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 Richard Moccia, Candidate for Ridgefield First Selectman
What office are you running for and why?
I am running for First Selectman. The primary reason I am running for First Selectman is that I believe that Ridgefield is on the verge of losing its small-town charm. Between the lack of a coherent development plan that protects our residential neighborhoods, to the increase in traffic, which will be exacerbated if Rudy Marconi’s dream of tolls ever becomes a reality, to the rising sewer use fees, Ridgefield is on the verge of becoming a city. I was mayor of a big city and I know what a big city looks like. I am worried that the current incumbent is trying to become the Chief Executive of a city. The biggest difference between my and Mr. Marconi’s governing style is that he wants to make Ridgefield a city, I want to keep Ridgefield a town.
What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected on November 5th?
As First Selectman, I would make our infrastructure a priority. I would direct our Public Services Director and Town Engineer to develop both short and long-term maintenance plans for our roads, which are in terrible shape, as well as our municipal and school buildings which, according to a Democratic Board of Education member, are crumbling. In addition, I will work with the legislature and other Chief Elected Officials to rewrite the affordable housing legislation. The current legislation is a one size fits all law, that is meant to work the same in Danbury and Bridgeport as it does in Ridgefield and other small towns. This makes for an unworkable law whose only real purpose is the developer’s profits.
Tell me about your current involvement in Ridgefield
I currently serve on the Ridgefield Board of Finance. I am a former member of the Ridgefield Parking Authority. Presently, I am active in the Ridgefield Men's Club as well as Founders Hall.
There are multi-layered problems that, if we continue to kick the can down the road on, will force Ridgefield to continue moving in the wrong direction. Ridgefield must maintain the small-town qualities that have survived since Ridgefield was founded in 1708. Forcing Ridgefield into a city atmosphere will further depress our already depressed property values while removing the Ridgefield charm that we all love.
Name a few of your favorite books
I am a fan of Bill O' Reilly's Historical Novels. Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln, to name a few, are among my favorite. I have read the entire series.
Name a person (dead or alive) who you look up to
Actually there are two people who I admire greatly. Ronald Reagan, because of his leadership to restore our national pride and our economy and, together with other world leaders, brought down the Berlin Wall. Also, Winston Churchill, whose leadership during World War II was the driving force that saved the world. Both were men of great principles and beliefs and who were not afraid to lead, even when people questioned the direction they were headed.
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.