Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi is running unopposed for another term leading the town.

The state Department of Transportation is putting together a realignment of Main Street, it's a $6 million project.  Marconi says that's something that needs to get that going in the coming years.  He and others are working with merchants, landlords and residents to make sure that it's a smooth project.

Marconi says the town is about to release a new townwide survey to hear from not only people who live and shop in town, but those who work in town.  He wants their thoughts about traffic flow, shopping, what they feel should be changed, parking and other topics.  He wants input so that the Boards and Commissions have guidance on the future of Ridgefield.

Marconi wants to look at the Transit Oriented Development that's already being studied for the Branchville section of town.  Marconi says Branchville can be the jewel in the crown of Ridgefield.  He says the opportunity there is extensive.  He thanked the state for a $250,000 TOD grant.  The economic development of the town's future could lie in Branchville.  All of the Board of Selectmen candidates have talked about economic development, but few if any focused Branchville and he feels it's his job to keep that on the front burner.  He wants to ensure that it's seen as an economic engine for the town.

Marconi says he looks forward to hearing from the 9-member committee studying what to do with the town-owned Schlumberger property.  A survey was recently completed by town residents with their thoughts on how to develop that site.  5 acres were sold on Old Quarry Road to Steve Zemo.  10 acres were sold to Charter Homes.  About $5.5 million was recovered.  The town paid $7 million overall.  There are 30 acres remaining.  Converting the Philip Johnson building to be a Maurice Sendak Museum is a possibility.

Marconi says those are just the beginning of the many things that need to be focused on over the next four years.  Marconi says the plate is full, there's plenty of work to do and he is looking forward to serving the community for the next four years.