Six candidates will vie for three spots on the Wilton Village Board next Tuesday: Challengers Becky Hahn, Cindy Short and Jen Wallman and incumbents Sam Wildes, Ed Wilde and Roger Wilchinksi. Profiles follow of Wallman, Wildes, Wilde and Wilchinski.
JEN WALLMAN
What prompted your decision to seek a village board position?
After being encouraged by others in our community and being nominated, I decided to seek a village board position. I have become more involved in the community and in doing so, I’ve learned more about our small village; and would like to take part in making a change and helping Wilton get back on its feet and move forward.
What do you see as the role and duties of a village board member?
Every elected public official is a public servant. The board is there to represent the people and keep the everyday workings of Wilton up and running. The village board should actively pursue making sure things are looked at from all angles: e.g., facts, pros, cons and making decisions based on what is right (not just expedient) in the best interests of the entire Village.
What do you see as Wilton’s strengths? What are its weaknesses?
Wilton has a lot to offer as far as amenities to our residents and surrounding area. With our pool still up and running, the recent opening of the Dollar General, our Main Street Market, the new softball field, and much more; we truly are the “Heart of the bike trail.” I believe this has always been a strength. Wilton used to be a thriving community that worked together; perhaps not so much in recent years. I would say this is the biggest weakness. If we begin working with each other and emphasizing our common ground rather than that which could further divide us; we can turn things around and build up our community again.
What strengths do you bring to the board?
As a previous business owner, currently self-employed, and a background in administration; I believe I bring several different strengths to the board. I take as much as possible into consideration, and try to have all the facts before making decisions. I believe this is a strength toward good leadership as well as learning to ask the right questions. My goal is to take part in strengthening and restructuring Wilton, as well as working to put the “Trust” back in Trustee.
Could you give some biographical information; e.g., other local government/civic experience, family, work, amount of time lived in the village, etc.?
I moved to Wilton in the summer of 2018 with my family, just under six years now. I love meeting new people and being involved in the community. I homeschool, but also have had two kids graduate from Brookwood high school. This has given me experience in both public and home education. I have not served in any other local government/civic duties. However, I am active in the Village and have a desire to see this small community thrive.
ED WILDE
What prompted your decision to seek a village board position?
I have always lived around Wilton and want to see more things get done. I would like to see us through this rough time.
What do you see as the role and duties of a village board member? A village board member shoulld just do what is best for the people and try to keep expenses down, but still get things done. We have to try and get our TIF paid off so we can lower taxes.
What do you see as Wilton’s strengths? What are its weaknesses?
Wilton is a thriving bedroom village.
We do have some good camping facilities, along with a pool and ballfields. We also have a nice community center for weddings, parties, and more.
What strengths do you bring to the board?
I have worked for another municipality for 30 years and know how government works. I also know how the public works department works
Could you give some biographical information; e.g., other local government/civic experience, family, work, amount of time lived in the village, etc.?
I was born and raised around the Wilton area and own a house in the Arrowhead neighborhood. I worked for the Town of Wilton for 30 years and was on the fire department for 30 years, along with being on the ambulance crew for 10 years. I graduated from Royall High School.
SAM WILDES
“My ex-wife and I made the choice to make Wilton, and Brookwood High School our home and school of choice for our two sons, then came the third. I was happy with that choice, and we made Wilton our home. My current wife, Ashley Wildes, has added two more to our district, and there is one more to attend Brookwood in a few years.
“I ran with the ambulance for a few years, but had to walk away from that for personal reasons.
“I’ve been on the fire department for a while, pushing 15 years.
“I’ve always joked I’m going to retire on them checks. Well, that’s a joke! Most little kids look at being a fireman as being a hero. Yes, sometimes it is. But most of the time, it’s scary and sad. Those that volunteer for the ambulance and fire department need way more praise than scrutiny from the current board. We need to keep the “heros” wanted!
“I joined the Village of Wilton board after the pool incident. I was picked out of a handful of names.
“I have sat, listened, been embarrassed, and accused of misbehavior from the village and its current board.
“That’s okay. I know for a fact I have done nothing more than try to make this village better. I truly have the want to make Wilton a family village.
“There is no doubt, Wilton is being watched, judged, and scrutinized. And, yes we deserve it.
“My goal is to get back to the Village of Wilton being the idealistic village. Let’s make the surrounding villages and towns jealous of us.
“I’ll help with that, but this town needs less arguments and more support.”
ROGER WILCHINSKI
What prompted your decision to seek a village board position?
There’s things that still could be done, and I feel I would be good for that, hopefully.
What do you see as the role and duties of a village board member?
To protect the assets of the village and to do what you think for is best for the people in the village.
What do you see as Wilton’s strengths? What are its weaknesses?
Our strength is our close neighborhood, but our weakness is getting along. I’d to like to promote getting along.
What strengths do you bring to the board?
I’m not a politician. I have concerns, and I just want the village to be successful and be strong.
Could you us some biographical information; e.g., other local government/civic experience, family, work, amount of time lived in the district, etc.?
I’ve lived in Wilton about 43-44 years. I was on the board before, about 10-15 years ago. I worked at Cardinal Glass for 21 years.
I hope they all get out the vote and vote for me. I’d like to continue on. I’m trying to do my best for the village.
