Patch Candidate Profile: ​David Tatkow 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: David Tatkow

What office are you seeking? Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in? Wilton

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Investment Consultant, 22 years

Family: Wife and two children (11 and 10)

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Why are you seeking this office? My motivation to run for the Board of Selectmen is two-fold. First, I want to ensure the core administrative and management functions of this critical town board operate smoothly, accurately, and efficiently. While some of the Board’s work may appear routine, proper execution is essential to delivering services, managing finances responsibly, and maintaining Wilton’s strong reputation. My career in investment manager research and consulting has prepared me well to synthesize complex information, ask the right questions, and make sound decisions. I’ve also worked extensively in collaborative settings, and I aim to bring this ethos of partnership to the Board of Selectmen.

The second part of my motivation is more visionary. Wilton has many strengths, but to reach its full potential as a town where residents can enjoy recreational, cultural, and dining options—and where visitors see us as a destination—we must think strategically about long-term planning, infrastructure, and community assets. Wilton should be a place that supports residents across all stages of life, from young professionals to families to retirees. I want to contribute to a vision of thoughtful growth, ensuring Wilton remains vibrant, welcoming, and resilient for generations to come.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Development. Wilton has many great qualities, however to truly make Wilton into town where residents can find recreational, entertainment, and dining options without leaving our borders, and a town which visitors view as a true destination, critical thinking needs to be had on our long term plan, and the infrastructure and assets required to achieve this. Wilton needs to be a town accommodating residents at all stages of their lives, from young adults looking for their first apartment when starting a career, to parents requiring abundant green space and child-friendly community activities, to empty nesters looking to downsize, yet wanting to remain a part of the community. I hope to help contribute to the vision of thoughtful growth to make Wilton into an even greater town than it is right now.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? While I believe strongly in thoughtful development, I also acknowledge that the town must continue to evolve and grow its tax base. I believe that fiscal responsibility sometimes involves investing in the short term for a better long term outcome.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? Improving the operations of the Board of Selectmen and the town, affordable housing, long term planning of town buildings and facilities.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? My long career working in investment manager research and consulting to institutional allocators I believe has prepared me well for synthesizing large amounts of information, asking the right questions, and making decisions. I’ve had to collaborate closely with numerous individuals both within my firm, and at my clients through the years.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Show up consistently, and just keep getting the little things done. Most people just quit, but if you keep grinding away at the little things consistently, you'll do great in the long term.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am highly invested in Wilton, as my kids still have several years left in the school system. I think the town is great, but let's not stop thinking about how we can evolve and continue to grow even better.