Election Day is Tuesday, November 2 with voting from 6am to 8pm at Yanity Gym, East Ridge Middle School, and Scotts Ridge Middle School. Absentee ballots will be mailed out around October 5.
Visit Ridgefield Registrar of Voters online here for additional information.
Here at HamletHub in Ridgefield, we will introduce both the democratic and republican candidates.
Marcie Coffin - Police Commission
I have lived in Ridgefield for almost 25 years with my husband Peter who grew up in Ridgefield and we have two college age boys. I have worked at Fairfield County Bank for over 20 years and currently serve as their Risk Management Officer. I have enjoyed volunteering with many organizations in town over the years including RVNA Health, the Ridgefield Library, SPHERE and Sunrise Cottage. In 2014 Peter and were honored to be chosen by the Rotary Club as Ridgefield’s Citizens of the Year.
What are the main issues facing the Police Commission?
Although the pandemic has lessened traffic slightly, traffic continues to be something that needs to be addressed. I am hopeful the Main Street project will solve many problems, but the Board of Police Commissioners needs to continue to monitor and address traffic matters to the best of our ability and with assistance from the State of Connecticut.
While not currently an issue, we need to ensure our Officers receive the training necessary to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Body and dashboard cameras are in the process of being implemented within the department. Not only is training required during the implementation phase, but also periodically after implementation to ensure proper use for the protection of the officers and the citizens. We are fortunate that we live in a town that does not frequently see violent disturbances, however our officers need to be prepared at all times to deal with any type of incident. Continuing our tradition of conducting training in all the various types of crisis incidents will ensure our officers have the knowledge and tools they need in the event needed.
Why are you the right candidate for the Police Commission this year?
I have been a member of the Board of Police Commissioners for the past 10 years so I am familiar with the position and the responsibilities associated with the position. My job as Risk Officer for Fairfield County Bank has trained me to have a heightened awareness for compliance related matters. Also, my stepfather was a police officer for over 30 years which allowed me to see firsthand the physical and emotional stresses the job places on the officers. I admire and appreciate all the officers at the Ridgefield Police Department and enjoy working with the Chief in ensuring the officers have the resources and support they need to help them be the outstanding officers that they are.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
After careful planning and review I hope the town can build a public safety building to house both the police and fire departments. I understand this is a significant expenditure for the town, but one that is necessary for the continued safety of our residents and one that will benefit the town for 50+ years.
Patrick Walsh - Police Commission
I am a lifelong resident of Ridgefield. My wife, Kathleen, and I have four beautiful children, three daughters and a son. I have had the pleasure to serve Ridgefield as an appointed and elected official for fifteen years. In the past, I have served our community for three (3) years on the Zoning Board of Appeals and then twelve (12) years as a Planning and Zoning / Inland Wetland Commissioner and lastly as a member of the Charter Revision Committee. It has been an honor and a privilege to give back to our community and I hope to continue serving our community as Police Commissioner.
I have been in private practice with the law firm of Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP for 25 years and have extensive experience in civil and criminal law. I am confident my 25 years of experience handling a wide range of civil and criminal matters will serve Ridgefield well as Police Commissioner.
Policing is one of the most important issues facing every community and Ridgefield is no different. Policing has changed dramatically from when I grew up, changes that have made our community safer. As a civilian review board, the Police Commission is responsible for management and supervision of the police department, town property and equipment used by the police department. The Commission hires, promotes, and terminates police officers and other members of the police department. The Commission also acts as the town’s traffic authority. These responsibilities are essential as elected officials set the rules and regulations to ensure the department is working at its best for Ridgefield.
The Commission is facing a number of critical issues that affect the Department. The Commission will be overseeing the location, design and construction of a much needed police facility if approved. The Commission is currently working with the Department on the new body cameras all officers will be equipped with and the new dashboard cameras to be installed in the police cruisers. These extremely important matters will ultimately effect policing in Ridgefield for decades to come and it is essential that the public, through their elected Commissioners, have a voice in how the police department will satisfy their needs.
Having served our community on several Boards and Commissions I know and appreciate the responsibility elected officials have and the importance of community trust in their decision-making. My college undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, my legal background and my experience as an elected official make me uniquely qualified to guide the police department as your representative.