Patch Candidate Profile: David Ulmer, Ridgefield Board of Finance

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

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

Retired vice president for Planning at JetBlue, David Ulmer, 75, is running for re-election to the Ridgefield Board of Finance as a Democrat. He holds a BA in international studies from Bradley University, and an MA in international economics from the University of Denver's Graduate School of International Studies. He is married to Celeste.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Board of Finance member since 2003, Chair since 2012

Why are you seeking this office?

experience and command of municipal finances, ability to study budgets, present to voters, and passed while keeping taxes low

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

getting maximum value from municipal taxes. Continue to pass budgets, control debt servicing, and manage long term financial plans.

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

experience and historical perspective

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

listening to constituent input and issues

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

expertise in planning, forecasting, and strategic development

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

consumer preferences are more important than your own