Wilton Candidate Profile: Mike Kaelin For Board of Finance

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.

Mike Kaelin, 60, is running for a seat on the Board of Finance as a Democrat. He has been an attorney for 34 years, and has previously served Wilton on the Board of Selectmen from December 2014 through June 2018.

Kaelin lives in Wilton with his wife, Carol. His four children, ages 31, 28, 26 and 22, all grew up in town.

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

Making the town a more attractive place to live and work for a more diverse demographic. First, I am working to elect people to all the boards and commissions that represent a more diverse demographic so that we can enact and implement policies that will attract a more diverse demographic, such as investing more in our schools and more in town amenities that will attract people who do not have children in the schools; and working with the Board of Selectmen and Planning and Zoning Commission to create more housing alternatives.

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

The critical difference between me and the Republican candidates is our view of the role of the Board of Finance. I view my role as a member of the Board of Finance as representing the needs and wants of all the people who live and work in the Town of Wilton. I do not believe members of the Board of Finance should let their own personal views override the views of the people who elect them.

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

I do not think in terms of MY past accomplishments. I think in terms of OUR past accomplishments. I am a team player and never think I have all the answers. Whatever successes I have been a part of are the result of a total team effort.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Consensus building and collaboration.

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

I believe in the Town of Wilton and I am running for the Board of Finance to do what I can to make it an even better place to live and work.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

You learn more from listening to people than talking to people.