Orange Candidate Profile: Ralph Okenquist For Board Of Selectmen

ORANGE, CT — Election day in Orange is drawing closer, and to help residents make an informed decision on Nov. 5, Orange Patch asked candidates for various elected offices to answer questions about their campaigns and the issues in town.

Ralph Okenquist is a Republican seeking re-election to the Board of Selectmen. The 79-year-old is in his ninth term on the board, and "served nine years on the Park and Recreation Commission, the last five as Chairman."

Okenquist is retired after serving in the United States Army and "34 years in the defense industry as a Business Manager at Avco Lycoming and Chandler Evans."

He is married to Mary Okenquist, and they have three grown children, Emily, Michael and David, and four grandchildren.

The single most pressing issue facing Orange is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I think the most pressing issue facing our town is ensuring fiscal responsibility. The unknown mandates imposed on towns and cities from the state government greatly impact formulating the town budget each year. I will use my financial background working with our First Selectman and the Board of Finance to properly manage our finances.

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

I believe my 34 years as a financial manager in the defense industry, 18 years as a Selectman, and 17 years as Chairman of the Capital Planning Committee have given me more experience to understand the budgeting process and implement fiscal responsible goals.