Patch Candidate Profile: Monica McNally For Board Of Selectmen

DARIEN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Monica M. McNally

What office are you seeking?
Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in?
Darien

Campaign Website
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Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Retired

Family:
Married to Mark Filanowski. We have two children, Steven, who lives and works in Newport, Rhode Island, and Helen, who lives and works in New York City.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I served as Darien’s First Selectman from 2021 to 2023 and now serve on the Board of Selectmen. As First Selectman, I helped lead the purchase of Great Island—one of the most important open-space investments in our town’s history and a property that will benefit residents for generations. As Chair of the Great Island Advisory Committee, I worked with a dedicated group of Darien residents, town staff, and consultants to develop a long-term Vision and Master Plan for the property. Before that, I served on the RTM from 2013 to 2021, chairing the Public Works Committee and serving as Vice Moderator.

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running because I care about Darien and want to keep doing my part to help it move forward. The town is growing and changing, and that takes balance—protecting what makes Darien special while planning for what’s ahead. That means keeping our schools strong, maintaining our public spaces, and supporting the volunteers who make so much possible.
Darien made a smart decision in purchasing Great Island, and I want to stay involved as it becomes more accessible to residents. My focus is on setting priorities and taking practical steps that move projects forward and work for the town. Leading that effort gave me a good sense of how to get things done.
We’re also seeing changes that go beyond construction. New technology, especially artificial intelligence, is moving fast and will affect almost every part of daily life, including how towns function. We need to stay informed and look for ways to use it responsibly and in ways that truly benefit the community.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Darien has a lot happening right now, with several projects moving forward at once. They’re bringing new places to meet, shop, and live, and our job now is to manage the impact—on traffic, parking, and day-to-day life in town. Stronger storms and higher tides have also made flooding and coastal resiliency ongoing priorities, and the work near Corbin Drive and Saltbox Lane is an important step in that effort.
My focus is on careful planning, using resources wisely, and keeping residents informed as these projects move ahead. Residents deserve clear timelines and steady follow-through on the major projects that shape our town.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am running unopposed.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My finance background has given me a good sense of how to use resources wisely and keep things transparent. Years of work on town boards and with local groups has kept me connected to our residents and what’s really happening around town. I try to stay practical and focused on getting results.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
If you want to change something, get involved.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Decisions about housing and development should stay local—people here know our town and what works best for it. I try to stay steady, use common sense, and listen. It’s been a privilege to serve, and I hope to keep doing that work.