Profile: Sharon Wicks Dornfeld For Ridgefield Board of Police Commissioners

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:
Sharon Wicks Dornfeld

What office are you seeking?
Board of Police Commissioners

What town do you live in?
Ridgefield

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
Mostly-retired attorney. 42 years of experience.

Family:
Husband Bill; two grown children; one 8-year-old granddaughter who lives too far away. Both of our children were lucky enough to attend Ridgefield schools through graduation.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
I have represented the City of Danbury as an Assistant Corporation Counsel, an appointed position.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I am currently a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, the Parking Violations Appeals Hearing Officer, a Justice of the Peace, and a member of the Juvenile Review Board and CERT. I also serve as Town Meeting Moderator. Previously: Member, Elderly Tax Benefits Committee and Ridgefield Alcohol and Drug Use Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for re-election because our Town is one of the safest communities in the country and I am proud to be in a position to support the outstanding Ridgefield Police Department. I am also running because I have been deeply involved in planning the proposed new Public Safety Building and I would like to see it through to completion.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The need to provide our Police and other First Responders with new appropriate, safe facilities is critical and long-overdue. I’ve been involved in the Building Planning Committee for the last four years. The proposal on the November 4 ballot is the most cost-effective and operationally efficient option of the many that were studied. I’m doing my best to make sure that our fellow Ridgefielders are aware of the need to vote in favor of the plan. It’s costly, but the costs - and burdens on our First Responders - will only increase if we wait and start from scratch again. Beyond that, the problems of speeding and traffic congestion continue to grow. Solving those problems is not simply a question of enforcement and requires collaboration with the State and our local zoning authorities.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have more than thirty years experience as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for Danbury which has provided me with a solid foundation in municipal law. I also have many years of experience as a Guardian ad litem for child victims of crimes. That experience has afforded me a perspective through the victim’s eyes as well as appreciation for the devotion and compassion of the police officers involved in their cases.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I’m not sure that I am addressing this issue heads-on, but I try always to be aware that Ridgefielders with different political views and opinions are my neighbors and that we all love our Town and want to keep it the wonderful place that it is. I hope my interactions with others reflect that.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Engage brain before mouth.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My husband and I are grateful to have been able to live here for more than 40 years. We love Ridgefield and we plan to stay here always.