State Representative John Frey (R- Ridgefield) announced he has co-sponsored legislation that will strengthen administrative and criminal penalties for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, ban open containers in vehicles and tightens restrictions on teen drivers.
Teen driving and driving while intoxicated are among the issues under consideration by the General Assembly’s […]

HARTFORD – State Rep. John Frey, (R-111th District) today expressed disappointment with the massive tax bills heard at a public hearing yesterday in the Legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. “In my ten years on the Finance Committee, I have never heard such unrealistic and misguided proposed tax increases,” he said.
Rep. Frey, who is a […]

The time has come for the Board of Finance to deliberate on the 2008 Budget. The following financial indicators are on my mind: spending, tax burden, debt burden and available revenue sources.
Spending
Our annual town spending continues to outpace the annual growth in tax revenues, the Grand list. Grand list growth is generated whenever residents and […]

A Transparent Education
On February 11th, the Board of Education endorsed a school budget by a vote of 7 to 2 thus resulting in a 7.3% increase over last year.  This vote need not have taken place until February 14th – providing for another three days of thoughtful deliberation.  This is typical of a Board where […]

I consider living in Ridgefield an enormous privilege.  It is a privilege to be a part of its rich history.  It is a privilege to be a part of its vibrant present. It’s a privilege to believe I’ll be a part of its promising future.
As a parent, I am continually challenged to budget my income […]

Our Town has an enormous amount of debt – outstanding bonds to be paid off. The school bundle, as I’m sure you know, being the largest portion of that debt.
Some time ago, Republican Selectman Andy Bodner suggested we both continue to reduce that debt and also prioritize all known current and potential future requests to […]

Transparency In Government - The Right To Know
Times have changed and so have the needs of the Ridgefield voters.  There was a time when the majority of Ridgefield voters were home every night and the family always had the opportunity to discuss the day’s events.
That scenario no longer applies to the average Ridgefield household.  Today, […]

For most Ridgefield families, their house is the most expensive asset they will ever own. Many have made a financial sacrifice to purchase a home here and to live in a town that offers so much. Although it’s cold comfort to the family whose monthly mortgage payments are a huge drain, we should remember […]

Now that the elections are well over and a new year is upon us, it’s time to get back to our local issues, problems and challenges.
I think that we all recognize that the transportation systems throughout much of the United States are overtaxed and Fairfield County is no exception … it might even be the […]

Fall is in the air. Ridgefield’s leaves have changed color and the first frost of the season is upon us. Yes, my fellow citizens, it is election time once again.
As Chairman of the Republican Town Committee, I am thrilled at the GOP’s slate of candidates standing for election on November 7th. From […]