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Halloween

happenings this weekend



To the editor:


The Wilton Chamber of Commerce and The Wilton Bank invite all families in our community to participate in the Halloween festivities this weekend. The Halloween Costume Parade starts on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. at the gazebo in Wilton Center and then takes a quick walk for children to show off their Halloween costumes. This is immediately followed by trick or treating throughout the center, with merchants generously opening their doors for families to come in and get Halloween treats. On Sunday Nov. 1, the Chamber and The Wilton Bank host our annual Halloween Hustle 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run so the whole family can work off the Halloween candy from the day before. Check in for the 5K starts at 9 a.m. at the Chamber office at 120 Old Ridgefield Road, and the gun goes off for the race at 10 a.m. The 5K course is through Wilton Center and the high school complex, ending at Merwin Meadows, where the Kids Run is held immediately after. Prizes by age group will be awarded and all kids get a medal. A big thank-you to The Wilton Bank for their continuing support for these family activities. The Halloween events are part of a series of community events sponsored by the Chamber throughout the year. Please join us for the fun both Saturday and Sunday.



Frank Spencer, CPA,

Event Chair


Vote no on changing the

liquor laws

in Wilton



To the editor:


This year there has been a drive by Mitch Ancona and Wilton for Wines. He wants to open a store and has a vested interest in the outcome -- this is not from a grassroots appeal by citizens.

New stores selling alcohol in town may bring some tax revenue, but at what price? What kind of message are we sending our children, in a town where the number one problem with our youth is teenage drinking?

Since the petition drives began, our local papers have been filled with stories and reports of parties for underage drinking, parents arrested and charged for serving minors and DUIs .

Underage drinking has been bad enough a community task force was created. Connecticut youth drink at rates 26 percent higher than their peers nationally. Underage drinking in Wilton is higher than Connecticut averages.

Some think there is no relationship between a liquor store in town and underage drinking. I disagree!

The Republican Town Committee in their platform states, "We also support town and school efforts to reverse the high incidence of underage drinking and other substance abuse."

Those who want to keep the small town feeling in Wilton and have controlled development may also not want to see this pass.

Before voting on this, consider all sides of this issue. How will this impact the nature of our town development?

How will the liquor sales in Wilton impact our underage drinking problem? What message are we sending to our youth? Could the proximity to liquor stores increase underage drinking? Will the sale of alcohol make that much difference in tax revenue? Will any increase in tax revenue be worth the potential down side?

We don't need liquor stores. Vote no to changing our liquor laws.


Deborah McFadden

Wilton


Those with TBI need their voices heard


To the editor:


I am a survivor of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from a motorcycle accident more than 20 years ago. Due to my injury, I have memory problems, speech problems, balance issues and many other things. I am disabled because of this and receive services from the state which enable me to remain in the community instead of in a nursing home, in prison or on the streets.

However, two months ago, the State of Connecticut wrongly took away those services for no reason and without notice. Fortunately, I am a strong advocate for myself and after many phone calls, including to my congressman's office, I was able to have them reinstate my services -- but not without cost to me as I went for so long without getting the services I needed. It also brought to my attention the sad state of the system as it currently exists -- it is designed to take advantage of people with disabilities. Another person with TBI in my shoes would likely not have had the ability to advocate for themselves as I did, and without services they would not have anybody else willing to do it on their behalf. This is a very disturbing situation and it shows how easy it is for states to discriminate against and take advantage of someone like me -- it's like taking candy from a baby!

There is a national organization called the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation whose Advisory Board wrote a national plan (the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan) which would help in situations such as mine. The plan calls for the development of 52 State Lead Centers of Excellence, which would, among other things, have case managers specially trained to assist children and young adults with brain injuries. If the National PABI Plan was in place, that case manager would have stepped in during my crisis and been my advocate. These people would be trained to help those who cannot help themselves. Imagine what would have happened to someone else in my same shoes who did not know to contact the people that I contacted to get my services back! They would have not gotten them reinstated and would have ended up on the streets or in prison or dead, that's what.

That's why the goal and mission of the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation is so very important. For myself, I wish on that July afternoon 21 years ago that there was a national PABI plan in place. I wish that the states and doctors and nurses, and all the cops, judges, and people whoever had the power over me had a clue about TBI. I wish that when I needed it, there were people to turn to, answers to the questions I didn't even know I had, and the resources in place for me. I wonder how different my life would be today.

