WILTON, Conn. Wilton's three-term Republican First Selectman Bill Brennan stood on the steps of Town Hall Tuesday -- surrounded by family, friends and supporters -- to announce he will seek his party's nomination to run for a fourth term in November.
But this time Brennan, 76, will be seeking election as Wilton first four-year first selectman -- a recent change from the longstanding two-year term. "This was a very difficult decision to make, especially in light of the four-year term," Brennan said, as his wife Kathleen, two of his children and three grandchildren stood alongside him. Brennan said because of the longer term he had to "seriously consider" whether to seek re-election.
"I believe my work is yet undone," he added as his grandchildren held onto red balloons and "Re-Elect Bill Brennan" signs.
"These are difficult economic times for our community as well as for many of our citizens," said Brennan. "I believe my operating management experience and financial skills will enable me to continue to guide the town efficiently and effectively through the current financial environment without sacrificing the quality of life that we enjoy in Wilton."
If re-elected, Brennan said his goals include lowering municipal energy costs for town, school and village center commercial buildings by accelerating utility investments, improving Wilton's "deteriorated roads" by using a special capital appropriation and reducing tax rate growth through cost reduction and economic development.
The first selectman said he intends to continue "actively supporting" the Norwalk River Valley Trail project, the "Stay-at-Home in Wilton" initiative to help seniors remain in their homes, and to continue infrastructure improvements to Wilton Center.
"During the campaign, I look forward to meeting with citizens and am eager to hear from them about issues and ideas to improve the quality of life in our town," Brennan said.
But there may not even be the need for a campaign.
"In Wilton even Democrats are Republicans," said Republican Town Committee Chairman Al Alper, also a member of the Board of Finance. "Bill has been an exceptional manager of the town's revenues and he has faced a Democratic opponent only once -- when he ran for a second term and won easily."
Alper said the GOP will officially name its slate of candidates at the Republican Town Committee meeting July 20 at 8 p.m. in the Town Hall annex.
Do you believe Bill Brennan should be re-elected to become Wilton's first four-year first selectman? Leave a comment below.
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