What concerns Republicans

Written by Al Alper
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 13:10

If Chris Stroup had his way in constructing the current year’s budget ... the current budget would be larger”. That was the lead-in to the public introduction of the Democrats’ new candidate for the Board of Finance.

But more shocking was its follow-up in his own words where, based on a single meeting of a small minority of Wiltonians, Mr. Stroup proclaimed, “It was clear [Wiltonians] would pay” and that the Board of Finance was restrained ... [That] there was not enough spending.”

While I am certain that Mr. Stroup is a good and decent man who, like all the candidates, has every intention of doing the best job he can, the problem is that this is not about the candidates — it is about Wilton. It is about a diversity of people, with differing opinions and priorities as to how their tax dollars are spent. It is about 11,238 voters, 17,698 citizens who want the Wilton they love to remain and not be changed because some citizens may leave due to higher taxes, decreased standings in academics, or a lack of understanding of their diversity, breadth, and willingness to help each other.

The public comments above define a candidate who is removed from the diversity of Wilton’s citizens, who, even though well versed in the private sector, is led by narrow constituencies and a lack of understanding of the basic mechanics and nuances of municipal budgeting. The balanced approach required to ensure that the needs of all Wiltonians are met is not found in the board rooms and balance sheets of the business community.

It is on the soccer fields of Allen’s Meadows, in the classrooms of Miller Driscoll, in Connecticut Bagel, on the 6:03 am Metro North train, in the Brubeck Room of Wilton Library, at the dinner tables of Belden Hill ... These are the places where the needs of the few meet the lives of the many.

Gail Lavielle and Warren Serenbetz for the Board of Finance, Bill Brennan for first selectman, Hal Clark and Susan Bruschi for Board of Selectmen, Gil Bray and Bruce Likly for Board of Education, and the myriad Republican candidates that line Row A on the ballot represent an honest reflection of Wilton.

Each of these outstanding individuals has credentials and experience that more than qualify them for the mechanics of the positions they seek, and their credentials and resumes have been laid bare many times over in ads, letters to the editor, public hearings, and other forums. Repeating them emphasizes the skills and experience necessary to do the job. What these credentials don’t speak to is how they would govern. Insight into that comes from what they say and do.

Over the last several months Gail Lavielle, Warren Serenbetz and Hal Clark have gone door-to-door, knocking on well over a thousand doors. Bill Brennan, Gail Lavielle, Warren Serenbetz, Hal Clark and Susan Bruschi have spent their weekends speaking to thousands of Wiltonians at the Village Market, Stop-n-Shop and the library.

Bill Brennan, Gail Lavielle, Warren Serenbetz, Hal Clark, Susan Bruschi, Gil Bray and Bruce Likly have attended countless meetings held by groups like the League of Women Voters, the PTAs, and many others. These efforts are just a small part of the overall outreach they value, demonstrating that listening is not just a desire, but an integral component of the job they would do for you. The unfortunate thing is that all too often they were the only candidates out there, the only candidates reaching out and listening. They were the only candidates who wanted to know what you think before deciding what you want.

Our candidates come to this election with no preconceived notions about who “would pay” or whether “there was not enough spending”.

They believe all Wiltonians have an equal seat at the table and that their voices, sometimes expressed only in the privacy of a personal conversation, too should be reflected in their decisions when governing.

They come with an open mind, a compassionate ear and an acute understanding that what Wiltonians want and need is not found in a single public hearing or a handful of e-mails. They understand the difference between a balance sheet and a “Balance” Sheet.

Mr. Alper is chairman of the Wilton Republican Town Committee.