2009 – 2011 Platform

Preface to Town of Wilton, CT – Democratic Platform 2009-2011

The Wilton Democratic Town Committee has determined that the 2009-2011 Wilton Democratic Party “Listen to Wilton” Platform be reshaped and presented in a focused and simpler to understand document highlighting a few key issues. With this challenge and with the understanding of the uncertain economic challenges on the horizon, we present this lean and concise document to the citizens of Wilton.

– Ernest G. Ricco – Chairperson, Democratic “Listen to Wilton” Platform Committee

Wilton Democratic “Listen to Wilton” Platform for 2009-2011

The “Listen to Wilton” Platform provides a leadership tool for our elected and appointed officials and Democratic Town Committee members. Wiltonians share a core value of concern for the well-being of their neighbors which forms the philosophical underpinning of each plank contained here. We can maintain Wilton’s unique character, preserve its small town values, and meet the uncertainty of the future by daring to embrace creative solutions balanced with fiscal prudence and accountability.

Fiscal Responsibility

  1. Achieve cost savings, economies of scale, and financial efficiency by eliminating redundant costs and streamlining and/or combining support functions among the town’s major boards, commissions, and essential services, i.e. Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, et al. Make it a priority to pursue additional financial savings by developing regional initiatives to eliminate redundancy borne by Wilton and its neighboring towns’ essential services.
  2. Maintain affordable town agencies and services by setting realistic budgets and expectations so that changes to taxes and mill rate are minimal, and so that those on fixed/reduced incomes can retain their homes.
  3. Maintain a substantial, above average financial reserve in the budget to allow Wilton to maintain a high credit rating and, if necessary, to borrow at lower rates.

Town Character

  1. Ensure the Plan of Conservation and Development reflects issues of critical importance to Wilton residents within the context of preserving the town’s rural character including:
    1. establishment of green building principles in new construction and renovation, for example in the future senior center,
    2. regulations to ensure that scale of residential development is consistent with surroundings,
    3. establishing commercial development parameters to ensure that all such development takes place in areas of town for which it is suited,
    4. fostering the preservation, enhancement, and mixed use character of our existing retail neighborhoods, such as Georgetown, Cannondale, and Wilton town center, and
    5. manage and preserve wildlife to promote conservation and biodiversity.
  2. Create new zoning regulations along the widened Route 7 corridor which will increase the commercial tax base and allow for a mix of residential, commercial, retail, and adaptive uses while keeping the exterior rural aesthetics.
  3. Broadcast board and commission meetings on Wilton’s Government and Educational Access TV channels. Maintain an easily accessible archive of these meeting videos on the town website and establish a centralized town-website based calendar for all town meetings.
  4. Continue to support the town library, social services, youth services, and senior services to fulfill their mandate in meeting the changing needs of townspeople.
  5. Explore and advocate financial incentives for use of mass transportation.

Education

  1. Prepare our young people for 21st century life and opportunities in the areas of emerging technology, science, critical thinking, communication skills, world languages, good citizenship and cooperative learning.
  2. Preserve class size within the Wilton Board of Education guidelines at all grade levels.
  3. Work with elected representatives at all levels, education experts, and advocates to support a new version of the Primary and Secondary Education Act, one that significantly reforms No Child Left Behind.