Ridgefield Candidate Profile: Patricia Sesto For Inland Wetlands

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The 2019 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.

Patricia Sesto is running for the Inland Wetlands Board as a Republican. She works as an environmental analyst for the Town of Greenwich.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Previously a Ridgefield Conservation Commissioner, Currently Vice Chair of
the Interstate Environmental Commission

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and
this is what I intend to do about it.

With regard to wetland and watercourse protection, the most pressing issue
is to fill a newly independent with qualified individuals to provide
appropriate balance to the protection of these resources with essential ecological
services.

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

For 33 years I have worked with the applicable state statutes to implement them based on sound legal and scientific expertise. As the director of wetland boards in Wilton and now Greenwich, I am keenly aware of how the statutes work, the board's jurisdictional boundaries, and how to protect and enhance wetlands and watercourses for the benefit of the community. This is not so much a difference from the other candidates, as a complement to their talents. With my experience, I will be able to step in and be ready to go with no learning curve.

I have been sitting at the table, so to speak, for 27 years. Prior to that, I was on the applicant's side of the table for 6 years. I am not fearful of challenging an applicant to put forth a plan to better protect wetlands and watercourse, and see the regulations as a means to compel balanced development.

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

I have the technical expertise to serve the town well in the capacity as a
IWB member and a clear understanding of the personal commitment that comes
with volunteering from direct experience.
In my volunteer and public service roles I contribute a solutions
oriented approach and a leadership style that is inclusive and
respectful.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Be fair and consistent

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Through a gubernatorial appointment, I have served on the Interstate Environmental Commission for 15 years. My volunteer work includes serving on the board of the Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail as their president; past member and chairman of the Weir Farm Stewardship Committee (15 years), and past member of the Ridgefield Conservation Commission (10 years).