For more information on the National PABI Plan, visit www.TheBrainProject.org. For more information on me, Craig Sears, visit www.google.com/profiles/craig.sears.tbi


Craig Sears,

a voice for Traumatic Brain Injury, Wilton

Hazardous waste day set for Oct. 31


To the editor:



As the chairman of the Wilton Conservation Commission, I would like to remind everyone that our annual household hazardous waste collection event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Miller-Driscoll School, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be one major change in the collection this year: Latex paint will not be accepted. In past years, we collected latex (water-based) paint because there was an economic demand for blending and re-using the paint. Since the demand has decreased over the past year, it is no longer feasible to recycle this type of paint. Latex paint is not considered "hazardous waste," according to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. If you have waste latex paint at your house, it should be dried out and discarded with your regular household trash. Kitty litter can also be added to the paint can to speed the process.

If you have any questions regarding the hazardous waste collection, please contact our office at (203) 563-0180. I look forward to seeing everyone there!



Kristen Begor

Chairman,

Wilton Conservation Commission



Gail Lavielle has

the 'right stuff' for the BOF


To the editor:


Wilton has some serious choices to make on Nov. 3; the Board of Finance manages over $100 million -- not a training ground for any candidate.

We must choose the candidate with the "right stuff." Board of Finance actions affect not only our home values, our taxes and our ability to pay for capital improvements/services, but also our quality of life.

What is the "right stuff?" Gail Lavielle has it: competence in accounting and finance and managing funds, public service experience, proven integrity and commitment to Wilton. Gail has 25 years of experience in finance, including tenure as CEO of an Interpublic Group subsidiary and as senior vice president of the world's largest water company. In the public sector, she fights tenaciously for Wilton as a member of Connecticut's Public Transportation Commission and educates university students.

I've known Gail since she moved to Wilton in 2002. She insists on fiscal responsibility and accountability. She believes all sides of an issue must be heard. She is a consensus builder who resolves issues and achieves results which address the concerns of both sides. She believes that "we are all in this together." Gail Lavielle has my vote for Board of Finance.



Miriam H. Sayegh, Esq.,

Wilton


Chris Stroup brings strong

skills to

BOF race



To the editor:



I write this letter in open support of Chris Stroup for Town of Wilton Board of Finance. Chris has a strong combination of prerequisite skills for this important financial position, including: training as a CPA, holding the role of CFO of a successful publicly traded financial services company and most recently creating a successful privately held international financial services company that employs dozens of people here in Wilton (and where Chris is CEO).

In addition to working on the traditional annual budget process for Wilton, Chris also brings a focus on long-term financial planning for the town, and supports quality education for our student population.

Chris' strong analytical skills are complemented by his solid communications skills. He is easy to work with, effective at solving problems and has a penchant for public service within the Wilton community. Chris and his family are well regarded citizens of our town. I highly endorse Chris Stroup for this important position.



Greg Jansen,

Middlebrook

Farm Road


Lavielle and

Serenbetz

for BOF


To the editor:


I am writing to urge my fellow Wiltonians to vote for Gail Lavielle and Warren Serenbetz for the Wilton Board of Finance. The ongoing recession and the collapse of the housing market have placed the Town of Wilton under great financial stress. Things will probably get worse before they get better. Now, more than ever, Wilton needs Board of Finance members who will roll up their sleeves, dig hard into proposed budgets and work constructively with their colleagues on the Board of Finance, as well as with members of the Board of Selectman and Board of Education, to bring town expenditures into line with town resources.

I know both Gail and Warren and think they would be outstanding members of the Board of Finance. Warren, of course, is well known to many Wiltonians, having lived here for 25 years, during which he has been active in many community and public organizations, most recently serving as the current chairman of the Board of Finance. In that role, he deserves a great deal of the credit for forging the consensus that resulted in the current town budget. Warren has also advocated "smart" development of the Route 7 corridor as a way to increase tax revenues in a way that is sensitive to the character of the town.

Gail's return to Wilton after an absence of several years has been marked by the boundless energy which she has devoted to public service, including serving as a commissioner of the Connecticut Public Transportation Committee, a member of the Wilton Energy Commission and a member of the Governor's Rail Station Access and Parking Task Force. As demonstrated by her long career as a senior executive in the private sector, Gail is one of those people to whom you turn when you need to get something done. Her intelligence, her drive, her understanding of finance, her ability to listen, and her sensitivity to the needs of Wilton are all needed on the Board of Finance.


