Patch Candidate Profile: Rudy Escalante, Wilton Board of Finance

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.

Retired CEO of ICSA Software Rudy Escalante, 69, is running for election to the Wilton Board of Finance as a Republican. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Yale University, and as been married to Diane for 40 years. The couple has a son who went through the Wilton School System from Kindergarten through high school and graduated from Wilton HS in 2006.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I was on the Wilton Pension Committee through 2021

Why are you seeking this office?

I want to give back to the town of Wilton where I have lived for over 30 years. We moved here, like many Wilton residents for the schools. They are the town’s greatest asset. I want to keep the schools among the best in the state. I want Wilton to continue to be fiscally responsible.

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

We have some very large cost pressures coming from our schools and the town services. This could lead to a significant increase in property taxes for many residents. We need to make sure we prioritize our expenses so programs that deserve funding get it but we do not overburden our citizens.

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

I have the experience to make a positive impact on the budget process. I have been the CEO of a multinational software company and just completed a two year stint as the President of the CT Yankee Council of the Boy Scouts. I understand the process of creating and managing budgets. There is always a push and pull between providing funding and fiscal responsibility. I know how to listen and work with everyone in a respectful manner to build a budget that will benefit the town of Wilton as a whole.

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

I feel the budgeting process has become political and harsh. My focus will be dialog and civility. I will talk with all constituents, the Board of Education, Board of Selectmen and the people of the town to make sure very one is heard and help build a consensus that benefits Wilton as a whole.

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

I was the CEO of a multinational software company for 16 years. I was the President of the CT Yankee Council of the Boy Scouts. I was a member of the Wilton Pension Committee. I have a degree in economics from Yale University. All of these experiences will help me with the primary role of the Board of Finance which is creating a budget where Wilton provides best in class services and is fiscally responsible.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen more than you speak

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

I am running for office to give back to the town. People can disagree on the priorities, but I want to work to build a consensus in a respectful and professional manner so the Town of Wilton wins in the end.