Patch Candidate Profile: Andy Warren For Wilton Board of Selectmen

WILTON, 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 their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Andy Warren

What office are you seeking?
Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in?
Wilton

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Certified Public Accountant

Family:
Wife Linda, daughters Jill, Kate and Zoe and sons Tyler and Dezmond

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Yes, my daughter Jill currently serves on the Wilton Planning and Zoning Commission

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes - Wilton Economic Development Comission

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running for Board of Selectman because Wilton deserves leadership that’s transparent, accountable, and focused on building a town that works for everyone — not just some. As a CPA, I’ve spent my career solving complex problems, managing budgets, and creating systems that deliver results. I see too many areas in our town government where that kind of discipline is missing — from unclear reporting structures in Town Hall to years of unresolved financial weaknesses flagged by auditors. That’s not just inefficient. It’s unacceptable.

But I’m also running because I believe in Wilton’s future — and that future must include a serious, balanced approach to affordable housing. We can’t ignore state mandates, nor can we allow outside developers to define our character for us. We need to take control of the conversation, plan proactively, and ensure that any housing solutions reflect Wilton’s values, infrastructure, and long-term vision.

Affordable housing isn’t just a legal issue — it’s a moral one. Teachers, first responders, seniors, and young families deserve the opportunity to live in the town they serve and love. But we must do it right: with thoughtful planning, community input, and fiscal responsibility.

Equally important is our investment in youth sports and recreational spaces. Playing fields aren’t just patches of grass — they’re places where kids learn teamwork, resilience, and leadership. They’re where families gather, friendships form, and community grows. We must ensure that our fields are safe, well-maintained, and accessible to all — because supporting youth sports means supporting the health and spirit of Wilton’s next generation.

I’m running to bring clarity to Town Hall, accountability to our finances, and a collaborative spirit to the challenges ahead — from housing to historic preservation to the future of Ambler Farm. This isn’t about politics. It’s about competence, community, and commitment.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the lack of transparency and accountability in how our town government operates — and the ripple effects that creates across everything from financial oversight to affordable housing to youth sports and infrastructure.

When our CFO has a second fulltime job and when material weaknesses in our financial controls go unresolved for years, it’s not just a management problem — it’s a trust problem. Residents deserve to know that their tax dollars are being managed responsibly, that decisions are being made with clarity, and that leadership is proactive, not reactive.

This lack of structure and oversight affects how we plan for affordable housing, how we maintain our playing fields, and how we support beloved community assets like Ambler Farm. Without a clear vision and a disciplined approach, we risk letting short-term fixes replace long-term solutions — and that’s not acceptable.

My constituents want a town government that listens, plans, and delivers.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The major difference between me and other candidates is that I bring a deep understanding of financial accountability and operational discipline — not just as talking points, but as lived experience. As a CPA, I’ve spent my career managing complex budgets, building transparent systems, and solving problems that require both precision and leadership. I know how to ask the hard questions, follow the numbers, and make decisions that protect taxpayers and strengthen institutions.

I’m not running to preserve the status quo or to play politics. I’m running because I’ve seen firsthand where Wilton’s systems are breaking down — from unclear reporting lines in Town Hall to years of unresolved financial weaknesses. I’m the candidate who’s willing to dig into the details, challenge assumptions, and fix what’s broken.

I also bring a balanced, forward-looking approach to issues like affordable housing and youth sports. I believe we can meet state mandates without compromising Wilton’s character — and that we must invest in our playing fields and recreational spaces to support the next generation. I’m not afraid to say when something doesn’t add up, and I’m not afraid to lead the charge to make it better.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
In addition to improving transparency and accountability in town government, I plan to address several key issues that matter deeply to Wilton residents:

Affordable Housing with Local Control
Wilton must take a proactive, balanced approach to affordable housing. We need to meet state requirements without compromising our town’s character or infrastructure. That means planning ahead, engaging the community, and ensuring that any development reflects Wilton’s values — not just outside mandates.

Youth Sports and Playing Fields
Our playing fields are more than recreational spaces — they’re where kids build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. I’ll advocate for better maintenance, long-term planning, and smart investment in our athletic infrastructure to support youth sports and community wellness.

Financial Oversight and Budget Discipline
Years of material weaknesses in our internal controls have gone unaddressed. I’ll push for stronger financial systems, clearer reporting lines, and regular performance reviews to ensure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly and transparently.

Responsible Stewardship of Town Assets
From Ambler Farm to our public buildings, we must ensure that leases, contracts, and capital projects are aligned with the town’s long-term interests. That means clear obligations, fair cost-sharing, and oversight that protects both our heritage and our budget.

Town Hall Structure and Governance
We need a clear organizational chart for Town Hall, with defined roles and reporting lines. I’ll advocate for a non-partisan transition team to reassess key positions and ensure our government is structured to serve residents efficiently and effectively.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My professional background as a CPA and my service on Wilton’s Economic Development Commission have given me the tools, experience, and perspective to serve effectively on the Board of Selectmen.

Financial Expertise as a CPA: I’ve spent my career helping organizations manage budgets, analyze financial risks, and make sound fiscal decisions. I understand how to read between the lines of a budget, ask the right questions, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. That’s exactly the kind of oversight Wilton needs as we face rising costs and shifting priorities.

Strategic Planning on the Economic Development Commission: I’ve worked to attract and retain businesses in Wilton, promote smart growth, and support a vibrant local economy. I understand the importance of balancing commercial development with community values — and I’ve helped shape policies that do just that.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Whether it’s evaluating school enrollment projections or assessing infrastructure investments, I bring a disciplined, analytical approach. I don’t rely on assumptions — I rely on facts, trends, and long-term thinking.

Community-Focused Leadership: I’ve collaborated with town officials, residents, and business owners to elevate issues that matter — from zoning and housing affordability to field infrastructure and school planning. I listen, I engage, and I act.

These experiences have prepared me to serve with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to Wilton’s future. I’m ready to bring fiscal discipline, strategic vision, and community focus to the Board of Selectmen — and I respectfully ask for your vote.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I ever received was: "Don’t just ask what’s popular — ask what’s right.”
As a CPA and member of Wilton’s Economic Development Commission, I’ve learned that good leadership isn’t about chasing trends or avoiding tough conversations. It’s about making decisions rooted in facts, values, and long-term thinking — even when they’re not the easiest or most popular.
That advice has guided me through my nearly 30 years as a CPA. It’s why I push for transparency in school staffing decisions, advocate for strategic field investments, and support responsible development that protects Wilton’s character.

It reminds me that public service is about stewardship — not just solving today’s problems but preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Yes — I’d like voters to know that I’ve been a proud resident of Wilton for the past 10 years. In that time, I’ve come to deeply appreciate what makes this town so special: our schools, our open spaces, our sense of community, and the people who work every day to make Wilton a better place to live.