Chairman

Welcome Back

Dear Fellow Ridgefield Republicans,

Yesterday, we paid tribute to the American worker and celebrated Labor Day. While Labor Day is the unofficial end to summer, the kids have returned to school, the days are getting shorter, there is a familiar crisp in the early morning air, local politics in Ridgefield is heating up.

This Fall, Ridgefield will hold a critical Municipal Election on November 4th. Why is 2025 critical? Well, Democrats currently hold a super majority position on almost every Town Board and Commission. For example, the Board of Finance (BOF) currently has 4 Dems and 1 Republican, me. There are 6 Dems and 3 Republicans on the Board of Ed (BOE). P&Z is also a 6-3 D to R split. We are in a unique position this year to balance the power of these Boards.

Marty Heiser and Andrea Beebe are running for the Board of Finance. If you recall back in June, Marty was the RTC’s Endorsed Candidate to fill the BOS seat vacated by Chris Murray. Andrea was included in the RTC’s All-Star Candidates list for the open seat. Marty and Andrea had the RTC’s blessing to succeed him. Chris garnered over 3000 votes when he was elected to the BOS in 2023. However, the BOS ignored the will of Ridgefield Republicans and chose their own clandestine candidate. The fix was in. This did not pass the smell test. In November, you will have the chance to correct this politically motivated transgression. The RTC urges you to vote for Marty Heiser and Andrea Beebe for Board of Finance. Let’s fix this blunder in November.

Our very good friend and stalwart community volunteer, Deb Franceschini is running for the Board of Education. Deb will bring fairness and balance to the BOE. She has a deep understanding of all things Ridgefield. Deb is a non-partisan individual who encourages all points of view and forms opinions for the greater good. Those qualities are evident and can be witnessed as she is the current Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee. Additionally, Deb serves on the Commission for Accessibility (COA). I recall that when Deb volunteered for the COA, she was interviewed by the BOS. Again, dirty politics reared its ugly head and 2 of the 5 BOS members voted NO for Deb. This was an insulting outrage perpetrated by petty backdoor politics. Let’s not play politics with our most precious treasure, our children. Please vote for Deb for the Board of Education in November.

John Frey and Marcie Coffin, both incumbents, are running for reelection to the Board of Police Commissioners. Currently, the Police Commission has 3 Dems and 2 Republicans, John and Marcie. Local, filthy, politics reveals the Dems are running 2 candidates with the hope to jettison John or Marcie and give them a 4 to 1 super majority. At a time when Ridgefield needs steady hands like John and Marcie, the other side is playing dangerous political games. As a Town, Ridgefield is in dire need of a new Public Safety Building for our Police, Fire and First Responder. Who do you want to navigate that path? An inexperienced political operative, or Ridgefield-true John and Marcie. The RTC strongly encourages you to vote for John Frey and Marcie Coffin for Board of Police Commissioners. Send a message that we stand with our bravest and our finest. Reelect John and Marcie.

Chris Luffman is running for the Inland Wetlands Board. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to this position. He will make a fine, non-partisan, contributor to this board. The RTC asks that you please vote for Chris Luffman for the Inland Wetlands Board in November.

We are blessed to have a number of Incumbent candidates seeking reelection this November. We ask that you support our Incumbent candidates.

• Board of Ed: Rachel Marino

• Board of Assessment Appeals: Michael Schmer

• Planning & Zoning: Joseph Sorena and Christopher Molyneaux

• Zoning Board of Appeals: Alex Lycoyannis

• Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate: Michael Stenko

• Inland Wetlands Board: Tim Bishop

On Tuesday September 30, 2025 at 6:30PM, the League of Women Voters will conduct a Candidates’ Forum for the BOF and BOE candidates (Ridgefield Public Library 472 Main Street). The RTC invites you to sign up and attend the Forum using the link below.

LWVR Candidates' Forum: Tuesday September 30 2025 6:30PM

In closing, my DTC counterpart recently stated, “we’re running on a bold vision for Ridgefield’s future.” What is that future? A one-party politburo with super majorities on every Board and Commission? Backdoor politics where a ruling class hand select candidates? Folks, I have lived in Ridgefield almost my entire life and have never seen things more polarized. This need to end. Exercise you voice by voting for Ridgefield Republicans on Row B. We need a fair and balanced approach to our Town governance. Don’t allow the Hartford controlled insiders to destroy Ridgefield.

In closing, I told you that things were heating up. I appreciate you taking the time to read this correspondence. There are a number of huge issues we are facing as a Town. In the coming days, I will share those issues. Here’s a preview. Have you received your current Sewer bill? I see that the fees went up again. What was the final cost of the Sewer Upgrade Project? How’s that new Alternative High School coming along? Stay tuned, we have much to discuss.

Warmest wishes,

Greg Kabasakalian, Chairman

Ridgefield Republican Town Committee

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