Ridgefield Election 2021 Profile: Mariah Okrongly

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

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Mariah Okrongly, 34, is running for Planning & Zoning in Ridgefield.

Occupation: Environmental Program Director

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

Among the many issues that P&Z will face in the coming years, I plan to focus on the sustainable development of Ridgefield, so that our town can maintain the beautiful charm of downtown, grow in a thoughtful manner, and importantly, and preserve the qualities that provided me with a wonderful childhood.

Accomplishments:

As a member of Ridgefield’s Planning & Zoning Commission, I will bring my experience in operational and project management to drive the results we need to keep our town vibrant and evolving. I am currently the Program Director for a local environmental nonprofit focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural resources through innovative and fiscally responsible climate action goals. Prior to this experience, I was cofounder and COO of a startup in NYC that brought personalized video communications to educational institutions and nonprofits across the country. Key strengths of mine which have been critical throughout my professional career include communication, accessibility, and budgeting and project management. I will leverage these skill sets to help implement strategic long-term planning for Ridgefield while fostering transparency and respect for our engaged public community.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I grew up in Ridgefield and recently returned with my husband to raise our family here. I loved my childhood in Ridgefield and want my daughter to experience this amazing community. I am wholly committed to the future of our wonderful town.