Ridgefield News
July 24, 2001

Caucus Results

Democrats Endorse Marconi And World-Class Slate

Record-Setting Caucus Picks Ridgefield's Next Generation Of Leadership

Ridgefield Democrats endorsed slate - (Back row, left to right) Selectman Steve Zemo, BOE candidate Diane Schrier, Police Commission candidate Michael Collins, Selectman Barbara Manners, ZBA Alternate (running for ZBA) Dr. Henry Seemann, BOF candidate Mike Jones. (Front row) BOE member Mary Pat Devine, BOF candidate Joanne Murray, First Selectman Rudy Marconi, P&Z Chairman Di Masters, P&Z Commissioner Dr. Nels Gelfman, ZBA Alternate candidate Roger Garbow.

July 24 -- Ridgefield Democrats tonight selected a world-class slate to run with First Selectman Rudy Marconi in the 2001 municipal election. A record-setting crowd of more than 100 Democrats came out to consider a full slate of candidates, all of whom support Rudy's initiatives for education, open space, prudent fiscal management, and honest and open government. Democrats enthusiastically united behind unopposed First Selectman Marconi and a slate composed of veteran public servants and talented newcomers.

The Democratic slate endorsed tonight:

• First Selectman: Rudy Marconi*
• Selectman: Barbara Manners*
• Selectman: Steve Zemo* (Mr. Zemo is an incumbent originally elected as a Republican. He has switched his registration to Democratic)
• Board of Finance: Mike Jones
• Board of Finance: Joanne Murray
• Board of Education: Mary Pat Devine*
• Board of Education: Diane Schrier
• Planning & Zoning: Di Masters*
• Planning & Zoning: Nelson Gelfman*
• Zoning Board of Appeals: Henry Seeman* (Dr. Seeman is currently serving as ZBA Alternate)
• Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate: Roger Garbow
• Police Commission: Michael Collins

First Selectman Rudy Marconi (photo, left) accepted the Caucus endorsement with a stirring acceptance speech, which brought Ridgefield Democrats to their feet. Marconi, who has been so effective and popular in his first term, that majority Republicans can't find anyone willing to oppose him, reviewed his administration's accomplishments to date: approval and launch of badly-needed school construction projects, major progress on open space issues and an initative to protect the Bennett's Pond property, and a restoration of the "open and honest governement" so badly lacking in the previous years of GOP domination. A record crowd of 150 (photo, right) turned out for tonight's caucus and stayed actively engaged through the 2 hour plus caucus.

(Photo, left) DTC Corresponing Secretary Reggie Yannuzzi (photo, left front) explained the rules governing municipal caucuses in Connecticut. Moderator Steffi Jones (at podium, right) handled the meeting with her usual mixture of tact, aplomb, and respect for all participants.
(Photo, right) Only registered Ridgefield Democrats are allowed to vote in the caucus! Democratic Registrar Ciny Bruno (far right) and DTC member and former Registrar Pat Baker, (next to Cindy at the table) exchanged "registered Democrat" cards for ballots.

(Photo, left) DTC Chair Susan Cocco (standing, right) explained the caucus procedures as the meeting got under way. DTC Treasurer Ed Pearson (seated) switched hats and served as Caucus Secretary tonight.
(Right) The 100+ ballots were tabulated by (from right) Pat Baker, Cindy Bruno, and Regina Ryan.

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