Patch Candidate Profile: Kim Healy For Wilton Board of Finance

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:
Kim Healy

What office are you seeking?
Board of Finance

What town do you live in?
Wilton

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
CPA/Accountant (retired)

Family:
Husband, Michael; Children: Emma, Jack, Declan and Sam

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
none

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Elected - Wilton Board of Selectmen, Dec 2021; Appointed- Water Pollution Control Authority, Trust Fund for Post Employment Benefits (OPEB Committee), Capital Planning Committee, Conservation Commission, Wilton Library (2015-2021); CT State Appointed- Reading Leadership Implementation Council

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for the Board of Finance because, as a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA), I believe my accounting skills, financial experience and community experience will help ensure we remain a community with great schools and a great quality of life. My husband, our children and I have all benefited from living in Wilton. I believe I have a responsibility to give back to the community that has given us so much.

Serving on the Board of Selectmen for the last four years allowed me to use my accounting and financial skills to have a meaningful impact on reasonable town budgets, improvement of financial controls over the nearly completed new police headquarters project and project funding decisions.

Serving on the Board of Finance will allow me to have a similar impact across the entire budget. I will work with the other members to improve the already good work of the board. As with the Board of Selectmen, I will roll up my sleeves and do the work.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
While many topics are on people’s minds (development, infrastructure, schools), the one that residents repeatedly express is concern with the size of their property tax bill and whether their tax dollars are being spent prudently and efficiently. As a Selectman, I took concrete steps to address these concerns by 1-analyzing the proposed FY2026 budget and proposing reductions, which were accepted and implemented into the final recommended budget, 2- drafting an internal control and segregation of duties report for the Tax Collector and Tax Assessor offices, that would help strengthen safeguards and improve accountability in critical financial operations, 3-advocating for a process review committee to review all other departments, and 4-speaking out. If we don’t name the issues, we can’t solve them. As a Board of Finance member, my focus will remain on transparency, fiscal discipline, and open communication with other members, boards and residents—so that every tax dollar is managed responsibly, and Wilton’s sound financial position is protected for the long term.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am unique in that I am a CPA and have served on the Board of Selectmen. Wilton has a history of CPAs serving on the Board of Finance, all of whom have made a significant impact. They include recent past members Richard Creeth, Chris Stroup and Lynne Vanderslice and current members Sandy Arkell and Stewart Koenigsberg. Both of whom are leaving the board at the end of November. None of the remaining members are CPAs. I can uniquely provide that skill set and perspective. As a Selectwoman, I built a strong record of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and problem-solving that prepared me for the Board of Finance. I’ve worked to improve budget clarity, increase public access to financial information, and ensure greater oversight of town spending. I’ve advocated for data-driven budgeting and more transparent communication between boards and residents. With my experience, attention to detail, and proven commitment to responsible governance, I will bring steady, informed leadership to the Board of Finance—protecting taxpayer resources while keeping Wilton on a path of financial strength and long-term stability.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I intend to work with the other members to improve and expand long-term planning. In 2023, as a Selectwoman, I voted to engage consultants to develop 10-year prioritized plans for town and school buildings. After those plans were received in late 2023/early 2024, implementation has been slow and at times not on a priority basis. As the Board of Finance is responsible for recommending the annual debt service budget, we can provide the Board of Selectmen and the taxpayers with the appropriate mill rate and debt service long-term plans to allow that work to proceed appropriately.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Whether as the Treasurer of the Wilton Library or the Chair of Minks to Sinks or a member of the Board of Selectmen, I have earned a reputation as a doer. When I commit to something, I do it and I do it with passion. While serving as Treasurer of the Wilton Library, I reviewed and approved budget requests, ensuring funds were allocated efficiently and transparently. At Minks to Sinks, I worked collaboratively with over 150 residents to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. As a Selectwoman, I actively engaged in the FY26 budget process, advocating for responsible spending, scrutinizing department requests, and working to balance the town’s needs with fiscal constraints. I haven’t been afraid to speak up about recent challenges, including staff turnover, audit findings, and concerns about accountability. Throughout, I have remained determined to make meaningful change, championed internal controls, improved reporting, and public transparency so residents can see exactly how their tax dollars are managed and spent. These experiences reflect my commitment to responsible, data-driven decision-making and ensuring trust in Wilton’s financial processes.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Trust your gut. When something does not seem right, ask questions and don’t stop until you get answers.