It is all about Leadership at the end of the day.  Not about following, delaying, avoiding, hedging, or finger-pointing, but rather leading.  Our town’s charter authorizes leadership when it defines the First Selectman as the full-time chief executive and administrative officer of the town.  Two areas desperately needing leadership are the Bennetts Farm property and Economic Development.

Bennetts Pond
The 156 acres comprising the south parcel of land in Bennetts Farm have remained in virtual limbo since September 25, 2001 when Ridgefielders cast 3,400 “yes” votes versus 1,300 “no” votes at referendum to acquire this property.  More than 6 years have passed and there’s no end in sight.  This is not leadership.  The First Selectman’s own words, taken from approved meeting minutes of 10/3/01, state “… there was a clear mandate from citizens of Ridgefield to move forward on the project”.  Why then, the lack of traction over the last 6 years?  More importantly, what actions can now be taken to get us moving forward beyond the “starting line”?

In the interim, legal expenses have mounted and land appreciation has driven up the cost of any settlement on this property.  Legal costs paid to date on the south parcel are $530,000, excluding pending invoices and costs into 2008.  This amount exceeds legal costs incurred to settle the north parcel by 39%, a parcel 3 times the size of the southern parcel.

To date, considerable time has passed, various strategies employed, over $13 million expended on Bennetts Pond property, and no deliverable concluded on a “mandate” passed by voters September 25, 2001.

We should direct our counsel to fast-track the federal litigation, and after we win, I will go to voters for the additional funds necessary to acquire the property zoned for corporate development.  I will then work closely with our dedicated Planning & Zoning Commission to develop a plan for the property that both preserves its uniqueness while generating substantial tax revenues for our town.

Economic Development
We should not wait 4 years to establish and fund an economic development commission upon learning our second largest corporate neighbor, Schlumberger, announces its departure after decades in Ridgefield.  The commission was established as late as July 2006 and minimally funded with $30,000 in December 2006.  Its request for $75,000 this year was rejected by the Selectman leaving only the same $30,000 funding with which to “market” our town to prospective corporate clients.  A more serious and sustained commitment is needed to bolster our commercial tax base, providing residents needed tax relief.

We should not commission year-long studies as a tactic in delaying critical decision-making on topics where there is a risk of being politically unpopular. We will not consume ourselves with winning future elections; rather, our focus will be delivering results, value and service to Ridgefielders.

We should work collaboratively with boards, citizens, area businesses and town employees.  We will actively solicit input, welcome debate and opposing views.  I will proactively engage state, local and federal government representatives on issues impacting Ridgefielders.  We will embrace good ideas even if not my own. Lastly, I will respect the positions and opinions of all individuals especially if they differ from mine.