Finance board contest, two questions on ballot

Written by Justin Reynolds
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 12:54

Will the Republicans or the Democrats win two four-year terms on the Board of Finance? Will Wilton finally be home to package stores? Will selectmen’s terms be increased from two to four years?

These are the three decisions Wilton voters are requested to make in Tuesday’s elections.

While there are 30 positions in town government to be filled, there are only 31 candidates running. The town’s one contested race is for a four-year seat on the Board of Finance. Voters may vote for three of the following four candidates: Warren Serenbetz, a Republican who’s currently the chairman of the finance board; Andy Pforzheimer, a Democrat who’s a current board member; Gail Lavielle, a Republican; and Chris Stroup, an independent who’s been endorsed by the Democrats. Both Mr. Stroup and Ms. Lavielle are running for an elected town office for the first time.

“The election of our two candidates will add balance to discussions and decisions of the Board of Finance,” Democratic Town Chairman John Kalamarides said about the finance board contest in a statement. “This is vitally important in an uncertain economy when many Wiltonians are concerned about taxes, keeping their jobs, paying their mortgages, and keeping their homes.”

“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 résumés have been laid bare many times over in ads, letters to the editor, public hearings, and other forums,” said Republican Town Chairman Al Alper about his party’s finance board candidates and others on the slate, in a statement. “Repeating them emphasizes the skills and experience necessary to do the job.”

Carole Young-Kleinfeld, registrar of voters, said polls will be open for voting on Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“The schools will be closed, so there should be plenty of space for voters to park in,” Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said.

There will be three voting venues: the Clune Auditorium at Wilton High School, the gymnasium at Driscoll School and the old gym at Middlebrook School.

Wiltonians “can go to wiltonct.org and click under the Registrars of Voters Department and they can find their polling place address,” Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said of those who perhaps were unaware which voting district they’re in.

Wiltonians may also access a sample ballot online as well, she said.

In addition to voting for town government, Wiltonians will also be able to vote on yes-no questions concerning the approval of a revised town charter and whether package stores selling alcohol should be allowed in town.

This week a few voices of opposition to changing the liquor laws have expressed their views in letters to The Bulletin.

Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said the town will “offer curbside voting for any person with disabilities who cannot walk into the polls. Also, voters with any kind of disability can ask for help or have someone of their choice help them vote.”

“Just a reminder, it’s a double-sided ballot,” Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said. “Some races are on the front and some are on the back. The questions are on the front in the top on the left hand corner.”

Voters may pick up absentee ballots at the registrars’ office in town hall up to the day before the election, she said.

Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said she hopes to see a higher voter turnout.

“I believe that our last municipal voter turnout was 20%,” she said. “We’re hoping for more. It would be great to get up to 25% or more.”

Voter registration

Since last year’s elections, the number of registered voters in Wilton has decreased by 504, from 11,742 to 11,238, Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said.

About a year ago, there were 3,176 registered Democrats; as of Oct. 1, there were 3,041, Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said. The loss of 135 voters represents a 4.25% decrease of registered Democrats.

There were 4,329 registered Republicans last year; as of Oct. 1, there were 4,155, she said. The loss of 174 voters represents a 4% decrease of registered Republicans.

There were 4,226 unaffiliated voters last year; as of Oct. 1, there were 4,028, she said. The loss of 198 unaffiliated voters represents a 4.7% decrease.

There were 11 voters registered to third parties last year. As of Oct. 1, there were 14, Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said.

“A lot can happen in a month,” she said of more Wiltonians registering to vote. “It’s been steady through this whole month, but I’ve noticed a little bit of a pick-up in voter registration the past few days.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 9 to noon a voter registration session will take place for applicants whose age, residence, or citizenship were attained since Oct. 27.

Information: Ms. Young-Kleinfeld and Tina Gardner, registrars, at 563-0112.