Feb. 3 -- Tonight, in a special Police Commission meeting, Susan Craig was elected to fill the vacant seat on the commission. A total of five people interviewed for the slot, Ms. Craig the last among them. Immediately following the interviews, Democratic Commissioner George Kain nominated Ms. Craig, and spoke of the value her selection would bring to the Commission. Republican Commissioner Carl Lecher quickly added his support. At that point, the remaining two Republican Commissioners joined the bandwagon, and Ms. Craig was declared elected unanimously.
The Republican-dominated Commission's action was noteworthy in that it rejected the recommendation of the Ridgefield Republican Town Committee, which had endorsed Joe Walsh. Endorsements by the formerly-powerful RTC have been routinely accepted in the past by Republican-majority Boards and Commissions. There have been increasing signs of disarray in Ridgefield's GOP power structure since the Rudy Marconi-led Democratic rout in the Novemebr 1999 municipal election.
Ms. Craig's selection also marks the first time in anyone's memory that there will be a female Police Commissioner. The vacancy on the Commission came about with former Commissioner Richard Terbrusch's move to the Board of Education, to which he was elected last Novemeber. Under the Town Charter, the vacancy had to be filled by a registered Republican.
Susan Craig has long been active in following the work of the Ridgefield Police Department and Commssion, and was strongly supported by newly-elected Democratic Commissioner George Kain. In advocating her candidacy, Kain noted, "Susan is by far the best candidate I know... She has worked tirelessly, and without pay, to assist the police union in settling their previous problems with the town." Kain added that, prior to her election, "she has been a regular and tireless participant at Commission meetings. She has learned more about police practices and administration in four years than most people do in a lifetime. She would continue the many positive changes made under Chief Ligi. I know that the police officers support her, and that she will have support from the Board of Selectmen. This shouldn't be political. Based on all the evidence, she is simply the best person for the job."
Democratic Registrar of Voters Pat Baker reminds us that Judy Schmitt, of Knollwood Drive was on the Police Commission from 1977-1981. Judy, a Democrat, was also elected chairman.
Before Judy another Democratic woman, Cora Smith, who owned Smith's Drugstore on Main St. was also on the commission. So, Democratic women pioneered serving on the traditionally all male Police Commission.
It seems that Susan Craig will be carrying on a Ridgefield tradition!
GO TO
Campaign News
Brought to you by the Ridgefield, Ct.
Democratic Town Committee, Rudy Marconi, Chairman
Paid for by The Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee, Edwin C. Pearson, Treasurer
