Wilton Democratic Town Committee » News

Wilton Gains New Voter

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:12:33 +0000

Mrs. Eleanor Cohen turned 100 on December 31, 2011 and just registered to vote in Wilton! She’s new to town and says she’s never missed a chance to vote in her life.

Democratic Registrar Carole Young-Kleinfeld and Republican Registrar Tina Gardner delivered a voter registration application to her in person so she’d be set to vote in November. There are 8 other registered voters in Wilton, besides Mrs. Cohen, who are more than 100 years old.

2012 Elections

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:52:05 +0000

• August 12, 2012 6:00 am to 8:00 pm • November 6, 2012 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

2012 Primary and Presidential Election

August 14, 2012 — 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Primary for Congressional, state, and municipal offices. Open to party-enrolled registered voters.

November 6, 2012 — 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. 2012 Presidential Election. On November 6th, we will elect our next president, vice president, a U.S. senator, representative to Congress, state representative, and a local registrar of voters. We have an outstanding slate of Democratic candidates this year and hope for a record turn-out from Wilton voters. Check back here for a sample ballot.

Absentee Ballots – Your Vote Counts

If you will be absent during all polling hours on Primary Day or Election Day, you may apply to Wilton Town Clerk for an absentee ballot. Contact Bettye Ragognetti, Town Clerk, at (203) 563-0111 or via email for information.

Voter Registration

We encourage all residents who will be 18 years of age or older by Election Day to participate in the upcoming election. If you are 17 –and will turn 18 by November 6, 2012—you may register and vote in the August 14th primary election.

In order to vote in November, you must be registered by via mail by October 23, or in person at Town Hall by October 30 (check online to make sure you are registered).

If you have any questions, please contact the Democratic Registrar of Voters, Carole Young-Kleinfeld, at (203) 563-0111.

Polling Places

On August 14th, 2012 and November 6th, 2012 polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wilton has three voting districts:

Wilton Voting Districts
District #	Voting Location
1	Wilton High School Clune Center – 395 Danbury Road
2	Driscoll School Gym – 336 Belden Hill Road
3	Middlebrook School Gym – 131 School Road

Due to state redistricting, your voting district may have changed! After April 1, 2012, you may check which district you are in using the online District Lookup Tool on the Town of Wilton’s website.

Voter Identification

Remember to bring a social security card, driver’s license, or other preprinted form of identification with either your name and address, or name and signature, or name and photograph, to the polls. If you don’t have any of these types of ID and are a registered voter, you may sign an affidavit of identity prescribed by the Secretary of the State.

Voters with disabilities can request assistance in completing a ballot from anyone they wish, as long as that person is not an employer, an agent of their employer, a union representative, or a candidate for election. Elections officials are also available to assist, upon request. Every polling place has one wheelchair accessible, private voting booth and magnifiers are available in all voting booths for those with trouble reading the ballot. Each polling place also has a vote-by-phone, paper ballot marking system. Voters with difficulty walking into the polling place may request curbside assistance in voting from an elections official. Finally, if voters have physical disabilities which make voting at the polls impossible, they may vote by absentee ballot by contacting the town clerk’s office at 563-0106.

Meet the Municipal Candidates

admin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:22:07 +0000

• October 23, 2011 11:00 am to 1:30 pm • October 29, 2011 9:00 am to 4:00 pm • October 31, 2011 9:30 am to 10:30 am • November 1, 2011 9:30 am to 10:30 am • November 5, 2011 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The Democratic candidates for Wilton elected positions (Edward Hoffstatter, Richard J. Dubow, James Meinhold, Laura Schwemm, John Weiss, John Gardiner, Steven Davidson, Brian Lilly, Charlie Lewis, Richard Mitchell and Deborah McFadden) will be attending the following community events. Please stop by and get to know them!

Sunday, October 23rd

Village Market | 11am–1pm
Ambler Fields 1 & 2 Soccer Matches | 1:15 pm–3:30pm

Saturday, October 29

Haz-Mat Collection (Miller-Driscoll School) | 9am–2pm
Halloween Parade (Town Gazebo) | 2pm–4pm

Mon/Tues., October 31 and November 1

Connecticut Coffee | 9:30am

Saturday, November 5

Village Market | 1pm–3:00pm

The 2011 Municipal Election is Nearing

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 09:19:15 +0000

• November 8, 2011 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

On November 8^nd, we will elect municipal officials, including Selectman, and Members of the Board of Finance, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Constables. We have a strong slate of candidates this year, dedicated to serving the community.

View sample ballot.

Absentee Ballots – Your Vote Counts

Much of our Town’s future is dependent on who gets elected. If you will not be in town on election day, you may submit an absentee ballot.

