Why vote for Democrats?

Written by Susan D. Cocco
Monday, 02 November 2009 06:05

On Nov. 3, vote for the candidates who are on your side. That’s right, on your side.

The side of balancing taxes with town services. The side of neighbors who struggle to hold on to what’s left of the equity in their homes. The side of parents who believe that a “rush” to judgment on school reconfiguration has about as much a chance of succeeding as the “rush” to a new bus schedule. The side of residents who want finances to be handled in a smarter, better, non-partisan manner.

Gumption, passion, qualifications. Write in Heidi Namiot for Board of Finance. She has already won a victory for you — when she pointed out in The Press that the town was losing interest income on its money by keeping it in a local bank that did not offer competitive rates, the bank upped the interest rate it pays to Ridgefield. Wow. Tangible results from a candidate; can you imagine what she can do when you elect her to the Board of Finance? A 10-year financial professional, with a master of business administration in finance, she is not about to take your money for granted or take “conventional wisdom” for, well, wisdom.

Fill in the oval on the “write in” line. Write in Heidi’s name for the Board of Finance. Your money will thank you.

The Board of Education needs change, not the rehashing of old ideas, personalities and tired leadership. For the two-year vacancy, Charlie Primerano, father of a Ridgefield High schooler and a technology professional, is a champion for our kids’ future. His ideas are to control costs, improve productivity and help avoid layoffs by using technology wisely. Active, eager to get to work, Charlie has what it takes for the Board of Education two-year seat.

The four-year seats on the Board of Education are ready to be filled with new faces. Amy Shinohara is endorsed by the Democratic and Independent parties. A local business owner and parent, she has a vested interest in keeping business in town, kids thriving and schools that do your property values proud. Attending every Board of Education meeting for 18 months (better record than several incumbents), she’s on your side. Irene Burgess, is a model of expertise, parent involvement and advocacy-for kids-for smarter solutions and for better schools. She is a PTA leader at Ridgefield High School and Scotts Ridge Middle School, endorsed by the NEA-R, a constant attendee at Board of Education meetings and a tireless volunteer. No one knows the issues better or will be more on your side. Nina Mohadjer is an American dream story — immigrant to Ridgefield, U.S. law school graduate and practicing attorney, mother of two, and skilled professional negotiator. She understands that the best schools require balancing with the best ideas for cost savings.

The Police Commission needs an advocate for regional cooperation, costs savings and new ideas. EMT, dispatcher and former Ridgefield Police Commissioner Joseph Adams is experienced in safety, police affairs and school issues. He has ideas that need to be heard. It is time to bring fresh thinking to the Police Commission.

Returning to Planning and Zoning are candidates Nelson Gelfman and Joe Fossi — passionate, skilled and dedicated. On the Zoning Board of Appeals, Dwayne Escola is our pick with Henry Seeman and Sky Cole for Zoning Board of Appeals alternates. A 23-yea-old Ridgefield native, Jeff Bonistalli, is running for the Board of Assessment Appeals.

All of our Democrats have your side and our town at the forefront of their ideas. Vote for them on Nov. 3.

Susan D. Cocco is Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee chair.