Douglas B. Levene

Ryders Lane

Pforzheimer: A

balance of vision and execution



To the editor:


I unreservedly support and recommend Andy Pforzheimer for re-election to Wilton's Board of Finance. I have known Andy professionally and personally for 10 years and what I find particularily compelling is Andy's uncompromising dedication to Wilton. Andy has a 19-year history with our town, has raised his wonderful family here, and seen Wilton's changes. Andy and his family are invested in and affected by the decisions made for our town's future. I also know Andy as a civic leader and community participant, a role model to all, always giving back, both financially and with his time. It is comforting and in fact, essential, to have someone with that history and investment in our town on our Board of Finance.

Andy also is a respected local businessman who has built his restaurant group, Barcelona, to be first class. Andy's financial acumen and thoughtfulness as a businessman has led to Barcelona's success. Andy represents the entrepreneurial small businessman, the cornerstone of our American culture, building the community and creating jobs.

In a time like now with major opportunities for federal and state funding, combined with major fiscal challenges at the local and state level, Wilton will be best served by Andy Pforzheimer on the Board of Finance. Andy has the financial expertise and experience to understand the complex issues, plus the devotion, vision and compassion to communicate and implement for our town. Politics are local, and here's a chance to put partisan politics aside and vote for a very qualified candidate, Andy Pforzheimer.


Jesse Fink

Wilton


Vote for Serenbetz, Lavielle and Vanderslice for BOF


To the editor:


It is an honor for me to endorse three outstanding and exceedingly well qualified candidates for Wilton's Board of Finance.

Warren Serenbetz, currently chairman, is a seasoned and very experienced finance executive who did a great job last year leading the board to decisions that ultimately produced a very low 1.4 percent mill rate tax increase. I have known Warren for more than 30 years, working closely with him in our prior corporate lives. He is a dedicated and conscientious citizen and a strong leader, qualities we need for another challenging year. Please vote for Warren on Nov. 3.

Gail Lavielle is exceptionally well qualified for the Board of Finance, having been a successful CEO of a major corporation for many years. Her impressive educational credentials are testimony to the value she places on education and good schools. Highly intelligent and energetic, Gail will provide sound judgment and in-depth analytical skills to the board, in a collaborative manner. Gail has my vote and I urge you to support her.

Lynn Vanderslice demonstrated her finance skills repeatedly last year and helped to make difficult budget decisions. Her finance background and recent board experience strongly qualifies her for re-election.

In summary, Wilton is very fortunate to have three such highly skilled citizens willing to serve on the Board of Finance during these challenging times. I urge you to vote for Warren, Gail and Lynn, an experienced and very competent financial team.


Bill Brennan

Wilton First Selectman


Gail gets my vote


To the editor:


As a former Board of Education Chairman, I support a Board of Finance candidate who works hard to understand what "academic excellence" means at a time when it is imperative to measure the impact of every dollar we spend.

Toward this end, Gail Lavielle has used her time well as a candidate, listening carefully to every group of Wilton constituents including concerned taxpayers, education leadership, parents, seniors, students. She is sensitive to the current financial situation and respectfully understands that many people in Wilton have been hit hard by the economy.

As a Ph.D. candidate and UConn teacher, with advanced degrees in finance and humanities, Gail has spent 20 corporate years training professionals to be "good, thinking, persuasive individuals." She believes that "the best education is one that prepares you to go on learning for the rest of your life ... to ask the right questions...to understand and overcome your own biases ...to consider all sides of a situation or argument."

This philosophy will serve her well on the Board of Finance, where she will continue to listen, question, and consider all sides toward achieving "strong accountability for dollars spent" while preserving the academic excellence that prepares Wilton students for life-long learning.


Dona M. Pratt

(Formerly Dona P. Waskom)

Katydid Lane


Vote for Andy and Chris for BOF


To the editor:


In a tough economic climate, it has never been more important that Wilton have competent and committed community leaders on the Board of Finance. I think we all want Wilton to manage its tax base prudently, while allowing our town to retain its strong sense of community, its beautiful rural character, and its highly-regarded public schools.

I think it is possible to both maintain the historically-low tax increases we've enjoyed in recent years, while maintaining top-rated schools and the well-being of our neighbors - if we have innovative leadership on the Board of Finance.

