Wilton Candidate Profile: Melissa-Jean Rotini For P&Z Board

WILTON, CT — The 2019 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.

Melissa-Jean Rotini, 40, is running for re-election to her seat on the Planning & Zoning Board as an unaffiliated candidate. She received a bachelor's degree from Fordham University, and her law degree from the Syracuse University College of Law. She has been twice appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission, and was appointed to the Economic Development Commission, which she also chaired.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

As pertains to Planning & Zoning, Wilton is facing a challenge to balance the desire and need for development with the importance of maintaining its historical and natural assets. Thorough review of applications and revitalization of the zoning regulations, to ensure balance between these often competing interests is necessary. I will continue to engage in such activities and continue to seek more detailed health and safety reviews of applications on behalf of our residents.

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

My vast experience working with planning, public works, fire, police, public utility, and environmental facilities departments, coupled with my legal experience, puts me in a unique position to review applications and regulations. I am a strong advocate for having the voices of our residents heard, and consistently focus on health and safety reviews in applications. Elected members of the Commission have twice appointed me to fill vacancies on the Commission based upon my experience.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

If elected to stay on the Commission, I intend to seek formalization of the EIS requirements within the Zoning Regulations in order to ensure thorough health and safety reviews. I will also work to implement the POCD, including undertaking a planning process to review the zoning regulations.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My husband and I moved to Town more than 12 years ago because we liked the beautiful setting and community. Since then, my husband and I have had two wonderful daughters who attend Miller-Driscoll and participate in our Town's sports and private dance activities. In addition to sitting on Planning & Zoning, I have sat on two School District Committees and am active in the PTA, chairing two events and acting as a room mom.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Not as much advice, but the example of dedication and hard work from my mother.