Sponsored by the

Wilton Democratic Town Committee

Meet the Candidates Night

Overview12 STRONG CANDIDATES - The WDTC is proud to

endorse twelve civic-minded Wilton residents for

positions on the Town’s governing bodies. Each

has served the community with integrity and

dedication, making Wilton better because of

his/her efforts. 

SELECTMEN

• Richard Francis Creeth

• Ted Hoffstatter

BOARD OF FINANCE

• Carl A. "Andy"

Pforzheimer

• Chris Stroup

John KalamaridesChair, WDTC

BOARD OF EDUCATION

• Karen A. Birck

• Barbara Brink Myers

PLANNING & ZONING

• Alice L. Ayers

• Douglas I. Bayer

ZONING BOARD OF

APPEALS

• John B. Gardiner

CONSTABLE

• Deborah A. McFadden

• Richard Boyle Mitchell

• Arthur Shulman

PlatformLISTEN TO WILTON - Each of the candidates has embraced the WDTC 2009-

2011 “Listen to Wilton” Platform, available online at www.wiltondems.org

PLATFORM HIGHLIGHTS

• Achieve cost savings and financial

efficiency by eliminating redundant

costs and pursuing regional

initiatives.

• Maintain affordable town agencies in

order to minimize changes in taxes

and mill rate.

• Ensure that the Plan of Conservation

and Development reflects issues of

critical importance to Wilton

residents while preserving the

Town’s rural character.

• Create new zoning regulations

along the widened Route 7 corridor

which will increase the commercial

tax base ... while keeping the exterior

rural aesthetics.

• Continue to support the town library,

social services, youth services, and

senior services to fulfill their

mandate in meeting the changing

needs of townspeople.

• Prepare our young people for 21st

century life and preserve class size

within the Wilton Board of Education

guidelines.

Board of SelectmenPOSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - Wilton’s official

legislative and administrative body is the Board of

Selectmen. The Selectmen are responsible for all

Town government activities (except school

operations), including policy making,

administration management and budget

accountability.

• The 2 Democrats up for re-election, Richard F.

Creeth and Ted Hoffstatter, have both served

prior terms in this role.

• Richard is an IT executive in the financial

industry.

• Ted is a Wilton native and graduate of Wilton

High School. He is a Certified Connecticut

Social Studies teacher and actor.

Richard F. Creeth

Ted Hofstatter

Board of FinancePOSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - The Board of Finance’s primary function

is to recommend a budget and a mill rate to the Annual Town

Meeting.• Incumbent Carl A. “Andy” Pforzheimer, a

restaurant group owner, offers a deep understanding

of how the Town operates and an open mind toward

the needs of the many groups that comprise Wilton.

Running for a 2nd term, he is proud that during his

tenure, Wilton has had the lowest tax increase in 20

years.

• Chris Stroup, is not affiliated with either political

party, but is running for election on the Democratic

ticket. Chris brings sophisticated accounting and

finance experience in the areas of effective risk and

capital management as the Chairman and CEO of

Wilton Re  and Senior Advisor of Stone Point Capital.

Carl A. “Andy” Pforzheimer

Chris Stroup

Board of EducationPOSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - The Board of Education oversees the

delivery of educational programs, curriculum and services to Wilton

children and hires a Superintendent of Schools. It prepares and

recommends an annual school budget to the Board of Finance and to

the Town Meeting.

Barbara Myers

• Karen A. Birck, who currently chairs the Board

of Education, is running for a 2nd term. Karen, a

Wilton resident for 18 years, has been a member of

the Board of Education since 2004. She is co-Chair

of the Wilton High School Building Renovation

Committee.

• Incumbent Barbara Brink Myers is a 7-year

resident of Wilton, President of A Better Chance of

Wilton from 2006-2009, a consensus-maker on the

Board of Education, and a strong advocate for

youth.

Karen A. Birck

Planning and Zoning Commission

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - The Planning and Zoning Commission is

responsible for a general plan for the town and appropriate zoning

to achieve that plan.

• There are 2 Democrats up for re-election:

• Alice L. Ayers has been a member of Planning &

Zoning Commission since 1999. Starting in 1964, she

has dedicated service to the town of Wilton on the Parks

and Recreation Commission, the Conservation

Commission, the Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen,

and Charter Commission.

• Doug Bayer, a 12-year Wilton resident, is an attorney

with the local Firm Bayer & Black, P.C., where he

specializes in real estate law. He has been a Member of

the Planning & Zoning Commission since 2005.

Alice Ayers

Doug Bayer

Zoning Board of Appeals

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - The Zoning Board of Appeals considers

requests for variances of the Town’s Zoning Regulations (i.e. setback

issues for additions, decks, garages, etc.).

• Democrat John B. Gardiner is running for re-

election to a 2nd term on the Zoning Board of

Appeals.

• John is an 18-year Wilton resident with

outstanding history of public service to the town.

He is an attorney / investment manager with

prior experience on city zoning boards in Colorado

and Indiana.

John B. Gardiner

Constables

• The 3 Democrats up for re-election, Art

Shulman, Deborah McFadden, and “Bo”

Mitchell, have all served prior terms in this

role.

• Art, Deb, and Bo are all successful business

executives with a strong civic ethic.

Art Shulman

Deborah McFadden

“Bo“ Mitchell

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - Constables have the

power to deliver legal papers, and can serve upon

the call of the First Selectmen in emergencies

and times of town need.

November 3rd is Election Day!YOUR VOTE IS CRITICAL – In this challenging economic

climate, it is imperative that Wilton have fiscally-

responsible leadership, dedicated to maintaining Wilton’s

unique character, small town values, and commitment to

the well-being of our neighbors.

POLLS WILL BE OPEN FROM 6 AM UNTIL 8:00 PM

• District 1

Wilton High School Clune Center – 395 Danbury

Road

• District 2:

Driscoll School Gym – 336 Belden Hill Road

• District 3

Middlebrook School Gym – 131 School Road

This year’s ballot

has 2 sides –

make sure you fill

out both the front

and back.

Visit our New Website to Keep Informed

• Find out more about the candidates.

• Read the full “Listen to Wilton” platform.

• Stay abreast of campaign events.

• Get more details on voter registration, absentee ballots, and voting-day assistance.

• Sign-up to receive email alerts on important issues facing Wilton.

• Make a contribution to support our candidates.

www.wiltondems.org