The Ridgefield Open Space Association endorsed Selectman Mike Jones for re-election on November 2, one of three candidates we supported based upon their stated positions on open space and environmental issues. The other two, Rudy Marconi and Barbara Manners, received broad support from the voters and won their positions as First Selectman and Selectman, respectively.

Mike Jones and Joseph Heyman now face a run-off election on November 23 to determine who will fill the fifth seat on the Board. ROSA continues to strongly support the re-election of Mike Jones. We believe that Mr. Jones' positions on the issues which concern us: open space, the future of the Bennett's Pond property, and protection of our environment and drinking water, are consistent with our own. Mr. Heyman's positions, as articulated in our candidates' forum and elsewhere during the campaign, demonstrated that his concerns for Ridgefield, while valid, involve primarily non-environmental issues.

Therefore, we ask all Ridgefielders who are concerned about the preservation open space, the future of Bennett's Pond, and the protection of our environment to go to the polls on November 23 and support the re-election of Mike Jones for the Board of Selectmen.

We also ask that those of you who agree with our position (and we recognize that some of you may not) write a letter to the editor for publication in the November 18 edition of the Ridgefield Press in support of Mike Jones' re-election. According the the Ridgefield Press stated rules, political letters cannot be more than 100 words in length, and may not be critical of either candidate.

Letters may be sent via email to newsroom@acorn-online.com, by fax to 438-6014, or by mail to P.O. Box 1019, Ridgefield.

Ellen Burns
Ridgefield Open Space Association