Candidate Profiles - Cornwall

This week, The Lakeville Journal offers profiles of candidates in each town for the boards of selectmen and the Region One Board of Education (except in Cornwall and Kent, where the representative is appointed). Information in the profiles was provided by the candidates, at the newspaper’s request. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

The municipal elections will be held Nov. 8. The Lakeville Journal goes to press on that afternoon, so results will be posted online at the company’s website, www.tricornernews.com, and will be published in the issue of Nov. 17.

Board of Selectmen

Richard Bramley, Democrat

Office being sought: Selectman

Age: 60

Number of years in town: 33

Profession: Retail wine merchant

Up to five boards and/or commissions served on (and in what capacity) in the past five years: None submitted

If elected, what would you change and what would you keep the same? (Response limited to 300 words.) I am running for my fourth term as a member of the Board of Selectmen. Over the past six years, (three terms), the current board has worked well together maintaining the Cornwall style. We are a very green town and proud of it. Cornwall is a town that cares for all members of the community as seen through our strong tradition of volunteerism. By utilizing sound budgeting and careful spending, we have been able to maintain a reasonable level of taxes. In the next term I would like to see Cornwall’s economic community become more cultivated, strengthened, cohesive and successful. Ensuring a local economy is vital to a local community.

Gordon M. Ridgway, Democrat (also Republican endorsed)

Office being sought: First selectman

Age: 53

Number of years in town: 48

Profession: Farmer

Up to five boards and/or commissions served on (and in what capacity) in the past five years: First selectman and Fire Lieutenant Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department

 If elected, what would you change and what would you keep the same? (Response limited to 300 words.) During the next two years I hope to continue the board’s involvement in housing and business issues which are vital to our town’s future. I look forward to working with the newly appointed Economic Development Commission. Work on renewable energy projects in town should also continue. I am planning on working with and supporting the many volunteers and town boards who help make Cornwall a special place to live.