by Katherine McGerald
Ridgefield has been named the number one town in the 15,000 — 25,000 range by Connecticut Magazine multiple times over the past fifteen years. The obvious reasons are our beautiful Main Street, a strong and thriving library, and excellent schools. Since 2000 our quality of life and the town's amenities have also been cited as strong assets, deserving of the #1 spot.
In 2006 we ranked number one for our leisure activities and negligible crime rate. (0.55 crimes per 1,000 residents, the lowest rate since Connecticut magazine began collecting data). A low crime rate makes a town attractive, fuels community life and makes its citizens feel safe. Our Police Department should be commended for their excellent work.
Since Rudy Marconi took office in 1999, the quality of life in Ridgefield has been on the upswing. He made emergency services a priority and expanded our Police and Fire Departments. We have the reverse 911 system, crucial in a time of emergency and an updated infrastructure.
Ridgefield also ranked number one in leisure/culture using criteria including local library expenditures per capita, theaters, museums, festivals, concert venues, historic sites, golf courses, state parks and forests, voter turnout in elections and local restaurants.
Obviously, Ridgefield has numerous cultural activities, The Ridgefield Playhouse, The Aldrich, Ridgefield Youth Symphony, Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, CHIRPS (Concert Happenings in Ridgefield Parks), Ridgefield Theater Barn, Ridgefield Guild of Artists, and many more.
Ridgefield residents can be credited for setting in motion these cultural activities. The Playhouse was opened via the vision and efforts of Democratic members of the Board of Selectmen, Jeremy Wilmot and Barbara Manners. Ms. Manners also brought us CHIRPS, (summer concerts), which are free to all residents, and are popular with families and seniors. Our festivals (Spring Fest, Sidewalk Sales, Fall in Love with Ridgefield, and the Holiday Stroll) should be credited to the Downtown Ridgefield Committee. The Historical Society, Keeler Tavern, and the Planning and Zoning Commission have worked hard to preserve the character of Ridgefield.
Outdoor activities abound, from our thriving sports programs to open space. Advocates among our elected officials — Marconi, Manners, Masters and others — have been instrumental in acquiring and maintaining this space for hikers and nature lovers.
The new Parks and Recreation building offers activities for all Ridgefielders, from the youngest to the oldest, including a new handicap accessible playground built by donations from Ridgefield residents and the Rotary. Founder's Hall, which serves seniors demonstrates what can be done when Marconi's leadership joins with private donors.
Although one cannot deny that taxes have risen, due in large part to the bundle which corrected years of neglect, we are living in a great town. Ridgefield has thoughtful leaders who are careful planners, implementing budgets that forecast future spending, making the town a better place for all and supporting critical needs as Ms. Masters has done with Ridgefield Responds.
Our town and quality of life has been in good hands. The upcoming issues of 2007 require that we keep the same hands steering the town.
Katherine McGerald is a native Ridgefielder. She currently serves on the Board of Education.