Wilton Officials Sworn In at Old Town Hall Ceremony [PHOTOS]

Wilton swore in its newly elected board and commission members during a community oath-taking ceremony at Old Town Hall on Thursday evening, Nov. 20. It was an event filled with calls for collaboration, civility and commitment to public service.

It was remarkable to reflect that this ceremony was taking place in a building that represents the roots of Wilton’s civic leadership. Old Town Hall was the Town’s seat of government from 1828 through the next 100 years. The setting reinforced the enduring tradition and responsibility of generational stewardship as new leaders step forward to guide the Town forward.

The event was co-hosted in bipartisan spirit by both the Wilton Republican Town Committee and Wilton Democratic Town Committee, with the committees’ chairs offering opening remarks. Both acknowledged how important it was to look toward promoting shared community priorities. 

“We know that Wiltonians are all looking for very similar goals in how we want to live with our neighbors and how we want to provide opportunities for our children,” DTC Chair Tom Dubin said.

His counterpart, RTC Chair Peter Wrampe, echoed the sentiment when he thanked the candidates for stepping forward.

“You ought to be congratulated for your commitment to Wilton, and you share one goal, one goal only — a stronger Wilton.”

After Wilton High School student Gabrielle Charhon sang a beautiful and moving rendition of the National Anthem, Rev. David Stuart, the associate minister of Wilton Congregational Church gave an invocation celebrating emphasizing unity and purpose.

“We all come with a common purpose, which is to celebrate those who have been chosen and those who have chosen themselves to serve. … They are promising to work toward a more just, caring and vibrant community, and we all are promising by our presence here to work with them in cooperation and collaboration and with civility,” Stuart said. “May our gathering remind us that our differences enrich us and our shared commitments sustain us.”

State Sen. Ceci Maher also highlighted bipartisan cooperation: “If we don’t work together, we don’t get work done. So I just hope that all of you, as you move forward into your different seats and responsibilities, that you will find working across the aisle to be… important … because what we’re all trying to do is create a better Wilton, a better Wilton for everyone.”

First Selectman Toni Boucher spoke of both challenges and opportunities ahead.

“Now that the election is over, it’s time to take off our political hat and put on your town hat. Work to achieve consensus, instead of headlines,” she said, cautioning that “provocative news can easily overshadow all that is excellent in our community. And you know, it is excellent.” 

She thanked the new officials for stepping forward to take on the work.

“There are outstanding board volunteers ready to come together when issues arise, as they inevitably do. Whenever a problem arises, Wilton has pulled together to find the answers,” Boucher said.

She stayed on the theme of working together.

“Strive to work in a collaboratively manner on all of our town boards, and consider the opinions of your fellow board members and the residents which we serve. Disagree without being disagreeable, treat one another with respect and courtesy, be a role model, in contrast to the barrage of negative national news that is disheartening to so many of us,” she said.

The evening concluded with the formal oaths of office, as Town Clerk Lori Kaback swore Wilton’s newest officials.

Board of Selectmen      

• Rich McCarty
• David Tatkow

Board of Finance    

• Eric Fanwick
• Kim Healy 
• Kari Roberts

Board of Education             

• Nicola Davis
• Pam Ely          
• Mark Shaner   

Planning and Zoning Commission

• Ken Hoffman
• Trevor Huffard
• Margit Ritz
• Michelle Saglimbene
• Jessica Rainey

Board of Assessment Appeals      

• Becca LaMantia

Zoning Board of Appeals   

• Justin Anderson
• Patty Frisch
• Greg Murphy
• Tony Iorfino
• Liz Schiff

Constables                           

• Lauren Gold
• Bo Mitchell
• Ernie Ricco
• Sara Sclafani
• Justin Tischman