This is both a sad and a happy time for Ridgefield Republicans.  Sadly, our long time Republican State Senator, Judi Freedman, announced her retirement last month.  Judi served us for 22 years and accomplished many things for Ridgefield, the most important being the prevention of the devastation to our town that would have occurred if […]

What a difference a couple of years makes.
Two years ago, Ridgefield was mired in an endless series of school budget increases two and sometimes three times greater than the inflation rate. Those in town on fixed incomes, particularly our seniors, were worried they would soon be driven from their town. Change started two […]

Most families in Connecticut are feeling the pressure of today’s challenging economic times.  For those who believe that government can be part of the solution, recent goings on in our state capital aren’t very encouraging.  The Democratic majority in both the State House and Senate seem to believe that now is the perfect time to […]

Please write the Legislative Education Committee and tell them to take a mandate moratorium.  The issues they are tackling are addressable by local school boards when communities find funds.  We do not need one size fits all non solutions.
Last year, Hartford mandated In School Suspension (ISS) unless “the pupil being suspended poses such a danger […]

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 […]