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 Kory Salomone, Candidate for Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board
What office are you running for and why?
I am running for Inland Wetlands Board. There has been considerable growth in Ridgefield over the past several years, and with that growth, there may be unintended consequences, such as negative impacts to our wetlands, watercourses, and aquifers. My experience as a land use and zoning attorney will be useful as an IWB member, to ensure that Ridgefield’s wetlands are protected from unnecessary and undesirable changes associated with development.
What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected on November 5th?
If elected to the IWB on November 5th, I hope to achieve two goals. First and foremost, I will focus on protecting the Ridgefield’s wetlands, watercourses, and aquifers from any negative impacts associated with development projects. Where certain impacts are unavoidable, I will ensure that developers put mitigation measures in place to offset those impacts. Second, I will strive to create an atmosphere at IWB meetings and hearings that encourages local residents to become active participants in the application review process.
Biggest crisis facing our Town?
“Crisis” is a word that inspires fear, and fear can interfere with sound judgment and decision making. To imply that Ridgefield is facing a crisis seems to be a bit of hyperbole. Ridgefield is consistently voted as one of the safest and most desirable towns in Connecticut, and my own personal experience living in Ridgefield supports that finding. That said, every town has issues that must be addressed. For example, the issue of “overdevelopment” is one that is consistently controversial. Development and growth can be positive forces that enhance a town for its residents. We must remember that some of our most cherished town resources, the Playhouse, the Aldrich, etc. were once new development projects. The issue to be addressed is how Ridgefield can grow as a community. The Norman Rockwell-esque character of Ridgefield’s downtown and our significant open space are a testament to how well our town leaders have guided Ridgefield’s growth through the years. Some recent developments and proposals that deviate from the norm have rightfully drawn the attention of residents. If elected to the Inland Wetlands Board, I will be dedicated to working with residents, applicants, and other boards with approval jurisdiction to ensure that we play our part in protecting our wetlands and watercourses and, in doing so, protect the character of our community.
Name a few of your favorite books
Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals”
Ken Kesey’s “Sometime a Great Notion”
Edward Abbey’s “Desert Solitaire”
Name a person (dead or alive) who you look up to
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.
-
What office are you running for and why
-
What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected on November 5th?
-
Tell me about your current involvement in Ridgefield (include nonprofits)
-
Biggest crisis facing our Town?
-
Name a few of your favorite books
-
Name a person (dead or alive) who you look up to
Learn more here.