Patch Candidate Profile: Timothy Birch, 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.

Attorney Timothy Birch, 65, is running for election to the Wilton Board of Finance as a Democrat.

Education.

Muhlenberg College, AB with honors in History; Boston University School of Law, JD, Paul J. Liacos Scholar; Xavier University, MA in History

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My wife is Catherine Birch. She is Senior VP and Assistant General Counsel at Webster Bank. We have been married for 33 years. We have 2 sons, Alex is a civil engineer and works outside San Diego for a regional construction company. He and his fiance, Francesca Blanch, are to be married in November. Alex is a WHS graduate and attended Villanova University. Chris is a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University pursuing a Ph.D in Chemistry. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and Choate Rosemary Hall.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I was the head of the transition team for attorney general William Tong; I am the AG designee on the Opioid Settlement Advisory Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have been a resident of Wilton for over 30 years. We have been involved with a variety of organizations in Wilton. In that time my personal opinion is that we have failed to develop a strategic plan for the town to develop commercial space and for housing. Last year, I could not understand the reduction in the BOE budget given the importance of our schools. I think I can bring a perspective to the BOF based on my extensive experience in the review and analysis of financial statements in my role as counsel.

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

Maintaining the preeminent school system while not overburdening our residential taxpayers. In order to complete this task, we need to build a stronger commercial base and recognize the levers we have within the budget to allow the BOE and BOF to develop a budget which provides the school system with the necessary funding. This requires planning not just for 2024 but for 3-5 years thereafter.

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

I am not a financial planner or a person who works in finance for a company or a fund. I am an experienced attorney who has worked with private and public companies and spent a great deal of time analyzing financial statements as counsel, executive officer and board member. In my role, I have also assisted in developing strategic plans for profit and not for profit entities.

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

The issues that I believe are the most pressing are (i) developing a strategic plan for the town to grow and develop commercial space and plan for the town's housing needs, (ii) work together to develop a budgets for the town and BOE that enhances the school system and its programs, and (iii) provide a greater level of transparency for voters on the budget and the choices made so they can understand both the process and the results.

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

My clients and companies have worked for have vested me with substantial responsibility in assisting them in organizing and running their businesses. My 40-year tenure as a successful business lawyer is an indication of my abilities to handle this position.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen carefully, work collaboratively and rely on your best judgment.

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

I love living in this town. For the last 30+ years I have never wanted to live and raise my children anywhere else. I am passionate about my desire to work with other members of the BOF, BOE and BOS and develop a vision for our town.