My name is Molly McGeehin and I want to be Ridgefield’s next Town Treasurer.
Ridgefield’s budget for the 2015/2016 fiscal year approximates $135 million ($86 million for the BOE, $34 million for the Town, $12 million in debt service, and $3 million allocated to road paving). Given the significance of annual expenditures, I believe it is in the best interest of Ridgefield residents to elect a seasoned professional with the financial education and work history to manage the Town’s funds. I am that person.
I believe it is imperative for the Town Treasurer to communicate with the members of the Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen and the Town Controller in order to maximize the earning potential of the Town’s $16 million Fund Balance while safeguarding the principal from market fluctuations. I intend to open and maintain those channels of communication.
To that end, cash flow analysis reports must be created, distributed and scrutinized on a regular basis to ensure that Town funds are working up to their full potential. In addition, an investment policy needs to be developed so investment activities provide for, first and foremost, the safety of principal, as well as sufficient liquidity to support operations while generating a reasonable investment yield. As well, existing banking relationships need to be reviewed with a fresh perspective and appropriate governance procedures need to be implemented to ensure that Ridgefield tax dollars are being spent appropriately.
As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Masters of Business Administration in Finance and extensive real-world business experiences, I believe my credentials make me the right candidate for Town Treasurer. I have owned my own company since 1996 where my responsibilities included creating and developing cash flow and investment analyses to fit specific client needs. For more than a decade, I have had the opportunity to interact with the Town Controller, Board of Finance members, and the Town’s independent auditors while serving as a financial professional for the Ridgefield Library.
During the past month, I met separately with the chairman of the Board of Finance, the First Selectman and the Town Controller to determine their needs. I am committed to maintain scheduled office hours, actively participate in town meetings, provide appropriate fiscal reports and analyses, and work transparently for the best interests of our community on a non-partisan basis.
My guiding principles will be accountability, collaboration and communication—Ridgefield deserves nothing less!
Please vote for me, Molly McGeehin, CPA, for Treasurer on November 3rd.