Patch Candidate Profile: Elizabeth Schiff For Wilton Zoning Board Of Appeals

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:
Elizabeth Schiff

What office are you seeking?
Zoning Board of Appeals

What town do you live in?
Wilton

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Private Tutor and teacher for 30+ years

Family:
I have two sons and a daughter, all in their 30's. Jacob lives on the Olympic Peninsula in Northern Washington State, Brian lives in Portland OR and Kara lives in Boston. No grandchildren yet, but my fiancé Hal and I did adopt two rescue dogs when we moved to Wilton! Charlie is a 90 lb. Goldendoodle and Summit is a 50 lb. Labradoodle.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No.

Why are you seeking this office?
I believe strongly in giving my time and energy to others and working to make my community a better place. Although I have never before held public office, I have worked for and served on the Boards of many non-profits. I have also always been active politically. Until a little over two years ago, I was a lifelong resident of New York City. When I decided to move, I looked at many communities in the Northeast, but chose Wilton. In my short time here, I have seen Wilton’s many strengths, but also the challenges that come with growth and development. Progress is necessary, but it must be approached thoughtfully, and in a way that is both financially and socially beneficial, balancing the needs of residents as well as the impact on traffic, our schools, public safety, infrastructure, the environment, and the town’s character. My goal is to help ensure that Wilton remains beautiful, livable, and financially stable, not only for today’s residents, but for future generations.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
No matter with whom I talk, everyone in Wilton seems to have the same concern - development. The developments that are springing up all over Wilton, with many more in the planning stages, are not aligned with Wilton's aesthetics, its semi-rural character, and its needs, nor are they benefitting our town. These are my concerns too. I and my Democratic colleagues are committed to working together on a different vision for Wilton, and a proactive rather than reactive plan. We would welcome frequent input from all of Wilton's residents, and would make it much easier for them to express their views and opinions.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am a relative newcomer to Wilton, but I believe that is a strength. While I may not have the history in Wilton that other candidates do, I believe I love Wilton as much as (if not more than!) anyone else. This is my chosen hometown, and I wake up every single day absolutely thrilled and grateful to live here. I am not distracted by memories of what Wilton used to be like, but am very clear-eyed about what it is now, what I see happening, and what direction it needs to go in.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The town's finances, the public's faith in the jobs their elected officials are doing, and the ability of Wilton residents to make their voices heard are three extremely important issues. The financial problems that are cropping up over and over again – many millions of dollars in uncollected taxes, inadequate budgets and financial planning, town officials unaware that Wilton's CFO was working another full-time job in Wyoming – have eroded faith in the current elected officials. It's time for a change. As a newer resident, I have often encountered difficulties in publicly expressing my opinions on different issues. It should not be that hard. There should be multiple avenues and opportunities for everyone to express their views.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am a lifelong educator and seasoned volunteer, and have decades of experience in problem-solving, communication, and collaborative leadership. I have served on nonprofit and school boards, led many successful fundraisers, and navigated zoning and regulatory processes through personal real estate projects.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Ask questions. Be curious.