Carl A. "Andy" Pforzheimer already has a strong four-year track record on the Board of Finance, where he's helped guide historically-low tax increases and high general fund balances. With a brand-new CFO and BOF members stepping down, Wilton needs the continuity and leadership Andy provides.

Chris Stroup, CEO of Wilton Re, offers the Board of Finance fresh insights, keen judgment and real expertise in financial management. Chris, an independent, has a B.S. from Wharton and an MBA from Columbia. A long-time resident of Wilton, Chris and his wife moved here in large part because of our schools, and he is committed to service on the Town's Board of Finance.


Kelly Franklin

Olmstead Hill Road


Good things will follow if we vote for Andy


To the editor:


I would like to encourage people to vote for Andy Pforzheimer for a reason unrelated to his expertise in finance. Last year, Andy spoke at Career Day at Wilton High School. He encouraged students to follow their passion and believe in themselves even if -- as it was for him -- the path of choice was off the beaten path. My son was so transformed by Andy's words that he came home from school and announced that he had decided to pursue what was, up until then, an avocation. Good things followed for my son and I believe that good things will also follow for Wilton if we vote for Andy. A leader is someone who is more than an expert. Andy is a person who will lead Wilton not only with knowledge but also with vision backed by remarkable strength of character.



Carole Southall Telyan

Wilton


Wilton needs Gail


To the editor:


I am continually impressed by the professional qualifications of the volunteers for Wilton's important managing boards. Gail Lavielle is the best qualified to help Wilton as a member of the Board of Finance, especially through these difficult financial times. Gail has an M.B.A. in finance, been a successful senior VP and CEO. Gail will insist on fiscal responsibility and accountability at all times. Gail is passionate about education as her teaching experience at UConn illustrates. As a commissioner on the Connecticut Public Transportation Commission, Gail has worked hard to keep Wilton high on the state's transportation agenda (train service, getting Wilton station open, smart development of Route 7 corridor). Wilton needs Gail Lavielle now more than ever.


Bruce Macdonald

Twin Oak Lane


Andy is the most qualified


To the editor:



Andy Pforzheimer is the most qualified candidate for the Board of Finance. I have worked for him for several years and have learned a great deal from him. He manages six restaurants in Fairfield County and has the best experience for managing our budget, and that's not just from his previous term. I have worked in those restaurants and have seen just what Andy has done to make his business so successful. Wilton should be proud that such an individual resides within the town and should put him on the board without second thought. For the past four years, we have been very fortunate in having him on the board. His re-election will help make a difference in our town.



Eric Smolen

Spicewood Lane


Vote Pforzheimer and Stroup


To the editor:


This Nov. 3, I urge Wilton's voters to cast their votes for Board of Finance candidates Andy Pforzheimer and Chris Stroup. Both have been Wilton residents for the majority of their adult lives, both run their own highly successful businesses and both have a strong commitment to our community. Neither has any reason to serve other than to give back. Both have been endorsed by a former Republican First Selectmen.

One of their competitors moved into town less than a year ago and has no apparent qualifications for the job other than political friendships. It is widely suspected that were she successful in this race, she would, within months, announce her candidacy for the state legislature. She does not know Wilton well enough for thoughtful townsfolk to wish upon her a role in the making of essentially unreviewable decisions impacting town and school services. Electing such a person to one of the most critical positions in this town would be downright foolish.

With such fine alternate choices available, now, again, is a time when Wilton's traditional party lever should not be pulled.


Paul H. Burnham,

Board of Finance member 1993-2001,

Thunder Lake Road




Hal Clark has my vote for selectman


To the Editor:


I admit it: I like and respect Hal Clark. He is the reason I became active in town government a dozen or so years ago. At that time, he was chairman of the Wilton Republicans and I was a first time candidate for the Zoning Board of Appeals, being vetted by a handful of committee members meeting in the kitchen of his beautiful home. They were a group of dedicated volunteers, under Hal's leadership, giving freely of their time and effort and asking nothing in return other than a decent town in which to live and raise their families.

Hal Clark is the epitome of what makes Wilton a great place in which to live. He is a volunteer who devotes an enormous amount of time serving on the Board of Selectmen because he believes that good government requires the participation of us all. We are indeed fortunate that Hal has agreed to volunteer his time and effort for another term on the Board of Selectmen.

When you come out to vote on Nov. 3, and I hope you do regardless of party affiliation, vote for Hal Clark. He has my vote.



