Sept. 25 -- The Bennett's Pond referendum has passed by an overwhelming margin tonight. By a vote of 3102 to 1379 (final, official returns), nearly 70% of the voters have directed the town to acquire the largest remaining open space in northern Fairfield County. The total vote of nearly 4,500 appears to be a record for any recent townwide referendum.
[Photo, left] Democratic Board of Finance candidate Mike Jones (left) watches the referendum returns at East Ridge Middle School. Jones, as a Ridgefield Selectman, was the first elected official to advocate a town takeover of the Bennett's Pond property. The apprehensive expression seen here changed to a huge smile as the landslide proportion of tonight's victory became clear.
[Photo, left] At the East Ridge Middle School polling place, Moderator Ron Coccocia reads the tally from the 1950's-vintage voting machine. The machines are old and mechanical but extremely reliable.
[Photo, right] Mike Jones chats with another Ridgefielders about the referendum at East Ridge. Mike joined other open space advocates and town officials awaiting the rteurns at ERMS.
[Photo, left] Referendum supporters gathered at East Ridge Cafe after the victory was announced. More than a hundred ROSA members, open space advocates, and town officials celebrated the fruits of more than two years hard work to bring the Bennett's Pond issue to a final binding referendum.
[Photo, right] Mike Jones (left), Pat Baker (center), and Steve Zemo (right) join a ROSA member is celebrating the referendum's overwhelming passage.
[Photo, left] Rudy Marconi (left), ROSA's Ellen Burns, and Rep. John Frey gathered with the celebrants. Here they discussed next steps toward the Town's acquisition of the property.
[Photo, right] Mike Jones (left) and Steve Zemo enjoyed the victory. Both are candidates on the Democratic ticket this Fall - former Selectman Jones is running for Board of Finance, and Selectman Zemo is running for reelection.
| District | Yes Votes | Yes % | No Votes | No % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District 1 - East Ridge | 893 | 64% | 510 | 36% |
| District 2 - Parks & Rec | 1,332 | 75% | 451 | 25% |
| District 3 - Yanity Gym | 722 | 67% | 348 | 33% |
| Absentees | 130 | 67% | 65 | 33% |
| Grand List | 25 | 83% | 5 | 17% |
| Total | 3,102 | 69% | 1,379 | 31% |
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