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 David Tatge, Candidate for Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board
What office are you running for and why
I am running for Ridgefield's newly created Inland Wetlands Board. Living in a beautiful, bountiful place like Ridgefield puts great obligations on those of us who have that good fortune. I want to apply my background in economics and a career in analytics and technology to the issues most important to Ridgefield. And I view the Inland Wetlands Board’s reason for being, and its obligation to the town, very simply – to protect what is irreplaceable.
What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected on November 5th?
Now that the Inland Wetlands Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission have been separated, I want to ensure two key principles. The first is that we make certain that all stakeholders have the opportunity to be heard regarding proposals for development, and make certain that the environmental, financial, and health impacts – such as safe drinking water – are fully addressed. At the same time, I want to see the citizens of Ridgefield benefit from thoughtful economic development, while we protect nearby wetland areas from unintended negative consequences.
Tell me about your current involvement in Ridgefield
I have been a member of the Board of Woodcock Nature Center and its Treasurer since 2015. I feel strongly that protected spaces are critical to the ecological health of our communities, and Woodcock proves that those spaces are a strong foundation for environmental education. I'm very proud to be a part of this wonderful organization and I'm very proud of the great experiences Woodcock provides kids through camps and educational programs.
Biggest crisis facing our Town?
Ridgefield is not facing a crisis. But Ridgefield is facing challenges, as all communities do. And we as a community need to pay close attention to our hydrologic systems and understand that their inter-connectedness means that any action taken in one part leads to consequences in others. The members of the Inland Wetlands Board have to understand and consider the latest science and data in its stewardship of inland wetlands and watercourses, and the risks to them, especially in a time when such things as water quality and extreme weather are having such an impact on our lives.
There’s a quote from National Geographic that sums it up well: “All the water that will ever be is, right now.” We can't make more.
Name a few of your favorite books
I just picked up Jaysen Greene's "Once More We Saw Stars" from Books on the Common, and expect it will be a great read. Donna Tartt's "The Goldfinch" and Ian McEwan's "Atonement" are two of my favorite novels. "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin about Lincoln's diverse and fractious cabinet is an object lesson in how to govern. And Ridgefielder Maurice Sendak's final book, "My Brother's Book" is just plain beautiful.
Name a person 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.
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What office are you running for and why
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What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected on November 5th?
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Tell me about your current involvement in Ridgefield (include nonprofits)
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Biggest crisis facing our Town?
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Name a few of your favorite books
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Name a person (dead or alive) who you look up to
Learn more here.