Patch Candidate Profile: Molly McGeehin, Ridgefield Town Treasurer

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.

Ridgefield Town Treasurer Molly McGeehin is running for re-election as a Democrat. She holds an MBA in finance and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She and her husband of 41 years have two sons who went through the Ridgefield Public Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No, I believe I am the first although my parents were representatives in their respective teacher and communications employee unions.

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

Since 2015, I have been the Ridgefield town treasurer, an elected position.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for re-election as town treasurer to continue making a positive impact in our town's finances which, in turn, directly affects every Ridgefield taxpayer. My most recent results include realizing an investment income budget surplus exceeding $1,000,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Earlier in my tenure, I instituted best practices for the Office of Treasurer including the creation of a policy and procedures manual. I have been able to deliver these results due to sound business judgement and acumen coupled with my educational background and experiences - Certified Public Accountant with an MBA in Finance and a BS in Accounting with more than thirty years of experience as a financial professional for both publicly and privately held companies and not-for-profit organizations.

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

I am of the opinion that Ridgefield is in an enviable position. While our community continually addresses all types of important matters, it is not facing any financial "pressing issues" at this time. We are a resilient community and have been able to successfully navigate challenges as they occur. This is a tribute to the strong and thoughtful leadership Ridgefield has enjoyed over many years and the "can do" spirit of its residents. By entering public service, I chose to be part of our community's solutions.

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

In this election cycle, I am running unopposed. However, it is important to vote for unopposed candidates as it is making a statement showing support for that candidate and the job they are doing.

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

While not really an "issue", I will continue to maximize investment returns while safeguarding taxpayer dollars.

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

In addition to holding the position of Ridgefield town treasurer for the past eight years, I am a certified public accountant and have been the sole proprietor of an accounting firm since 1996 while serving as the Ridgefield Library's financial director for almost a dozen years.

I earned and MBA in finance from the University of Connecticut and a BS in accounting from the University of Scranton, PA. During the 33 years my family and I have called Ridgefield home, I have and continue to be the treasurer of many not-for-profit/community/school organizations. I recently rolled off my two-year term as the treasurer of the Ridgefield Historical Society and am currently assisting the Pollinator Pathway and Norwalk River Watershed Association in their financial operations. In addition, I am very active in "Ridgefield Responds - Hope for Ukraine", an entity under the Town's Friends of Ridgefield Community Programs, Inc. organization.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and take an occasional risk." That advice led me to run for the Ridgefield Town Treasurer when the long-time incumbent was not running for reelection in 2015 - my first time seeking public office!

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

The office of Ridgefield Town Treasurer is a non-political, non-partisan position. My primary focus is on maximizing investment income while managing risk - an outcome we can all agree on!