Ridgefield First Selectman 2019 Election : Marconi Vs. Moccia

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Many first selectman races in Connecticut are between an incumbent and someone who has never been in charge of a town, but in Ridgefield the race is between a longtime incumbent and a candidate who is a relative newcomer to Ridgefield, but no stranger to managing a municipality. Longtime Democratic incumbent Rudy Marconi will face off against Republican Dick Moccia, a former four-term mayor of Norwalk.

The big theme of the election is on traffic and development in town and how to grow the grand list without compromising the town's charm that makes it a desirable place to live and raise a family.

Marconi is seeking re-election and has been first selectman for 20 years. He served on the Board of Selectman and Planning and Zoning Commission prior to becoming first selectman.

Marconi said the biggest issue in town is growing the grand list without sacrificing the town’s character.

“We have worked with landlords and merchants to keep Main Street vibrant,” Marconi told Patch. “And I am committed to seeing transit-oriented development in Branchville, which will provide economic growth and the kind of housing we need with immediate access to public transportation, limiting impact on roads.”

Marconi was born and raised in Ridgefield, which he said gives him an advantage to allow the town to grow without losing its charm.

“This is a very delicate balancing act and I am proud of the great things I helped bring to our town,” he said. “A good example of that balancing act is the library--a state of the art facility, but with the charm of the original Main St. building.”

Going forward, Marconi said if he is re-elected he will focus on getting the town new police and fire headquarters because both have become hopelessly antiquated. A traffic flow solution is also underway for Main Street.

“During my tenure, we have rebuilt the schools; added 600+ acres of open space, protecting them from development; maintained strong finances; added the Rec Center and Founders Hall; led the state in emergency planning; and grown the town into a thriving center for arts and culture,” Marconi said. “We are repeatedly recognized as the best town of our size in Connecticut!”

Republican Dick Moccia has been a resident in Ridgefield for five years and is a former four-term mayor for the City of Norwalk. The city had a AAA bond rating under his tenure.

"I want to improve the quality of life,” he said on his campaign website. “The chief elected official should be in a position to use their influence to set policies and work with various agencies to address the issues."

Moccia said he is concerned about traffic and businesses attempting to intrude into residential areas.

He is a current member of the Ridgefield Board of Finance and has served on the town parking authority.

He was honored by the United Way of Fairfield County for his efforts to end homelessness in Norwalk. He was also honored by the Malta House for efforts to help single mothers. He also helped the Liberation House get approval for people who are trying to overcome substance addiction.