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly.
Affordable Housing: Local Control, Thoughtful Planning
Affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues facing Wilton — and one of the most complex. We must meet state requirements, but we must do so in a way that preserves our town’s character, protects our infrastructure, and reflects the values of our community.
Maintaining local control over zoning decisions is critical. Outside developers and state mandates should not dictate the future of Wilton. We need to take control of the conversation, plan proactively, and ensure that any housing solutions are designed with input from residents, alignment with our long-term vision, and respect for our environmental and educational resources.
Affordable housing isn’t just a legal issue — it’s a moral one. But we must do it right. That means understanding the impact on schools, traffic, water and emergency services — and making sure our decisions are guided by data, not pressure.
Youth Sports, Community Spaces, and a Healthier Wilton
Our playing fields are more than recreational spaces — they’re where kids learn teamwork, resilience and leadership. They’re where families gather, friendships form and community grows. Yet too often, maintenance and planning for these spaces are treated as afterthoughts.
We must ensure that our fields are safe, well-maintained, and accessible to all. That means investing in long-term infrastructure, listening to coaches and parents, and making youth sports a priority — not just a line item.
But our commitment to recreation shouldn’t stop at youth sports. We also need to revitalize Merwin Meadows — a cherished but underutilized gem in our town. With thoughtful investment, it can once again become a vibrant hub for families, nature lovers, and community events.
And let’s not forget our four-legged residents. A dedicated dog park would provide a safe, welcoming space for dogs and their owners to socialize, exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a small investment with a big community payoff — one that reflects Wilton’s values of inclusion, wellness and connection.
By prioritizing our parks, fields and public spaces, we’re not just maintaining property — we’re investing in the quality of life that makes Wilton such a special place to call home.
Ambler Farm: Preserving a Town Treasure with Fiscal Responsibility
Ambler Farm is one of Wilton’s most cherished assets — a place where history, education, agriculture and community come together. Its programming enriches lives, its beauty draws families, and its legacy connects us to the roots of our town. Preserving Ambler Farm isn’t just a nice idea — it’s a responsibility we all share.
But stewardship also requires fiscal discipline. As we consider the proposed lease with Friends of Ambler Farm (FOAF), we must ensure that the town’s financial obligations are clearly defined, reasonable and aligned with our long-term budget. The lease must reflect a partnership — one where the town supports the farm’s mission, but also expects transparency, accountability and shared responsibility.
Preserving Ambler Farm and remaining fiscally responsible are not opposing goals — they’re complementary ones. With thoughtful planning and open dialogue, we can protect this town treasure while safeguarding taxpayer resources.
A Vision for Wilton
I’m committed to bringing clarity, integrity and non-partisan problem-solving to the Board of Selectmen.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about competence, community and commitment. I’m running because I know how to ask the hard questions, listen to all sides and make decisions that move Wilton forward.
Candidate Interview Clips
Q: What do you bring to the table to help make the Board of Selectmen better?
Q: Let’s talk about the finance issues this past year in Town Hall — what do you think about how they were handled, and what would you do to improve things?
Q: When the First Selectwoman presented a budget with an 11–12% increase and told the Board of Selectmen to fix it because she couldn’t meet guidance — how would you respond to that situation? In past administrations, the First Selectman would bring a finished budget to the Board of Selectmen. In this case, the board was asked to help cut it down. What do you see as your role — to actively solve the budget issues, or to oversee the process and hold the First Selectman accountable?
Q: We don’t have a CFO or a controller right now. Should the Board of Selectmen step in more directly instead of waiting for the First Selectman to handle it?
Q: The town is hiring a new town administrator while also seeking a CFO — two high-paying roles plus the First Selectman. Do we really need all three positions?
Q: What’s your view of the town’s financial state — including the $150 million in projected capital needs?
Q: There’s been talk of $2.6 million in unpaid taxes. What do you think about the idea of a tax sale to recover those funds?
Q: What should the town do with Gilbert & Bennett and other historic properties — preserve, sell, or redevelop them?
Q: The Board of Selectmen handed the affordable housing discussion to the Capital Planning Committee. Do you think that was appropriate, and how do you view that committee’s work?
Q: If you’re on the Board of Selectmen, would you be the kind of member who pushes to get issues like housing added to the agenda and discussed more proactively?
Q: What’s your vision for economic development in Wilton — and what can be done to revitalize Town Center?
Q: Let’s talk about the Ambler Farm lease. What’s your view of how that situation was handled, and what would you do to make it better?
Q: There’s over $1 million bonded for road restoration that hasn’t been spent, and DPW requested another $700,000. Plus issues with police HQ and Middlebrook. How should the Board of Selectmen address these management and finance concerns?
Q: Did Rich McCarty get an unfair advantage by being appointed to the Board of Selectmen before the election?
Q: You’ve talked about transparency — where is the problem in Town Hall?
Q: How can you increase resident engagement and voter turnout — and get more people involved in town meetings and local elections?
Q: Finally, give us your 30-second elevator pitch — why should voters choose you for the Board of Selectmen?