David L. Smith Running For Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat David L. Smith, 69, is running for Inland Wetlands Board in Ridgefield.

Occupation: Healthcare Executive

Family: Spouse: Sonya Singh-Smith, Connecticut State PTA President

Experience: None

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Preserving and maintaining Ridgefield's wetlands is critical since the watershed supplies many rivers and streams in the region. As a member of the Inland Wetlands Board I will follow the laws and regulations, ensure transparency of the IWB's review process, and review fairly the proposals that come before the Board.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am running unopposed for this position, but I believe my diverse background will be an asset to the IWB. I come from a large family that is passionate about conservation, greatly influenced by my father who was a soil scientist with the US Soil Conservation Service. In my professional career I routinely read, review, and interpret regulations. I have been involved in projects requiring wetlands review and I am skilled at balancing project plans with the need to preserve natural resources.

Accomplishments:

My conservation track record dates back to work I did early in my life with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and as a park ranger at a Pennsylvania state park. I have many years of board experience with a number of civic organizations and was honored for that service several years ago in Stamford. As a healthcare executive I have provided strategic leadership in managing complicated healthcare issues and projects. Therefore I have the ability to listen and make thoughtful recommendations and decisions.

Other issues:

Managing natural resources responsibly Ensuring transparency Understanding and applying the latest science Balancing wetlands protection with thoughtful economic development

What else would you like voters to know about you?

20-year resident of Ridgefield. More information about me and my candidacy can be found on the Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee website.