Patch Candidate Profile: Jon Zagrodzky For Darien First Selectman

DARIEN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Jon E. Zagrodzky

What office are you seeking?
First Selectman

What town do you live in?
Darien CT

Campaign Website
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Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
First Selectman since November 2023

Family:
Married to Sara since 1999. Two children, Maggie (25) and Jack (24). Maggie is a school teacher and graduate student in Chicago. Jack is a business major at Sacred Heart, graduating this December.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
None

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Currently serving as First Selectman for the Town of Darien, having won election to this position on November 7, 2023. He has been an elected official in Darien in various roles for more than 16 years, including two years as a Selectman and 13 years on the Board of Finance (six as chairman). His other Town roles have included serving eight years on the Town and Police Pension Boards, six years on the Board of the Darien Historical Society, (four as president), and work on two Town building committees.

Why are you seeking this office?
Since taking office nearly two years ago, I have worked to make Darien’s government more effective, transparent, and responsive. I’ve improved communication through clear explanations of complex topics such as Town finances, debt levels, and plans for Great Island. I created the Ask the First Selectman series with Darien TV to answer residents’ questions, and I write a personalized bi-weekly newsletter to keep citizens informed.

I’ve also streamlined the appointment process for Boards and Commissions, and addressed long-neglected issues such as expired terms. Working with the Blight Review Board, we brought foreclosure proceedings against property owners who refused to comply with blight regulations. Within Town Hall, I ensured professional continuity through the appointment of a new Town Administrator and several Department Heads.

On the infrastructure side, I advanced two major flood projects – Salt Box and Tilley Pond/Grove Street – that will significantly improve local resilience once complete. I also initiated efforts to modernize commuter parking, employ AI for traffic analysis, and finalize development plans for park properties.

I am seeking reelection because much of this work remains unfinished. My goals include better parking management, more efficient boards and committees, improve processes to pay for Town services, and continued improvements in public communication – through my newsletter and periodic explanatory videos, which I write and produce myself.

Finally, I am running again because I truly enjoy the work. Whether in Town Hall, at evening meetings, representing Darien in regional forums, or attending local events – from ribbon cuttings to parades – I find every aspect of this role deeply rewarding.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Darien has taken on nearly $250 million in debt for school construction and renovation ($160 million) and the Great Island purchase ($90 million). Residents are rightly concerned. I will continue to ensure that both residents and officials fully understand our debt position and how we can manage it responsibly over time.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am running unopposed for this position. That said, I welcome differing perspectives. Constructive challenge leads to better outcomes, and I have never hesitated to adopt good ideas, regardless of their source. Darien is full of smart, capable people, and I do my best to draw on that collective talent.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Flooding and pedestrian infrastructure remain top concerns.

For flooding, I will ensure that the Salt Box and Tilley Pond mitigation projects move forward as quickly as possible. I will also encourage residents to take steps that improve their own property-level flood resilience, recognizing that Town projects alone cannot solve every flooding problem.

For pedestrian infrastructure, we will soon relaunch the Pedestrian Infrastructure Advisory Committee to help identify and prioritize new sidewalk opportunities throughout town.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Beyond my government service, I spent 16 years at McKinsey & Company and 14 years in senior operating and finance roles at two Manhattan-based private equity firms. These experiences taught me how to communicate clearly, think strategically, manage people effectively, and make sound decisions under pressure – all skills I apply daily as First Selectman.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
If you want something, just ask.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Serving as First Selectman is a privilege, and I arrive at Town Hall each day mindful of that responsibility.