Patch Candidate Profile: Barry Rickert, Danbury City Council

DANBURY, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Danbury and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Danbury Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Retired Danbury fire marshal Barry Rickert, 70, is running for a seat on the City Council-at-Large as a Democrat. He is a graduate of Norwalk State Technical College, and attended the National Fire Academy, Connecticut Fire Academy, and is a State of Connecticut Certified Fire Marshal. He has been married to Judith for 44 years, and the couple has three sons and six granddaughters.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes, Danbury Firefighter, 1973, Fire Marshal 1999-2008, Deputy State Fire Marshal, 2009-2010, Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Director, Town of Southbury, 2012 -2018.

Why are you seeking this office?

To give back to my hometown. Born, raised, educated, worked, married, raised 3 sons here. I have seen many changes and improvements. Lived thru the great floods of 1955. Witnessed the decline of the hatting industry and the rise of the technological advances in our businesses and workforce. Witnessed the end of the Great Danbury State Fair, 1981 and the opening of one of the largest retail locations in New England, the Danbury Fair Mall.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Transparency. When agreements are made concerning the City of Danbury and our constituents, they must be made public with a full accounting of what we vote on and what is done. I intend to hold regular "Town Hall" meetings throughout the City to gather feedback, address questions and concerns, and allow our constituents a "one on one" contact with their elected officials.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I would bring a fresh perspective to the issues we face on a regular basis. I have extensive experience working at/with the local, state, and federal entities, that we as a City must interact with on a regular basis. I also have worked with Non-Government Agencies, Non-Profits, and Civic Organizations. My multidisciplinary perspective helps me see challenges in unique ways. It's a different world. We must think differently and act responsibly. It will take patience and a consensus to move forward. President Teddy Roosevelt once said, "The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people." Communication is the first step in that process. I will always maintain an open line of communication.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I will not judge the incumbent(s) in this position. The voters will on election day.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Overcrowded schools, poorly maintained roads, taxes, and our long term goals as a community. How we interact with surrounding communities and access funding thru the State of Connecticut and the Federal Government. We must never assume anything of others that may have an impact, direct or indirect, on our City.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Developed and implemented a Citywide Fire Safety Program that saved property and lives. Partnered with local civic organizations and the insurance industry to promote fire safety at home, at work, at school and at play resulting in a marked decrease in fire related incidents. Working together for a common goal is the key to success. Our record stands for itself.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do it right or don't do it at all. I plan on doing it right.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Having worked in Municipal and State Government, for 6 Mayors, 2 Selectmen, 2 Governors, and 8 Fire Chiefs I have proven that I can and will work "across the aisle" to get the job done. Communication is critical, education the key.