WILTON – There are three candidates this year for Select Board member. Kellie-Sue Boissonnault is seeking a third term. She is challenged by current Town Treasurer DJ Garcia and former Selectman William Condra.

While the three agree on several points, such as the need for better communication and moving ahead on several current projects, they each seek a different approach to solving current problems.

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KELLIE-SUE BOISSONNAULT

Kellie-Sue Boissonnault has lived in Wilton for 30 years and is employed by BAE Systems-Field and Development Services. She has a degree in accounting from Nashua Community College.

“I believe I can continue with the work we’ve started . . .upgrading the infrastructure and supporting community programs that benefit all residents,” she said in a statement.

Wilton has many challenges, but we also have opportunity. The Select Board needs to anticipate issues, mot just react. Bridges, roads and dams are in need of repair and our emergency services need our backing.

She is currently working with the Highway Building Committee to determine the needs of the department and assure they have a new building with an improved work environment.

She noted recent accomplishment: the Stagecoach Road Bridge, completion of Phase 2 of The Stony Brook Trail and a guard rail on Isaac Frye Highway.

“I believe the role of a Select Board member is to be a good listener. It’s also about sound decision making based on available information. I operate off facts, not rumors. What drives me is the desire to build a strong community and to do what is right and smart for our town’s future.”

DJ GARCIA

DJ Garcia has lived in town for ten years, is the owner of Wilton House of Pizza and other properties, and has a degree in finance. He is currently town treasurer, serves on the Budget Committee, and hosts a regular podcast based on the business of Wilton. He is a community activist “dedicated to the growth and success of Wilton.”

He sees two main issues facing the town: Community involvement and engagement and growing the town’s commercial business community.

He said in a statement: “I have been a consistent participant in regular town meetings and committees and it discourages me that so few people are involved.” After being separated by Covid, “We need more outreach to our citizens, involvement with the schools, events to bring people together, awareness brought to our businesses, tourism of our beautiful town and new residents to move in.”

He noted, “Town politics influences our daily lives so spending time improving it is the best way to positively affect our community.”

On growing the commercial business community, he said, “I have witnessed the closure of Label Art, PepDirect, Burbak, Intervale Hardware as well as numerous restaurants and shops over the past ten years. Sadly, there are very few new businesses that have come in to replace them. I am encouragde by the recent growth on Main Street, but we need more. Wilton has a reputation as bad for business and I hope to change that by working with other town committees, existing businesses, and citizens to grow a commercial footprint. We need a reason for people to come to Wilton and spend money, engage with our amazing community and tell their friends to visit.”

He suggests the development of the 101 corridor as a way to do that. “Attract new business partners who can capitalize on the travelers and locals alike. We should also encourage the repurposing of existing real estate to be viable locations for businesses to operate. It is time to bring new ideas and opportunities to Wilton.

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WILLIAM CONDRA

A long-time resident and former selectman, Bill Condra said, “I felt like I wanted to get involved again. I took a break from town business.”

He served as the town’s building inspector for years, and now does the same for the town of Hollis.

He said he was concerned about the atmosphere on the current board. “With all the adversarial posturing, I felt I had something to offer. But I will support whoever is elected.”

The biggest problem right now, he said, “is the effect of Covid-19. You can’t just walk into town hall and talk to people. I’d like to see us get back to business a usual. It’s time to move along,” he added. Get things done.

Voting will take place on Tuesday, March 8, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the high school.