Politics & Government

Ridgefield Republicans Carve Their Slate

Numerous issues confront Ridgefield's boards and commissions in the next two years.

Mark Langlois's profile picture
Mark Langlois, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Although the November election in Ridgefield doesn't include the Board of Selectmen, which is now a four-year term, many boards or commissions in town have their own issues of interest, said Republican Town Committee Chairman Robert Hebert.

Ridgefield voters will elect people to the Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission, Police Commission, Board of Assessment Appeals, and Zoning Board of Appeals. 

"There is an on-going issue of enrollment declining. That leads the town to consider closing a school. That's been a big issue that was on the back burner recently," said Hebert. "It will come up again."

The Republican Town Committee nominated the following people for the Board of Education.

  • John V. Palermo Jr.
  • Scott Mason
The affordable housing application process, which is largely governed by state law, will be an issue debated over the next two years by the town's Planning Department and Planning and Zoning commission, Hebert said. A second issue will be how the town allows its gateways to develop, the approaches to Ridgefield on Route 7 from Danbury to the north and on Route 7 in Branchville from the south.

"That's an on-going issue," Hebert said, what kinds of businesses will be allowed and how the curb cuts will be handled. A zone change opened up land for development near the Danbury line. "We'll be facing development on Route 7." 

Planning and Zoning Commission
  • Rebecca S. Muccheti
  • George A. Hanlon
  • Stephen D. Cole
Zoning Board of Appeals
  • Charles E. Creamer
Zoning Board of Appeals, alternate
  • Carson C. Fincham
An issue Ridgefield hasn't resolved to anyone's satisfaction is what to do with the Police Department's obsolete headquarters, Hebert said.

"Now may not be the right time, given that so many people are struggling, but the discussion will focus on what to do with an obsolete building. Do we build a new one?" Hebert asked.

Police Commission
  • Joseph S. Savino
  • Thomas F. Reynolds
  • Marianne B. Coffin
The Board of Finance.
  • Jill Bornstein
  • Marty Heiser
Board of Assessment Appeals
  • Robert R. Jewell
"I don't think there is one over-riding issue facing the town that will rally people to get out and vote," Hebert said. "Each commission has its own challenges it will be facing."

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Ridgefield