L. Michael Rudolph,

Indian Hill Road




You're invited to Wilton Community Celebration


To the editor:


The Steering Committee of the 2009 Wilton Community Celebration would like to extend an invitation to everyone in town to attend our gala event at Rolling Hills Country Club on Nov. 7 honoring distinguished citizens Zelie and Andy Pforzheimer and Louise Herot. The evening is sponsored by The Wilton Bank as a benefit for the Wilton Family Y's Fund for Community Service, which provides financial assistance and outreach programs so that those in need can participate in healthy Y activities.

The celebration will feature dinner, dancing, auctions and the presentation of the Distinguished Citizen Awards, which recognize the outstanding volunteer contributions made to our community by the winners.

We urge you and your friends to join us that evening at the newly-remodeled Rolling Hills Country Club for a beautiful night to benefit a great cause. Just contact Cindy Erickson at the Y for information at 762-8384.


The Wilton Community Celebration Steering Committee,

Lelei Coyle, Ashley Gouveia, Karen Morneau, Nina Morrissey, Shelly Osterberg and Tracy Taylor


Vote Lavielle, Serenbetz for BOF


To the editor:


Wilton is very fortunate to have such an excellent group of citizens willing to volunteer their time to serve on our Board of Finance. Look at the qualifications -- Harvard, Yale, Wharton, Cornell, finance, accounting, management. With such great candidates, how do you decide? Well, with two of the three votes, the choice is easy. When evaluating the people who will provide oversight to Town finances, we need to choose those with a conservative philosophy. I have worked closely with Gail Lavielle and Warren Serenbetz over the years, and seen their commitment to prudent, careful spending. In challenging times, we need strong financial leadership, and Gail and Warren are absolutely the best choice for these roles. I haven't decided how I'm going to use my third vote, but Lavielle and Serenbetz have my first two!


Chris Dubrowski

Borglum Road


Warren and Gail will say no to increased spending


To the editor:


We need Warren Serenbetz and Gail Lavielle on the Board of Finance. We have a real choice in this year's election. Chris Stroup stated he would have supported increasing taxes to spend more money on the schools in the current town budget. While we would all like to spend more money on the schools, as well as on other vital town services, the fact is we cannot afford to at the present time. Warren and Gail know this, and will say "no" to increased spending.

Except for a brief period of time when she had to relocate because of her job, Gail has been active in town affairs since she first moved here in 2002. She understands and supports our Town Meeting form of government. Assertions by members of the Democratic Town Committee to the contrary are political tactics intended to divert attention from the real issue facing the voters: town spending. If you believe that we cannot afford to pay higher taxes, you should vote for Warren Serenbetz and Gail Lavielle for the Board of Finance.


Michael P. Kaelin

Saddle Ridge Road


Stroup has pragmatism and vision


To the editor:


Pragmatism and vision. These qualities stand out in Chris Stroup, candidate for Board of Finance. Combined with his extraordinary business acumen, Chris offers Wilton the financial leadership needed to maximize our tax dollars into the future.

Chris's professional career is notable for its single-minded focus on managing finances and risk. Beginning as a CPA, Chris was a partner at Ernst & Young, a CFO for a successful public company, CEO of Swiss RE's life division in North American, and currently Chairman and CEO of Wilton RE, a life insurance group formed in 2004 which generates nearly $1billion in revenue.

For Wilton, Chris' approach is two-fold. Develop longer range planning tools to predict, smooth, and alleviate periodic stresses of the financial cycle on the town and carefully examine spending assumptions balancing them against the needs of the community as articulated at any given time.

Chris is a 15-year Wilton resident with a history of serving our town through volunteerism. He's here for the long term. On the balance sheet of Wilton, Chris is a very strong asset. Please join me in voting for him for the Board of Finance on Nov. 3.


Carol Ball

Washington Post Drive



Support Balance, Support Stroup


To the editor:


Coming off the heels of one of the most defining elections in U.S. history, many people have been passive about this year's Board of Finance election. With just a few days left until election day, the stakes couldn't be higher.

As a graduate of Wilton High School and politically-active college student, I am proud to be casting my first vote for Chris Stroup. Among the many qualified candidates in this year's election, Stroup offers a compelling blend for the Board of Finance. He is a strong supporter of education, having voiced opposition to a "pay to play" option in favor of strong extracurricular activities -- something important to the success of our schools and our town. In addition, he presents an unparalleled financial background, offering years of high-level executive experience through his time as CEO of Wilton Re. As an unaffiliated voter, Stroup brings a non-partisan appeal to his candidacy, something the Board is sure to benefit from.

