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
Margit Ritz, a longtime television producer, devoted mother and active community volunteer, is running for Wilton’s Planning and Zoning Commission. A New Canaan native and Wilton resident since 2021, she combines forward thinking creativity with practicality in shaping our community growth.
With over 25 years producing content for Netflix, Hulu, Bravo and more, Margit knows how to deliver complex projects under pressure, on time and on budget. Since moving to Wilton, Margit’s been volunteering with STAR, the Wilton Food [Pantry] and local schools, and coaching cheer.
Margit’s deeply committed to ensuring that Wilton grows with transparency, sustainability and respect for the unique character that makes Wilton special, while ensuring that Wilton thrives for future generations.
Editor’s note: Candidates and town committees were notified of all submission deadlines well in advance. Ritz submitted a candidate op-ed after GMW’s publicized deadline. As a result, we did not accept her op-ed for publication. Ritz did participate in the Planning and Zoning Candidate Debate.
Candidate Interview Clips
Q: Why are you the right person to serve on Wilton’s Planning and Zoning Commission?
Q: Your background in television is different from the typical P&Z candidate — not architecture or law. Tell us about your background and why it’s a good fit for Planning and Zoning.
Q: What’s your assessment of where things stand under the current P&Z, and where would you like to see the town go?
Q: Are there specific ideas you have to improve communication or public input — ways to make the Plan of Conservation and Development better reflect what people want now?
Q: You referenced the perception that people don’t feel connected with P&Z. What would you do differently to improve that relationship?
Q: How do you balance transparency and community outreach with the legal and procedural requirements that protect the town from potential litigation?
Q: The current Plan of Conservation and Development dates back to 2019. Do you think it still serves Wilton well, or have priorities changed since then?
Q: Let’s talk about affordability — Wilton is around 4% affordable housing, below the 10% state threshold. Should the town require a higher percentage for new developments?
Q: Are there towns nearby that you think Wilton should look to as models for planning and zoning?
Q: How can we improve parking in Wilton Center to make it more walkable? Where would you envision municipal parking or other solutions?
Q: Do you think the town has been too focused on zoning rules and not enough on actual planning? How should that balance change?
Q: If you could bring any new public amenity to Wilton, what would it be?
Q: What kind of new business would you most like to see come to Wilton?
Q: The town has struggled with signage and wayfinding. What changes would you make to help residents and visitors find businesses more easily?
Q: Over 900 new multifamily units have been approved recently. Do you think that’s too much, or should Wilton continue growing at that pace?
Q: What’s your view on height limits for new buildings downtown — has P&Z allowed too much flexibility there?
Q: Give us your 30-second elevator pitch — why should voters choose you for Planning and Zoning?