Voter Registration

We encourage all residents who will be 18 years of age or older by election day to participate in the upcoming election. In order to vote, you must be registered by via mail by October 25, or in person at Town Hall by November 1 (check online to make sure you are registered).

If you have any questions, please contact the Democratic Registrar of Voters, Carole Young-Kleinfeld, at (203) 563-0111.

Polling Places

On November 8th, 2010 polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wilton has three voting districts:

Wilton Voting Districts
District #	Voting Location
1	Wilton High School Clune Center – 395 Danbury Road
2	Driscoll School Gym – 336 Belden Hill Road
3	Middlebrook School Gym – 131 School Road

If you are not sure which district you are in, use may the online District Lookup Tool on the Town of Wilton’s website.

Voter Identification

Board of Selectman Report – September, 2011

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 08:57:43 +0000

Board of Selectmen Report provided by Ted Hoffstatter

Budget, BOE, and the BOS

The Town is still looking into a statute that may give the BOS power to approve or reject BOE contracts. We have finally received an opinion in a lengthy packet from Mr. Brennan. It appears that the BOS can reject a BOE contract, but that means it will be sent to arbitration.

My Take: As we all know, where the BOS role really lies in the process has a huge impact on what we can or can’t do in respect to school contracts, and what the public will or will not expect from us in the process. In the past, we have had somewhat of a “pass” on the BOE budget, when it comes to the public and press. Let’s see where this lands. If we do have a larger role in the process, I hope we embrace that role, and take it as an opportunity to move forward in a positive way that is fair to our educators and taxpayers alike. Shared sacrifice seems to be the order of the day in tough times. Some creative approaches would help too; we may have a lot of listening to do. An opportunity to face this challenge head on. I hope the BOS does not shy away from any additional responsibility we may have. This should be an opportunity for progress. Keep in mind that if the BOS were to reject an unreasonable contract, and our rejection failed in arbitration, the Town could stick to its desired budget number with lay offs. Believe me, as a parent and a teacher, the last thing I want to do is lay teachers off. At the same time, the threat could be a good negotiating tool. Governor Malloy sent out the pink slips, and the unions came to the table. Again, I support our Town employees, and I do believe in Unions! At the same time, we do need shared sacrifice…

Reusable Bag Initiative

Go Green reports that since the education program began,reusable bag use has increased from about ten percent to over twenty percent. Go Green’s goal was fifty percent within a year’s time.

My Take: Here is the article that I have written for the next issue of our Town’s Conservation Newsletter:
This past year the Board of Selectmen has promoted a Reusable Bag Initiative, and we are fortunate to have Wilton Go Green’s support in implementing the program. Over twelve thousand reusable bags were given away for free over a two month period; there was also a car window sticker give away, and an aggressive public relations program with a school contest to generate the art to put on the reusable bags. The Board of Selectmen seriously considered passing an ordinance concerning the use of reusable bags, but we decided to see if an education program could work to achieve the same goal. Go Green has stated a goal of fifty percent use of reusable bags; I personally support that goal. Go Green conducted an audit at several stores to compare the percentage of people using reusable bags before, and two months after the program began. The rate of reusable bag use before the program began was eight to ten percent; the rate two months later was over twenty percent. I will update you on how the trend continues–we hope! There will be another audit in November from Go Green. We have seen an uptick,but we are far from our goal.
Why bother? Why does it really matter on a Town level? Towns are the key to promoting Green initiatives. The fact is, corporate lobbies are so strong, that passing any meaningful legislation on a State level is extremely difficult. Thee are one million plastic shopping bags used per minute worldwide. Less than one percent are recycled in the end. The Connecticut State legislature has attempted to pass legislation on this matter, and has repeatedly failed. We need to take matters into our own hands.
Like the saying goes, think globally, act locally.

Economic Development

The BOS is currently in the process of researching CT Towns with similar demographics as to what they have done on this issue.

My Take: I am researching Berlin, CT, and there are many demographic similarities. We are already doing much of what they are doing, although we don’t have a specific paid position of Economic Development Director. In the last ten years, Berlin has received approx. five million dollars in grant money. That averages to over $500,000 a year; Wilton has received more than that this year—hats off to Sandy Dennies, our CFO. There is still alot of work to do in this area, and much more is sure to come!

Senior Tax Relief and Related Issues

We have a special meeting to discuss the Senior Survey on October 20th.

My Take:
I am looking forward to investigating what more we can do for Seniors in Town. Fellow Selectman Richard Creeth and I were very strong in our support of extending what Senior Tax Relief we could during the discussion last year. I have always felt that in order for Wilton to stay a True Community, we need to keep seniors in Town. A community needs continuity; we don’t want to be a transient boarding school for families who simply leave when the kids go to college.

