Our local Democratic candidates are uniformly exceptional, not least our dynamic women. Each deserves your vote.
Karen Sulzinsky has served on Board of Education (BOE) since 2011, with every student’s success as her singular goal. A parent and owner of a Ridgefield-based business, Karen is passionate about enhancing our schools, and attuned to taxpayer concerns. Universally acclaimed for her collaborative leadership, intelligence, approachability, and effectiveness, Karen is focused on balancing testing with meaningful learning, supporting teacher innovation, emphasizing healthy school climate, making Special Education more family-responsive and cost-effective, implementing elementary school foreign language instruction and adopting health-compatible bus schedules.
Fran Walton is passionate about education. Owing to her professional expertise, comprehensive perspective and volunteer work, Fran was appointed to fill a vacant BOE seat in 2015. Before settling in Ridgefield, Fran Walton worked as finance manager at University College London, the largest college in the University of London. In Ridgefield, Fran has volunteered extensively in our schools, serving as President of the Farmingville and East Ridge PTA’s, and Treasurer and Advocacy Rep at RHS. Fran is active in Ridgefield League of Women Voters, and volunteers via NCL with Sphere, Meals on Wheels, Keeler Tavern and other local organizations.
Serving since 2011, Jessica Mancini is member of the Board of Finance (BOF) majority that has paid down debt principle, reduced interest expenses, cut taxes, funded capital projects, maintained an optimal general fund balance and dramatically improved Ridgefield’s financial position, all while contending with the effects of the Great Recession. An exceptional performance in ordinary circumstances, under the conditions they faced it is near miraculous. Ridgefield native, mother of three, entrepreneur and local business owner, Jessica will work with partners Dave Ulmer and Paul Sutherland to keep our town fiscally sound.
Molly McGeehin’s qualifications for Town Treasurer are unmatched. A CPA with an MBA in Finance, “big eight” accounting experience, 11+ years as Ridgefield Library financial professional, and owner of Ridgefield Accounting Systems since 1996, Molly served as volunteer treasurer for numerous local organizations, including PTAs, booster club, RACE and Friends of Garden of Ideas. Molly’s collaborative, non-partisan efforts in Ridgefield resulted in unanimously adopted anti-idling rules and successful conservation efforts. As Town Treasurer, Molly will institute regular office hours, attend Board of Selectmen (BOS) and BOF meetings, and provide sophisticated guidance to effectively manage town finances.
Barbara Manners is a serial creator of beloved Ridgefield institutions – and a beloved Ridgefield institution in and of herself! Founder of Ridgefield Playhouse, CHIRP and Acoustic Celebration, a retired attorney and 18-year member of the BOS, Barbara’s many contributions have been integral to Ridgefield’s success.
On November 3, please elect Barbara Manners and Steve Zemo to constructively partner with First Selectman Rudy Marconi. Maintain Ridgefield’s healthy financial trajectory by “Keeping the Team” of Dave Ulmer, Jessica Mancini and Paul Sutherland for BOF. Strengthen accountability by electing Molly McGeehin as Town Treasurer. Safeguard and enhance Ridgefield Public Schools by electing Karen Sulzinsky, Fran Walton and Doug Silver to BOE.
Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee supplies this column.