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Ridgefield News
August 14, 1999

Campaign '99 Gets Under Way At Nutmeg Festival

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Ridgefield Democrats Tell Mayor Koch "We're Doing Great" As Fall Campaign Kicks Off

Mayor Koch with Barbara Manners and Rudy Marconi
David Nichols photo
"The Mayor" Ed Koch [center] met with Democratic Selectman Barbara Manners and Democratic First Selectman candidate Rudy Marconi at Saturday's St. Stephen's Nutmeg Festival.
August 14 -- Democratic icon Ed Koch got a resounding "We're doing great!" when he met with Rudy Marconi at the Nutmeg Festival today and asked his trademark "How're we doing?" The Festival, the traditional start of campaigning for the fall election, featured the usual appearances of Ridgefield politicos, but this year drew a visit from the legendary Koch - former Congressman, three-term Mayor of New York, talk show host, People's Court TV "judge," columnist, and lifelong Democratic leader. In a campaign strategy discussion with Democratic First Selectman candidate Rudy Marconi and Selectman Barbara Manners, The Mayor expressed delight at the very positive reception the Democrats were getting from the crowds at today's event.


Ed Koch and Rudy Marconi
Rudy Marconi explained the political lay of the land to Hizzoner, as candidates galore crowded the annual Nutmeg Festival.
The Mayor, visiting the annual Nutmeg Festival at historic St. Stephen's Church on Main Street, took the time to walk through the fair with Mr. Marconi and Democratic Candidate for Board of Selectman, Barbara Manners. "I wish Rudy well and good luck in the First Selectman's race this Fall," spoke Mayor Koch. "It is difficult and challenging to run for any office. I look forward to his victory". The Mayor's support for Marconi, who is seeking to unseat the current one-term Republican First Selectman in Ridgefield, was a big endorsement, and a signal that the official campaign season has begun.

Barbara Manners visits with kids at fair
Selectman Barbara Manners explains the nuances of Ridgefield town government to a couple of youngsters. (Or maybe she's just asking them where they got the cold sodas...?)
"It was a privilege and an honor to meet former Mayor Ed Koch here in Ridgefield. I am delighted to receive the Mayor's endorsement for the First Selectman's office. I am committed to bringing leadership and vision back to Ridgefield and I welcome others who feel the same way to get involved with my campaign," declared Rudy Marconi. Selectwoman Barbara Manners also picked up endorsement for her re-election from Mayor Koch. Rudy Marconi, Barbara Manners, Joseph Heyman and members of the Democratic party, visited the Nutmeg Festival for several hours and sampled the cakes, the games and the book sale for which the Festival is famous.

Rudy Marconi, Rev. Dick Gilchist, and Jan August
Rev. Dick Gilchrist [center], pastor of St. Stephens, is delighted with the turnout at today's Fair, as he chats with Rudy Marconi and Heyman campaign volunteer Jan August.
Veteran observers noted that while attendance at the Festival was held down by the threat of thunderstorms, the enthusiasm of visitors seemed at an all-time high. St. Stephen's pastor, Rev. Dick Gilchrist, was pleased with the success of this Ridgefield tradition, which is a major fundraiser for the church.

Barbara Manners and Rudy Marconi visit with Ridgefielders
Selectman Barbara Manners [left] and candidate Rudy Marconi [right] chat with a couple of voters enjoying a snack at the fair.
Democratic candidates were pleased with the positive reception they got from Ridgefield voters today. Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike told Marconi, Manners, and Heyman that they were ready for a change in the Town's no-leadership government.

Barbara Manners visits with kids at fair
Barbara Manners tells husband Morgan [right] and fellow candidate Rudy Marconi [left]about the great response she's getting from the voters at the Fair. Her son David also enjoyed this Ridgefield summer tradition.
The Nutmeg Festival is first and foremost a family affair, and the Democratic candidates' families are a big source of support and strength in local elections.

Joe Heyman and Rudy Marconi
Democratic Selectman candidate Joe Heyman [left] shows Rudy Marconi the flyer he's handing out to Fair visitors.
Ridgefield Democrats are proud to have the strong ticket of Rudy Marconi, Barbara Manners, Joe Heyman, and Mike Jones running for the Board of Selectman. Today's outing showed how impressive a slate this is!

Democrats endorse ticket for fall campaign

Campaign '99 Home arrow GO TO arrowCampaign News

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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

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