DSCC Report

I look forward to attending our campaign events for this fall’s election! Many thanks to Carol Ball for her hard work in running the Campaign Committee. Then it is on to 2012! We are planning to put together a Fat Cat Event focusing on Obama and Himes this Spring, details TBA.

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Board & Commission Openings

admin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:14:46 +0000

There is currently a vacancy on the Wilton Water Commission.

If you are interested in public service and water quality, and would like to be considered for this appointment to this Commission, please email Nominating Committee Chair Paul Burnham.

There will also be a vacancy on the Historic District Commission on November 30th, 2011. Contact Paul Burnham if you are interested.

Board of Selectman Report – Summer, 2011

admin — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:30:00 +0000

Board of Selectmen Report provided by Ted Hoffstatter

Economic Development

The Town of Wilton is participating in the One Coast, One Future group which is focusing on a regional approach to economic development. First Selectman Brennan has given each BOS member a Town to research for comparative approaches to such initiatives.

My Take: This is a very important effort, and I agree that it must be approached regionally. A ‘go it alone’ approach I feel would yield very little results. The Town I have been asked to research is Berlin, CT. They have an infrastructure loan/grant program as well as a tax abatement program for businesses that bring revenue to the Town. I have just received an extensive report from their economic development director, which I will be sharing with the Board. If anyone is interested, I am also more
than willing to send you a copy.

Energy Policy

The Town of Wilton is working with Yankee Gas to come up with a contract to extend natural gas service down River Rd. Natural Gas is currently half the price of oil, and is produced in the U.S. Furthermore, the Energy Commission is having
a meeting at the Wilton Library on Thursday, July 28th, at 7pm, in the Rimer Room, to discuss the Governor’s new Energy Commission.

My Take: This is a good move not just for cost reasons, but anything we could do to reduce our dependence on foreign oil is a good thing. Environmentally, I have concerns about the ‘fracking’, or fracturing of bedrock to obtain the gas. It seems the problems
with this practice occur more often in PA and NY. It seems this may be because they do not have the experience that Texas has; there are less problems there with the practice. It sounds to me like the offshore drilling concern all over again. If companies follow the rules and do things the right way, there would be less concern. We need much stronger government oversight with pursuit on non-renewable resources. The fact that Governor Malloy has put together and energy department is so important. Let’s be vocal in our support for this effort. Don’t be afraid to write a letter to the editor!

Recycling Violations

There have been numerous reports of haulers not putting recyclables along with recyclables in trucks. The haulers say that the residents are not sorting their recyclables properly; many residents say that the haulers are simply negligent.

My Take: This is a case of ‘he said, she said.’ There is probably some truth on both sides. Haulers work directly with the residents, not through the Town. They are responsible for letting their clients know what is expected of their recyclables as far as cleanliness and sorting, and tying up papers. At the same time, if they are simply throwing everything into the garbage, they need to be fined. Not all haulers drop their garbage at Wilton’s Transfer Station, so much of the garbage cannot be checked by the Town. Please do your due diligence to see that you are preparing your recyclables properly, and that your hauler is indeed sorting them properly.

Budget

The next talks on budget are only a few short months away.

My Take: Let’s think about it NOW, not later. I have had mixed feedback as to whether we are spending too much, or too little. People also need to know up front what Board is spending what, and what our options are. If anyone wants to have coffee with me over the budget, and discuss options, I am more than willing to take the time. I feel the more we know and discuss early on in the process, the more effective we can be in the end game.

Energy

The Wilton Energy Commission held a meeting tonight on DEEP. That is the acronym for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Governor Malloy, and the Legislature, have taken the DEP and combined it with a brand new Department of Energy. On the energy side, the focus is on renewable sources. Issues such as reliability of the sources, and rates, are all taken into account. Representative Gail Lavielle was present, and reported that while it was a 280 page bill, that she felt it was fully vetted. She continued to report that the bill passed the Senate unanimously, in a consent agenda vote, which means there was no roll call, only yays and nays. No nays to report. The bill passed the House with eight Republicans voting no for various reasons.

My Take: It makes good policy sense to combine the efforts of energy and the environment, as they are intertwined by definition. I am pleased that there are incentives in place for homeowners and businesses, and that there are incentives in place to purchase related products from companies here in CT. Rhode Island has made some progress in the renewable area, but then realized that only 1.3% of the related products came from Rhode Island. They are, in effect, subsidizing other States’ economies! That’s not where we want to go. Admittedly, some products will be purchased out of State, but we want to do what we can to promote our green companies here at home. I am pleasantly surprised that this effort had such widespread bi-partisan support, and that Gail was apparently in favor of it. Last night our State Central meeting was held a the Governor’s house; Dan was a gracious host. He and I had the opportunity to talk at length on environmental and energy policy, and how it relates to so many other issues. It would be a great help if we could have our grass roots members write letters to the editor on this issue, as well as all of the tough choices Dan is making. This is no time for us to fall asleep at the wheel.

