Several members of the Board of Selectmen and the public were shocked Monday night, Nov. 3, when Second Selectman Joshua Cole announced he was stepping down from the board effective Nov. 19.
“This was not an easy decision for me, but a necessary one,” Cole said, “as I’ve decided to pursue new family-related priorities. As any rational person can understand, family always comes first.”
Republican Cole, 49, was first appointed to the BOS in July 2018 to fill a vacancy created by the departure of then-member Michael Kaelin. Cole, a real estate and finance attorney, then won election in 2019 and again in 2023.
Cole’s wife Melissa-Jean Rotini currently serves as vice chair on the Planning and Zoning Commission. The couple have two daughters and moved to Wilton in 2007.
“It has been my honor and a pleasure to serve the town and my neighbors for the last seven years on the Board of Selectmen, as a second selectman for the last four years,” Cole said. “I’m very proud of all that’s been accomplished during my tenure.”
“I would like to thank our residents for their trust, their vote and their confidence in me. It has been gratifying to hear the support I’ve received from them over the years and I want them to know that this decision was not lightly made,” he said.
First Selectman Toni Boucher, who was not aware of the decision prior to Cole’s announcement at the end of Monday’s meeting, took a long moment to respond.
“That’s a hard one to follow for sure,” she said. “I would like to say from everyone at this table and the town of Wilton that you have served so well and so honorably, so ethically for many years, and have shouldered the responsibility of second selectman as well.”
“It would be a huge loss to us on this board, but the level of gratitude and appreciation we have for your service is tremendous, and so we thank you so very much,” she said, also thanking Cole’s family for sacrificing his time with them.
Selectman Ross Tartell, who was also unaware of the announcement coming, shared praise for Cole.
“I’m a little speechless,” Tartell said, noting he was choked up as he remembered hearing Cole speak about the importance of service at a public event several years ago.
“The way you spoke about your history and the dedication of service of you and your family was extraordinary,” Tartell said. “I always appreciated it. It made a big difference to me and I know how you brought that to this Board of Selectman.”
“You will be missed,” he said, citing his contributions over the past few years in particular.
Selectman Rich McCarty, who joined the BOS this fall, addressed Cole briefly on hearing this news.
“It’s very shocking,” McCarty said, “but I would say thank you for the guidance and support you’ve given me in the last three months. It’s very appreciated.”
Former First Selectwomen Lynne Vanderslice also shared some thoughts about Cole.
“It was a great pleasure to work with Josh for a number of years,” she said. “His contributions were well thought out and always fact-based. He is a true professional.”
Rick Tomasetti, chair of the P&Z, addressed the BOS during public comment, identifying Cole as a good friend and sharing words of praise.
“I want to thank him for his dedication and his service to the community,” he said. “You’re just an incredible asset. You’re thoughtful, selfless, you’re deeply committed to doing what’s right for everyone.”
Tomasetti cited the “cynicism and negativity” that has sometimes been targeted toward Cole and others through social media regarding their work as elected officials.
“I know you’ve taken the brunt, from time to time, on that,” Tomasetti said, “but through it all you’ve demonstrated a gracefulness and a patience and a professionalism. You don’t stoop to that level.”
“We need more volunteers like you,” he said. “You bring intelligence and experience and a lot of integrity to public service. You remind me of what true community leadership looks like.”