There is a definite connection between local, state, national, and global issues.  I strongly support the creation of an Energy Committee, and I will support its efforts to make Wilton a truly green town; this will not only protect the environment, but eventually will lead to some savings as well.  CLIMATE CHANGE is an issue that affects all of us.  Like the old saying goes, we must think globally, and act locally.  Preservation of OPEN SPACES in town is also extremely important; this too goes hand in hand with protecting our environment.  When we do develop land it town, it must be done so in an environmentally sensitive way. 

   This brings us to preservation of TOWN CHARACTER; we are very fortunate to live in a traditional colonial New England town, and keeping it that way is no easy task.  While we must preserve our relationships with businesses in town, we must also encourage companies to come to Wilton in order to increase our tax base.  At the same time, we must be careful that we encourage growth in zoning districts that are able to handle it, and not in historic areas such as Cannondale. 

     Of course, improving TRANSPORTATION without destroying our town’s character, and the environment, presents us with yet another challenge.  I am OPPOSED TO SUPER 7, and I am in favor of continuing the work on widening Route 7.  This past year I worked across party lines with Bill Brennan and Toni Boucher to stop the Super 7 legislation from being passed in the State House.   Super 7 is not the quick fix some would like it to be, and the environmental ramifications on Wilton would be devastating.  A Selectman must always be ready to advocate for our town up in Hartford.

     It has been said that how a society should be judged is based on how it treats its children and the elderly.  With that in mind, Wilton could improve its SENIOR SERVICES and bring back some form of AFFORDABLE DAYCARE.  Since the daycare program left the Comstock Community Center, nothing has filled the void; this puts a strain on dual income families in town with young children.

     As a CT Certified Social Studies Teacher, EDUCATION is a very important issue to me.  Having taught in both Bridgeport and in Wilton, I know that none of us live in an educational vacuum.  What happens in one town or city affects what happens in another town or city.  While Wilton’s schools flourish, we must not forget about our neighbors; in the end, we all must share the same world.  I will support programs that build connections between students in Wilton and the outside world.  Within Wilton, I will work to keep class size under control, so as to maximize student-teacher relationships. 

     The Wilton DTC and I took some heat this past January when we passed another resolution calling for a change of direction in Iraq.  Some said that the War was “none of our business” and that we should “stick to worrying about local issues.”  Unfortunately, the War does affect us locally.  Not only do brave men and women from this community serve in our armed forces, but when our national government is spending $250 million dollars a day in Iraq, there is less money for our state and our town.  Meanwhile, our own intelligence agencies concede that the War is making us less safe.  The War also puts a strain on our National Guard, which affects disaster readiness, not to mention the Guard members themselves.  Furthermore, the greater financial burden placed on our town has an adverse impact on PROPERTY TAXES!  My wife and I are currently purchasing a home, so this issue really hits home, no pun intended.  While we work towards progressive goals and ideas, we must keep property taxes under control.

     These are just a few examples of where I stand on issues facing Wilton that also have a strong local, state, national, and global connection.  Please also take a minute to read the Wilton Democratic Town Committee’s Platform for 2007; this PLATFORM passed with overwhelming support at our caucus on July 24^th of this year.  You can find it on The Wilton DTC’s website, at www.wiltondems.org.   Thank you for taking the time to consider me for a seat on Wilton’s Board of Selectmen