Patch Candidate Profile: Annie Chochos, Wilton Board of Education

WILTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Wilton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Wilton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Sales/merchandising coordinator Annie Chochos, 49, is running for election to the Wilton Board of Education as a Republican. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in fashion buying and merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She and her husband Louie have been married for 12 years, and have a son Peter, 11, attending Cider Mill School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

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Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

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Why are you seeking this office?

I am passionate about our schools and our children's education. Serving my community has been a central part of my life in Wilton. I had the pleasure of serving in a leadership role as a PTA co-president at Miller-Driscoll Elementary School 2019-2021. Along with many volunteer roles surrounding our schools such as library rep, room rep, book fair, and a walkathon. I am dedicated to taking on a more extensive role and committed to our town's needs, wants, and concerns for our children's education.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Academic Excellence; I intend to advocate for higher achievement and also to help properly allocate our taxpayer's dollars and to be fiscally responsible. So, our Wilton residents get the best return on their investments in our schools. I will also seek to collaborate with clarity and accessibility with fellow BOE members, administrators, and constituents. This is important so our children will get the best benefits and the highest quality standards in our schools.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My steadfast dedication to serving Wilton. I value hard work while always keeping in mind the best interest of the Wilton family.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Enhance and improve communication. For example, a BOE Newsletter and a reminder to the town about regular and special meetings.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Responsible use of technology. Screen time breaks are vital. We need to evaluate the amount of time students are spending in front of a screen and replace it with thoughtful human interaction. AI brings challenges to teachers and schools. I would like to work on a solution to make a more balanced approach to these technologies. Child-centric approach. Making sure our town's resources are being properly allocated toward students' abilities and needs so they can thrive.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a PTA co-president for two years, I have learned how our school system works. I've been a part of many meetings with administrators and teachers. Also, I will continue to get to know Wilton's parents and their interests and concerns. I will always advocate for our Wilton families.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do not jump when it comes to big decisions. Make sure you have all the information to make a proper and the best decision.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Serving on a board I know how to be on a team with similar goals. Having gone through a pandemic as a PTA president I got to learn to pivot during a very uncertain time. Communication with families was at the forefront of the district and the PTA. We worked hand in hand with the administration to push out information. We all knew children were going to go to school in their homes, so the PTA board along with my co-president and I came up with wonderful ways for children's engagement in cyberspace and in other ways. It's amazing what wonderful things can happen when a group with the same interests works together.

Also, if there's anything I don't know I will seek out information and do research, always keeping my constituents in mind. I take this role very seriously and will do my very best to serve this wonderful community and home.