Aug. 11 -- Fresh from their unanimous endorsement at the Democratic Caucus, First Selectman Rudy Marconi and Selectmen Barbara Manners and Steve Zemo campaigned as a team today at St. Stephen's Nutmeg Festival. The Festival, traditionally the unofficial kickoff of the campaign season, was well attended despite less-than-stellar weather. Ridgefielders at the Festival welcomed the Democratic team, stopping them to talk about the town's schools, open space, and numerous other issues on their minds.
First Selectman Rudy Marconi, and incumbents Barbara Manners and Steve Zemo toured the Festival, sampling the wares, viewing the many offerings at booths, and hearing from town residents about their ideas and needs.
[Photo, left (from the left)] Selectwoman Barbara Manners, First Selectman Rudy Marconi, and Selectman Steve Zemo, running mates in the upcoming election, chat with conservation advocate and new P&Z member Lillian Willis.
"The Nutmeg Festival is one of our local treasures, a prime example of the
small town character of Ridgefield," noted Rudy Marconi. "The quality of life
in Ridgefield, particularly our open space, high quality schools and
facilities, programs for residents of all ages and responsive govenment are
critical to our status as the # 1 Town in Connecticut. They are the heart of
why I ran for office in 1999 and why I am seeking re-election in 2001. My
efforts as the First Selectman, as well as the efforts of Steve Zemo and
Barbara Manners on the Board of Selectmen, will be devoted to these
principles and to continuing to get things done for this town."
[Photo, right]: Volunteer Festival chefs Fred and Ellie Ernst (left) chat with the First Selectman.
Steve Zemo and Barbara Manners, both running for re-election in November 2001
on the ticket with Rudy Marconi, heard several residents' express interest
in the newly formed Economic Development Commission for Ridgefield, as a way
to control development of the lower portion of the Bennet's Pond property,
and as a way to promote responsible development of "ratables" in Ridgefield.
Many of the volunteers and the residents attending the Festival indicated
support for the educational advocacy and leadership shown by all three of the
incumbents over the last two years.
[Photo, left]: Democratic Chair Susan Cocco (left) with Selectman Steve Zemo (second from left), First Selectman Rudy Marconi, and Selectman Barbara Manners.
The Festival attracts the young and the old with its hometown mix of food,
games, antiques, raffles and home grown produce. The annual Festival often
signals the beginning of the campaign season, and this year was no different.
[Photos, above] Left: Festival volunteer Francesca Capodilupo, daughter of DTC Chair Susan Cocco, serves up a Sno-Cone for the First selectman.
Right: Ridgefielder Sheri Fabrizio talks to Rudy about an issue important to her.
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