DSCC Report

There is a completely different feeling in Hartford these days. Governor Malloy is moving his agenda forward very successfully thus far!

Elections. We need to be looking not just to this year’s municipals, but to 2012 as well. I am happy to report that more information is coming out of State Central to Town Chairs for dissemination to Town Committee Members. Please also note that our own Ernie Ricco will be taking his talents on Platform to the State level on the State Platform Committee. Also, State Central is working on some sort of event cohesive amongst Towns to commemorate 9/11 on the 10th anniversary this September.

Last, but not least, I am humbled and honored to be nominated for another term on the Board of Selectmen. I grew up stuffing envelopes and attending political meetings with my Mom right here in Wilton. I am so fortunate to be raising my family in our wonderful Town. My son, Wyatt, two, has already attending a Himes’ Town Hall Meeting, and his six month old sister Lavelle is excited to campaign with her Daddy this fall!

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Board of Selectman Report – May, 2011

admin — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:46:30 +0000

Board of Selectmen Report provided by Ted Hoffstatter

Economic Development

My Take: This is a very important effort, and I agree that it must be approached regionally. A ‘go it alone’ approach I feel would yield very little results. The Town I have been asked to research is Berlin, CT. They have an infrastructure loan/grant program as well as a tax abatement program for businesses that bring revenue to the Town. More to follow.

Energy Policy

The Town of Wilton is working with Yankee Gas to come up with a contract to extend natural gas service down River Rd. Natural Gas is currently half the price of oil, and is produced in the U.S.

My Take: This is a good move not just for cost reasons, but anything we could do to reduce our dependence on foreign oil is a good thing. Environmentally, I have concerns about the ‘fracking,’ or fracturing of bedrock to obtain the gas. It seems the problems with this practice occur more often in PA and NY. It seems this may be because they do not have the experience that Texas has; there are less problems there with the practice. It sounds to me like the offshore drilling concern all over again. If companies follow the rules and do things the right way, there would be less concern. We need much stronger government oversight with pursuit on non-renewable resources.

Recycling Violations

My Take: This is a case of ‘he said, she said.’ There is probably some truth on both sides. Haulers work directly with the residents, not through the Town. They are responsible for letting their clients know what is expected of their recyclables as far as cleanliness and sorting, and tying up papers. At the same time, if they are simply throwing everything into the garbage, they need to be fined. Not all haulers drop their garbage at Wilton’s Transfer Station, so much of the garbage cannot be checked by the Town. Please do your due diligence to see that you are preparing your recyclables properly, and that your hauler is indeed sorting them properly.

DSCC Report

There is a completely different feeling in Hartford these days. Governor Malloy is moving his agenda forward very successfully thus far! Looking forward toward elections, we need to be thinking about not just to this year’s municipals, but 2012 as well. I’m happy to report that more information is coming out of State Central to Town Chairs for dissemination to Town Committee Members. Please also note that our own Ernie Ricco will be taking his talents on Platform to the State level on the State Platform Committee. Also, State Central is working on some sort of event cohesive amongst Towns to commemorate 9/11 on the 10th anniversary this September.

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Wilton Democrats Adopt 2011-2013 Platform

admin — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:23:09 +0000

• March 23, 2011 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

On Tuesday, July 19, the Platform Committee, chaired by Ernest Ricco, presented to the Democratic caucus the 2011-2013 “Listen to Wilton” platform.

The platform was approved by the Wilton Democratic Town Committee at an earlier meeting.

The 2011-2013 platform was adopted as submitted by unanimous vote by the Democratic Caucus.

Peggy Reeves Featured at National Voter Registration Summit

admin — Mon, 16 May 2011 20:51:51 +0000

Peggy Reeves, formerly State Representative for Wilton and Norwalk, is now Connecticut’s Director of Elections in the Secretary of State’s office.

In that capacity, Peggy was as a featured panelist at a High School Registration Summit hosted by the League of Women Voters of the U.S. on April 14 in Washington, DC.

The event, supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, highlighted strategies and best
practices for increasing voter registration rates among high school students. The group was briefed on successful efforts by the League and Project Vote to increase political
participation rates among underrepresented youth for the 2010 midterms. The High School Registration Project included school voter registration drives in five states: Arizona, California, Florida, Texas and Virginia.

Reeves addressed the conference regarding her state’s efforts to increase high school registrations and civic participation levels of 18 to 24 year-olds. Since 1987, Connecticut has mandated that local registrars of voters conduct voter registration drives in public high schools. Students who are 16 or 17 years of age may also serve as poll workers during primary and general elections.