Patch Candidate Profile: Stephen Riebling 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:
Stephen Riebling

What office are you seeking?
Board of Police Commissioners

What town do you live in?
Ridgefield

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Attorney- specializing in criminal and family law in Connecticut and New York. Practicing for 28 years.

Family:
My wife, Marcia, is a practicing criminal defense attorney and my partner in our law firm. We met in law school. We have four children: Liam (26), Connor (24), Riley (21) and Griffin (15). Liam and Connor have graduated college and their masters programs. Riley is currently a senior at Loyola University in Maryland. Griffin is a sophomore at Ridgefield HS. All of our kids attended Ridgebury Elementary, Scotts Ridge Middle School and Ridgefield HS. Liam, Riley and Griffin swam on the RHS Varsity Swim Team and for Ridgefield Aquatic Club (RAC), and Connor played football and lacrosse for RHS.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Our cousin, Jess, is active with the Redding DTC and our other cousin Dan was elected constable in Redding, CT.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have never held elected or appointed office.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for Board of Police Commissioners because I made a promise to my family after the last election that I would get involved and do my best to make a difference in our home town. Having practiced criminal law and family law for decades, I have had the privilege of meeting and speaking with police officers from police departments from many various jurisdictions. I have learned first hand about the challenges that our police officers face on a daily basis and I know what resources they need in order to help them make their communities safer. I want to bring that knowledge and experience to Ridgefield to make sure that our police officers are equipped to meet the challenges of today and in the future.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Running for Board of Police Commissioners the most pressing issue, and the focus of my campaign is the proposed Public Safety Building for Ridgefield's Police and Fire Departments. This project is long overdue and a necessity for our first responders, who are those people who work tirelessly to serve and protect our communities. This biggest obstacle that the project has faced is ensuring voters are informed about the project's development process, financial implications and true necessity. Ridgefield voters are smart and reasonable, and I strongly believe that when they get the facts about the project that they will vote "YES" in support.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
One of the biggest differences between me and my opponents is my working background and experience in the area of law. This is an area of deficit on the current Commission, and I'm eager to contribute. Additionally, I will bring a fresh view and voice to the issues. My Republican opponents have been in office for years, but have failed to address this critical need, one that affects every Ridgefield resident and strikes at the heart of why we love Ridgefield so much. Their lack of progress on bringing our public safety into the 21st century leaves Ridgefield in a precarious position.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Another major issue I plan to address is the flow of traffic throughout the town. In the northern end of town, my neighborhood constantly experiences either traffic jams or cars speeding through as drivers try to avoid traffic on I-84 or try to cut a few minutes off their commute. As a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, I will make sure that these types of concerns are heard and promptly addressed.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have been privileged to serve the needs of countless clients in my nearly three decades of practice as an attorney. Over those many years, I have advocated successfully for my clients in front of juries, judges and committees on a wide range of legal and personal matters. I am asking that the voters of Ridgefield give me the opportunity to be their advocate to address so many important issues that impact the safety of our roads, schools, neighborhoods and so much more.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My parents taught me that it is important to "Always speak up for the things that are important to you." As far back as I can remember, I have always tried to do that. Whether at home, with friends and family, in my law practice or anywhere else, if you don't speak up, things won't get done.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My family and I have been residents of Ridgefield for 21 years. My wife and I chose to raise our family here because of all of the special things Ridgefield has to offer, including the people, schools, community activities, safety, the charm of Main Street and the beauty of our surroundings. I spent many afternoons and weekends giving back by coaching youth football and little league baseball and I even coached a few years of freshman football for the high school. My wife (as a Board Member and President) and I (as a volunteer) have actively supported and participated with Ridgefield Aquatic Club.