Ridgefield Election 2021 Profile: Elizabeth DiSalvo

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

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Elizabeth DiSalvo, 54, is running for Planning and Zoning Commission in Ridgefield.

Occupation: Architect

Experience: Historic Commission

Family in government: No

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

I feel the most pressing issue facing our town is housing. There is a strong need for affordable housing opportunities for many people in the town's demographic. These might include: seniors who have lived their entire lives in Ridgefield and wish to downsize and spend their retirement here, or young people who were raised in Ridgefield and would like to stay and start their own families here, to others who would like to live and work in Ridgefield but find themselves priced out. 8-30 g is complicated and controversial, and and my goal is to help the town find innovative and creative ways to encourage housing diversity without indiscriminately giving in to the pressures of 8-30g.

Accomplishments:

I have been a practicing architect for over 30 years. I was raised in the industry and as well as in Ridgefield. I have been involved in Town committees and commissions for almost 15 years including the Historic Commission and a citizens group called 'Smarter Planning for Ridgefield.' Through the latter group I have been involved in significant town decisions and debates regarding the Schlumberger Property and the Main Street enhancement projects. Through each of these endeavors I have learned a good deal about how the town functions and how decisions are made as well as how the town's people play a vital roll in these major decisions that shape our community.

Other issues:

I am a business owner in the town of Ridgefield. I employ 10 people. My architectural practice has been dedicated to sustainability since its inception in 2004. I have spent a dozen years as a RACE Committee (Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment) member (including 2 years as chair) and am currently a member of the Energy Task Force. These experiences have given me a very high level of awareness, along with skills, and to work toward making Ridgefield a more environmentally friendly town and in doing so save the town a lot of money in energy efficient upgrades.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I see my future roll on the P+Z board as an opportunity to involve other committees and boards, as well as the town Plan of Conservation and Development in the decisions that will come before us. Along with the other members of the P+Z our goal is to enhance communication, and integration and to promote team work in a non partisan way. Please read more about our platform at DTC website!