Meet the Candidates: John Katz for Ridgefield Planning and Zoning Commission

Editor's note: HamletHub believes in democracy and we recently invited all Town of Ridgefield candidates to answer five questions, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about their candidacy, Town involvement, and reasons for seeking office. If you will be on the ballot on November 5, we'd love to hear from you! Please see the information on the bottom of this post regarding this Q&A opportunity. 

Meet John Katz

What office are you running for and why?

I am running for the Planning and Zoning Commission. I believe strongly that residential zoning needs to be protected while at the same time, accommodation must be made for appropriate business growth to give us a comfortable tax base. 

Tell me about your current involvement in Ridgefield

I have served on the P&Z for 41 years. I am also the head of the Ridgefield Youth Service Bureau, providing low or no-cost counseling to any Ridgefield family or individual needing it. I’ve done this for 35 years. My social workers are paid - I have never taken any payment.

I am also a 16-year member of the Ridgefield Community Coalition Against Substance Abuse, working with the First Selectman, Superintendent of Schools, Police Chief, and others to identify and reduce our Community's use of all mind-altering substances. 

I was a founding member of ROAR  (The Donofrio Animal Shelter) and continue my involvement with that organization.
 
Biggest crisis facing our Town?
 
I don’t see a “crisis”, per se. I do see a serious issue of increased intolerance in this (and other) communities, which needs to be identified, called out and dealt with head-on, lest it consumes our better instincts.
 
Name a person (dead or alive) who you look to?
 
I think this is a foolish question but, to answer it, Hank Williams.

Rules for candidates who wish to participate in our Q&A:

*Please answer 5 of the 6 questions.

*You MUST answer #1

*Please include a photo with your answers

*Please email to      Ridgefield@HamletHub.com 

We will publish your answers in Ridgefield HamletHub, on our social media pages, in our evening e-newsletter and Google News.

  1. What office are you running for and why

  2. What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected on November 5th?

  3. Tell me about your current involvement in Ridgefield (include nonprofits)

  4. Biggest crisis facing our Town?

  5. Name a few of your favorite books

  6. Name a person (dead or alive) who you look up to

 Learn more here.

R
Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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