Ridgefield Candidates '97
Board of Education

Two-Year Term *

Bob Opotzner

Bob Opotzner was elected as the newest member of the Ridgefield Board of Education on August 11, 1997, in a unanimous, bipartisan vote of the current members. In the short time since then, Bob has already exhibited the qualities which will make him a most valuable member of the Board and a strong advocate for the students of Ridgefield. Bob is and will be a breath of fresh air, whose goal is to help build consensus and facilitate decision-making on the Board.

Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Ridgefield Board of Education; he served more than nine years as a member of the Shelton, Ct. Board of Education prior to moving to Ridgefield in January, 1996. During the interview process that led to his recent election to the Ridgefield Board, former Shelton Board members, the Shelton Superintendent of Schools, former business partners, and even the Chairman of the Shelton Republican Party were contacted by interested Ridgefielders as part of their "due diligence" investigating candidates for the Ridgefield Board. The results of the investigation were extraordinary, as all contacted praised Bob's leadership qualities, his honesty, and his ability to "get the job done" in a fair and even-handed manner.

During his nine years on the Shelton Board of Education, Bob served as vice-chairman for two years; head of the negotiating, curriculum, finance, and athletic committees; as well as serving on numerous ad hoc committees. He was actively involved in negotiating several union contracts, including two teacher contracts, administrator contracts, secretarial contracts, and contracts for the Superintendent of Schools. Bob also served on committees which were involved in hiring two Superintendents.

Bob Opotzner is a magna cum laude graduate of Yale University, where he received his B.A. with Special Distinction in Politcal Science in 1975, and is a 1978 graduate of Duke Law School. He is employed as an attorney specializing in litigation; he is licensed to practice law in Connecticut, new York, and before the Federal Courts. He is a full partner with the law firm of Cutsumpas, Collins, Hannafin, Garamella, Jabor, & Tuozzolo, which has its main office in Danbury and which will open a new satellite office in Ridgefield in September.

Bob has served in the Connecticut Court system as a volunteer special master in Dissolution of Marriage actions in Danbury, Bridgeport, and Stamford, as well as in the Connecticut Custody Regional Trial Docket in Middletown. As a special master, he serves as a neutral mediator who attempts to assist other lawyers and their clients in amicably resolving divorce and custody cases. These activities have taught Bob to be a good listener and a consensus-builder, skills that enable him to be a valuable member of the Ridgefield Board of Education.

Bob has been married to Wendy since June, 1983; they have two children who attend Farmingville School - Matthew, age 9, and Jessica, age 6. He's an active father who is deeply involved with his children. Bob has served as a flag football coach and soccer coach, and was a member of the PTA Executive Board in Shelton. He plays basketball three times a week, and is an avid fan who follows the Duke basketball program closely. He also serves as the Secretary of the United Jewish Center in Danbury and is about to begin a three-year term as a member of its Board of Trustees.

The crucial issues facing the Ridgefield Board of Education in the next two years include:

Putting the children first -- The #1 priority is to work with the other members of the Ridgefield Board to build consensus and end the divisive politics that have interefered with decision-making over the past few years. Bob will be a major asset in helping the Board to return to the task of putting the children first.
Selecting a new Superintendent of Schools who will be the educational leader of Ridgefield -- The Board of Education is faced with picking a new leader of its educational community. Bob has valuable experience in this process as he helped select two Superintendents in Shelton, Ct., while living there. Bob in emphatic in his belief that, "We must select the best person for the job, no matter who he or she is, to enable our public school system to enter the Millennium as a leader in public education in Fairfield County and the State of Conecticut.
Making appropriate and fiscally responsible school facility choices -- Ridgefield is facing school overcrowding at all levels, including potantial space shortages in the high school in the near future. We must make choices that are educationally sound for our student population but which also make economic sense!
Making certain that the school board sets policy but does not micromanage the school system -- The Board of Education is responsible for policy-making, not micromanaging the school system. Bob vows to help guide the Board back to its function of policy-making, and away from the day-to-day decision making which is the proper job of our professional educators.

Ridgefield Democrats are pleased to encourage their friends and neighbors to continue this outstanding candidate's service to Ridgefield education by electing Bob Opotzner to the Board of Education on November 4!

* Two-Year Term - Opotzner is running for the remaining two years of a four-year term recently vacated. This is not a two-year seat; two-year seats were abolished several years ago.

The following issue papers have have been archived. They are no longer available on this web site. Please e-mail the webmaster if you would like access.

Fiscal Responsibility

Candidate Opotzner explains why Voters Are Exasperated

See Bob's Top Ten List

Bob Opotzner on Fiscal Restraint

Read Citizens - Get Involved!

Bob's latest position paper on Extended Day Kindergarten

Click to see Statement by Bob Opotzner to the Voters of Ridgefield