With Stroup we get the best of both worlds -- fiscal pragmatism and strong support for education -- and I hope you will join me in supporting Stroup on Nov. 3.


Thomas Dec

Pipers Hill Road


Andy and Chris will represent Wilton well


To the Editor:


Nov. 3 is Election Day. I encourage all registered voters in Wilton to go to the polls and vote.

Voting this year is particularly important. The race for Board of Finance is contested. Four candidates are running; three will be elected.

When many Wiltonians are worried about the economy, whether they can make ends meet, whether they will be able to hold on to their homes, whether they will have a job, doesn't it make sense to vote for the candidates with the most qualifications?

Carl "Andy" Pforzheimer and Chris Stroup are running on the Democratic ticket. They are skilled in finance, are long-term residents of Wilton, are parents of children in Wilton schools, and are committed to serving the four-year term if elected. The new Republican candidate for Board of Finance cannot claim all these qualifications.

Andy and Chris will seek to represent all Wiltonians as they review the town and school budgets, honor the town's AAA rating, and further a long-term plan for town finances.

Please remember to vote on Election Day, and please vote Democratic.


John Kalamarides

Chair, Wilton Democratic Town Committee


Mark Lavielle and Serenbetz on your ballot Nov. 3


To the editor,



Our country and state have been undergoing a trying economic period, and its not over. Fortunately, Wilton has remained in a solid financial position thanks to the skillful leadership of Warren Serenbetz on the board of finance.

In the upcoming election we have a choice: We can keep Wilton in safe hands by electing Warren Serenbetz and Gail Lavielle to the Board of Finance. They will work hard together with other members of the board to protect all of us by structuring a budget that provides for responsible, necessary spending on essential school and town services. While at the same time, holding the line on taxes during a time when so many of our residents cannot afford substantial increases.

Or we can elect Chris Stroup, who has consistently stated in the press that he wants to raise taxes to enable more spending. Now is not the time. Our board members need to understand Wiltonians current financial circumstances and their ability to pay. Chris Stroup doesn't seem to get it.

I will vote for Gail and Warren. They will ensure that a budget is put in place that keeps our schools, services and residents safe.



Jim Lucas

Indian Hill Road


Serenbetz has the credentials for BOF


To the editor:


When you choose a candidate for the Wilton Board of Finance, doesn't it make sense to vote for an individual who has a strong background in finance both from an educational standpoint, as well as experience from his/her chosen career?

Warren Serenbetz has those credentials. A 25 year Wilton resident, Warren has a MBA degree from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; he has over 30 years experience in finance and business management, was elected a director of a NYSE listed company and is currently president of a $100 million investment management firm. He has been a member of the Wilton Board of Finance for three years, having been elected vice chairman in 2008 and chairman in 2009. Warren will continue to fight for Wilton's fiscal well being and integrity. Why not give him your very important vote?



Betty-Jo Corridon

Washington Post Drive


Join me in voting for Bill, Hal, Susan and Warren on Nov. 3


To the editor:


Wilton is one of the most remarkable places I have ever known. Its natural beauty is breathtaking. Its people, who are deeply committed to learning and education, are articulate and thoughtful, interesting, resourceful, and community-minded. They take personal responsibility for their town, which is run in great part by volunteers who contribute their time, intellect, and energy and expect nothing in return but to be able to protect and foster the extraordinary quality of life they enjoy with their families, friends, and neighbors, and to preserve it for years to come.

Among those volunteers, First Selectman Bill Brennan, selectmen Hal Clark and Susan Bruschi, and Board of Finance member Warren Serenbetz will be on our ballot next Tuesday. I have known them all since we first moved to Wilton in 2002, and they impressed me then, as they do now, as exemplars of personal responsibility and commitment to community service. I know them well, and I trust them implicitly to manage the town that is my home with diligence, intelligence, and good judgment.

Bill, Hal, Susan, and Warren deserve our gratitude and appreciation. I urge you to join me in voting for them on Nov. 3.


Gail Lavielle

Wilton


Bill gets my vote


To the editor:


I am pleased to strongly endorse Bill Brennan for re-election. Bill is an extremely hard worker, who has led the town through troubled economic times.

Wilton is quite fortunate to have such an experienced person lead the town for another term.


