Meet the Candidates: Rudy Marconi for Ridgefield First Selectman

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. 

Rudy Marconi, Candidate for Re-election, First Selectman

Which office are you running for and why?

I’m running for re-election as first selectman for a simple reason: I love Ridgefield and I love my job. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far during my service as first selectman: rebuilding our schools; preventing large-scale development; adding 600+ acres of open space; fostering the Rec Center, Founders Hall, the Ridgefield Playhouse and ACT of Connecticut; making our emergency planning the state’s best and our town one of the safest in the nation; staying financially strong. But there’s more to do. I am committed to smart, well-managed growth—protecting our small-town quality of life while fostering the economic development we need to keep our taxes down.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected November 5th

Our biggest challenge is to manage growth in a way that protects the unique character of Ridgefield. It’s necessary to grow—otherwise, the grand list plummets and taxes skyrocket. I have worked hard to make sure we grow in the most responsible way. I have helped protect large areas of town from overdevelopment. I have been working with the state to improve the flow of traffic. (Our 2020-21 Main Street program is a good example of how we are addressing congestion while still preserving Main Street.) We’ve worked with landlords and merchants to keep Main Street vibrant. And I am committed to seeing transit-oriented development in Branchville, which will provide economic growth and the kind of housing we need—with immediate access to public transportation, limiting impact on roads. I have also been working with our Affordable Housing Committee to explore a local alternative to 8-30g—the State’s mandated program.

Tell me about your current involvement in Ridgefield

Where to begin? Since my wife, Peggy, and I returned to my hometown over thirty years ago to raise our family, I’ve been involved in everything from schools to sports to the arts and more. As First Selectman, I’ve had the unique privilege of being involved with our seniors through Ballard Green, the Owls, and Founders Hall; our youth through Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts, the schools, the fight against drugs and alcohol. I attend as many philanthropic events as I can, and I am a big supporter of the arts and cultural aspects of the town—I especially enjoy being in the Nutcracker at the Playhouse every year as well as attending our own Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. One of the most important initiatives I’m currently involved in is Compassionate Ridgefield—an effort to focus on caring for each other. In Ridgefield, we’re all in this together. But a cause very close to my heart is the fundraising my wife does in support of breast cancer and for Ann’s Place—breast cancer is only one of the cancers that affect so many families in Ridgefield.

Biggest crisis facing our Town?

Our greatest crisis involves drug addiction. Each year we tragically lose Ridgefielders to the opiate epidemic, and I am working hard not just on prevention but on treatment—making sure there are adequate facilities and resources available to help our families and neighbors. Beyond that, we have no crises—just challenges. For example, we are going to need a new police and fire headquarters. Both current buildings are hopelessly antiquated and will eventually limit our ability to provide vital services. It’s time to start planning for modern facilities. Keeping Ridgefield safe is my number one priority.

Name a few of your favorite books

Hmmm, right now I’m reading the Ridgefield Town Charter, the Connecticut State Statutes and the Plan of Conservation of Development! When I’m visiting my grandchildren, I’m reading a kid’s book (Where’s Waldo and Dr. Seuss)!!! But for my personal reading I’ve taken an interest in Abraham Lincoln. I’m reading Lincoln’s Gamble by Ridgefielder Todd Brewster. I also started Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson.

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

My father. He was a good, positive and honest man who always said, “If you don’t lie, you never have to worry about what you said.” I try to live up to the standards he set for me.

Learn more about Rudy Marconi here

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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.