Ridgefield Election 2021 Profile: Thomas Colin

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

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Thomas Colin, 54, is running for Ridgefield Board of Education in Ridgefield.

Occupation: Attorney/mediator/former Judge

Family: Married for 29 years with three children who went through the Ridgefield Public School System.

Experience: CT Superior Court Judge

Family in government: Yes, I have a brother who is a California Superior Court Judge.

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

It is imperative that Ridgefield's schools and children do not become victims of politics. If elected, I intend to do my best to keep the Board of Education focused on doing the right thing, in a fiscally responsible way, for the children and schools of Ridgefield, and without politics getting in the way.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am a former trial court judge, and current mediator/attorney who is trained in the art of listening carefully, analyzing complex legal and factual issues, and working to find creative sound solutions to important problems in a collaborative and cooperative manner after first considering all points of view.

Accomplishments:

My biggest accomplishments are my three children who, with the guidance of their parents, their wonderful Ridgefield schoolteachers and administrators, and the Ridgefield community, have become well-rounded, and compassionate and resilient young adults.

Other issues:

My platform can best be described as keeping children first, keeping politics out of education, using common sense, and doing the right thing for Ridgefield's students, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff and taxpayers.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have lived in Ridgefield for over 20 years. I am a passionate parent and law professor and problem solver who wants to give back to the town I love. I have coached hundreds of young athletes in various town sports and value Ridgefield's commitment to educational excellence and small town values. It would be an honor and privilege to serve as a member of the Ridgefield Board of Education.