The Town’s Form of Government Committee is transitioning from its research phase to one of decision-making as it seeks to discern what form of government will best serve Ridgefield residents in the future.
The Committee plans to make its recommendations to the Board of Selectpersons by July 1. Before then, it will hold public hearings, currently scheduled for Saturday, June 14 (10:30 AM) and Monday, June 16 (7 PM). The Committee also welcomes public comments at the beginning of each of its meetings, generally held on the first and third Monday of each month, 7 PM, in Town Hall’s large conference room. All meetings are livestreamed through the Town’s website. Committee meeting agendas and minutes are also posted there.
To better understand how various forms of government serve people, the Form of Government Committee has been meeting with elected leaders in other Connecticut towns. Some of those towns share Ridgefield’s Town Meeting/Board of Selectpersons form of government. Others have modified that form, or moved to different forms such as Town Councils with Mayors or Managers. Over the past nine months, the Committee has also consulted with representatives from various government advisory groups for their insights on best practices in our state and region. Committee members have also met with Ridgefield’s elected leaders and Town department heads.
One finding is clear: civic engagement is key to good governance. The Committee encourages all residents to stay informed of its progress and to express opinions at meetings, hearings, or in writing to torfoga@ridgefieldct.gov .