READ’S 2011 CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
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- Details
- Category: Local Politics
- Last Updated on Friday, 21 October 2011 12:37
- Written by Terri Garlick
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (October 20, 2011):
Ridgefielders for Excellence in Academic Development (READ) is a permanent political action committee (PAC) formed in 1997 to support public education in Ridgefield. READ is the vehicle for engaging in the political and referendum process that advances the agenda of public education. READ works cooperatively with elected officials, parents and friends of public education.
READ sent questions to all the candidates for the Board of Education and the Board of Finance, and based on their answers and proven track records promoting public education in Ridgefield, we make the following endorsements for the November 8th elections:
Board of Education
The primary role of the Board of Education is to promote the best educational policies for all of Ridgefield’s students. The following candidates have received the READ endorsement and we urge you to vote for these five candidates:
Newcomers
READ endorses Mike Raduazzo. Mike has corporate experience in finding and correcting inefficiencies, but recognizes that children come first. He will provide a much needed voice of reason along with the perspective of a parent with two children in elementary school. He has paid attention to the school closing issue and believes in a facts based approach.
Karen Sulzinsky also receives READ’s endorsement. She is a successful small business owner who also has two children in the Ridgefield Public Schools. Karen has attended almost every meeting over the last four years, and as a journalist, will leave no stone unturned. Her attendance record at BOE meetings is better than that of some seated members, and she can hit the ground running on most issues because of her dedication. Karen will always put students first and is not afraid to ask the tough questions.
Incumbents
READ endorses Austin Drukker. As the current Chair of the BOE and an 8-year veteran, he needs to stay on the Board. Austin provides balance on many issues and often bridges the gap between divergent views. He sees many sides of most issues, particularly those that deal with athletics and special education. The BOE needs the consistency Austin provides.
Dr. Lyn Merrill deserves to be re-elected and it would be a huge loss to our town if she were not. She has been a middle school teacher, K-12 language arts coordinator, and a principal , all in our school district, and currently is chair of Education department at Western Connecticut State University making her uniquely qualified to serve on the Board of Education. Dr. Merrill’s calming, steady search for the facts serves the Board well. She wrote the 50-year history on the school closing issue and has led the charge on the fight against unfunded mandates at the state level.
READ also endorses Richard Steinhart. Richard provides the Board with experience in negotiations and a dedication to looking at the whole student, not just test scores. Richard strongly supported the BOE’s proposed budget last year and understands that continued cuts to the school budget will have a significant impact on our ability to provide excellent education. Richard was the force behind HSA savings, which made full day kindergarten possible.
Board of Finance
According to the Town Charter, the BOF is tasked with the job of ensuring that the town is “maintained in a sound overall financial condition.” It is the position of READ that education is an important part of the success of Ridgefield.
Newcomers
READ endorses Jessica Mancini, a life long resident of Ridgefield who received all of her primary education in Ridgefield Public Schools. Jessica founded and owns two businesses in Ridgefield and has a long history of supporting education. Her family has lived in Ridgefield for over 100 years and there is no one more invested in wanting the best for our town. She is promoting a financial forecast of 5 and 10 years, which will serve the residents well.
Paul Sutherland also receives READ’s endorsement. With a background of 35 years in finance, he has the necessary experience for the job. As a current BOE member, Paul introduced the motion to have the Administration come up with a plan to close a school when the population reaches 2000. Paul believes in a fact-based approach with measureable results and is a friend of public education.
Incumbents
READ’s strongest endorsement for Board of Finance is for Dave Ulmer. First elected in 2003, Dave has done the majority of the work for the BOF since his election, including providing most of the financial forecasting for the town. As one of the founders of Jet Blue, Ridgefield is lucky to have him as an elected official, and it would be disastrous if he were not re-elected. Dave understands, and advocates for, the important role that education plays in Ridgefield’s overall financial health. Make sure you vote for Dave on November 8th.
These are READ’s endorsements for the 2011 Municipal elections. Please remember to vote on November 8th and to vote for Mike Raduazzo, Karen Sulzinsky, Austin Drukker, Lyn Merrill, and Richard Steinhart for the BOE and Jessica Mancini, Paul Sutherland, and Dave Ulmer for the BOF.
For more information, please contact Page Bowler, phone: 203-438-1304, cell: 914-299-1512, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The views or opinions presented above are solely those of the organization and/or author and do not necessarily reflect those of the HamletHub, its editors, reporters or staff.
