Patch Candidate Profile: Noah Berkowicz For Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board

RIDGEFIELD, 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 their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Noah Berkowicz

What office are you seeking?
Re-election to Inland Wetlands Board

What town do you live in?
Ridgefield

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Executive Recruitment/Talent Acquisition - 18 years of experience

Family:
Wife - Emily, Son - Ethan (currently attending Scotland Elementary School), and Daughter - Sydney (future Scotland Elementary School student)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
I believe careful stewardship of our natural resources is essential to Ridgefield’s future. Our wetlands and watercourses protect drinking water, reduce flooding, and sustain local ecosystems. I want to ensure that decisions about development and land use strike the right balance between growth and environmental responsibility.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ensuring that Ridgefield’s inland wetlands are protected and managed responsibly. I do not view the Inland Wetlands Board as serving a political purpose. Our true constituency is Ridgefield itself, and the natural resources that sustain our community. My focus is on applying the regulations fairly, making fact-based decisions, and balancing development needs with long-term environmental protection so that our wetlands continue to serve the town for generations to come.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
IWB is not a board where ideology or partisanship should play any role. Our responsibility is to evaluate applications carefully, apply the regulations consistently, and make decisions that protect Ridgefield’s wetlands and watercourses. My commitment is to stay focused on facts, fairness, and the long-term environmental health of our community.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I am laser-focused on protecting Ridgefield’s wetlands and watercourses, advancing balanced and responsible growth, and using science-based oversight in decision-making. I will continue to promote transparency and accountability, increase community education about wetlands, and encourage earth-friendly solutions that support both our environment and our town’s future.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I would point to my current service on the Inland Wetlands Board, where I’ve gained direct experience applying state statutes and local regulations to real projects in Ridgefield. This work has required balancing development needs with environmental protection, practicing transparency in decision-making, and ensuring outcomes are fair and fact-based. My professional background in analysis and problem-solving has further prepared me to review complex applications with diligence and objectivity. These experiences show I can handle the responsibility of protecting Ridgefield’s wetlands while supporting responsible growth.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
“Listen first, then decide.” It’s simple advice, but it has shaped how I approach both professional and civic responsibilities. By listening carefully, to experts, applicants, neighbors, and fellow board members, I get the full picture before making decisions. That mindset is especially important on the Inland Wetlands Board, where thoughtful, informed judgment directly impacts Ridgefield’s environment and future.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I would like voters to know that I view the Inland Wetlands Board as a non-political body with a clear purpose: protecting Ridgefield’s wetlands and watercourses while allowing for balanced, responsible growth. My commitment is to apply the regulations fairly, base decisions on science and fact, and keep the process transparent. I care deeply about maintaining Ridgefield’s natural character, not just for today, but for the generations that follow.