Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Phil Wilhelmy.
SEYMOUR — Selectman Phil Wilhelmy, III, who recently retired after a 33-year career with Metro-North Railroad, is on track to run for the town’s top office.
Wilhelmy, 60, announced his intention to run for First Selectman Wednesday (May 3) before a crowd of supporters, including Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, at Olive and Oils Restaurant on Roosevelt Drive.
Wilhelmy will now seek a formal nomination from the Democratic Town Committee (DTC), of which he is the chairman, when the DTC holds its caucus later this summer.
A 1981 graduate of Seymour High School, Wilhelmy was appointed to a seat on the Seymour Board of Selectpersons in January, replacing former Selectman Chris Bowen, who resigned because he moved out of state. Wilhelmy served as Deputy First Selectman under former First Selectman Paul Roy, and has served as chairman of several town boards and commissions over the years.
Wilhelmy said he wants to help the town.
“My parents instilled in me the importance of giving back, to recognize the needs of others, appreciate what you have and do what you can,” Wilhelmy told The Valley Indy in an interview last week.
Wilhelmy mentioned his support system — his wife, Maureen, of 32 years, his three grown children, and two granddaughters — and said he’ll bring that same passion for his family to the residents of his hometown.
“I’ve been involved in public service for more than 30 years, worked on several (municipal) campaigns and through my work I’ve learned leadership and learned how to make difficult, high-pressure decisions,” Wilhelmy said. “I recently took over the chairmanship of the Democratic Town Committee and I did so with the full commitment to put together a full slate of candidates for the 2023 election.”
Seymour Democrats haven’t had a challenger for the town’s top seat since 2015.
One of the biggest talking points for his campaign, Wihelmy said, is taxes.
“None of us want higher taxes, and working on the annual budget must never rest, because working on the budget, and taxes and services for our town is a year’ round, never ending job,” he said.
Wilhelmy also said when it comes to contractual obligations, there’s always room for negotiations.
“Contractual and obligatory financial responsibilities can never be followed by the idea that ‘we cannot do anything about that’ that is simply not true,” he said “We must work on it continually before they become contracts or closed obligations.”
First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis announced her plans to seek re-election in January.
“I believe giving our residents a choice is part of the democratic process, and I welcome anyone wishing to run,” Drugonis said.