Howard Chubinsky

Sharp Hill Road


Andy and Chris have my vote


To the editor:


When I served as Registrar of Voters, I was often asked why people should bother to vote in a municipal election year, when we seldom have contested races. Well, this year is different. We have a choice in the race for Board of Finance. When I cast my vote, I am going to be supporting Carl "Andy" Pforzheimer and Chris Stroup. Here's why:

I met Andy nearly twenty years ago when we served on the Democratic Town Committee together. Since then, our paths have crossed numerous times. When I was chairman of the nominating committee for the Wilton Library Association, I sought out someone who could not only preserve one of our community's most treasured resources but also bring fresh ideas to the role of a trustee. I turned to Andy Pforzheimer. He brought these same strengths to the Board of Finance, balancing the needs of longtime residents, seniors, and growing families with school-aged children -- no small feat. He deserves to be reelected.

Chris Stroup has lived in Wilton for fifteen years. He moved to Wilton for the same reason many of us did -- great school system, great sense of community, a place where people take the time to look out for their neighbors. Besides raising his family here, he contributes to Wilton's business community as CEO of a successful reinsurance company. When I first met him several years ago, I was hoping that he would consider running for local office when the time was right. That time is now. As an unaffiliated, independent candidate, he will be an important nonpartisan voice on the Board of Finance. He has my vote.


State Rep. Peggy Reeves, D-143


Partisanship and PR for BOF?


To the editor:


At the BOF candidates forum, Warren Serenbetz made a telling remark about Gail Lavielle, his fellow Republican candidate, saying "an important reason she's on the ticket" is her background in public relations.

Ms. Lavielle's PR background is noteworthy. Most recently, she's had corporate PR posts at Sears/K-Mart and at Walmart. Prior to that, she was a spokesperson and lobbyist for a multinational firm seeking to privatize water supply systems.

That Republicans think they need a PR person on the BOF is evidence of the disconnect between some board members and many Wiltonians. Ms. Lavielle's lack of bona fide financial experience was apparently not a concern for her party.

That Ms. Lavielle and Mr. Serenbetz are both on the Republican Town Committee, as is current BOF member and RTC chairman Al Alper, was obviously of little concern as well. To the contrary, as it seems that the RTC seeks partisan dominance on the BOF.

Fortunately, Wilton has better choices, with real-world financial experience and long-term commitment to Wilton: Andy Pforzheimer and Chris Stroup for the Board of Finance - no PR spin, no partisan agenda.


Mitchell Hirsch

Hurlbutt Street



Say 'thank you' to Bill


To the editor:


Your vote for Bill Brennan next Tuesday is a "thank you" for everything his visionary leadership has accomplished in his first two terms. It is a show of appreciation for the fiscal prudence that has diminished our year-over-year tax increases without sacrificing town services. It commends his achievements in creating an Energy Commission to reduce energy consumption and costs in our community, a Charter Commission to review and update our Town Charter, and a redesigned Transfer Station that allows free access to all residents. A vote for Bill is thanks for making it possible for Wiltonians to safely stroll through the heart of our Center at night and for the attractive, unifying image that the lampposts give our town. And your vote is a show of support for continuing Bill Brennan's momentum in improving a wide spectrum of town services. We are fortunate to have a leader who cares so much about Wilton. Thank you, Bill Brennan!


Dona M. Pratt

Katydid Lane


Wiltonians deserve to have their voice heard


To the editor:


If you think William Brennan is doing a great job, by all means vote for him. But if you feel otherwise, don't feel obligated to vote for him because he is running unopposed. You deserve to have your voice heard.



Maxine Tobias

Wilton


Gail will be a representative of the people


To the editor:


Who are Democrats listening to? It certainly is not the citizens of this state, or this town. I have been mortified by the news that Connecticut has been downgraded in ratings by Wall Street, costing each of us more in the long run. What has led to this horror: politicians who don't listen. Conversely, I have had two opportunities to interact with Gail Lavielle. I met her in my neighborhood and at the library. What amazed me is that she was not "selling me," but instead engaged in a dialogue that started with her asking great questions about our community, our neighborhood, our schools and our taxes. Ms. Lavielle then did the most amazing thing, she listened to what my wife and I had to say. As Wiltonians with a family of two and a third on the way, I like the idea of a representative of the "people" on the Wilton Board of Finance. We need people who are deliberate in seeking the citizens voice, so Gail Lavielle gets my vote.



John Markey

Deer Run Road

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