Cornwall Profiles

First Selectman

Gordon Ridgway

I have been first selectman of Cornwall for 26 years. I also run a family farm on Town Street. Our family moved to Cornwall when I was 5 years old. Among the many issues currently facing our town, demographics is now the most important. 

Cornwall needs more young people! Our elementary school, like others in our area, has seen a large enrollment decline. Our volunteer organizations, the backbone of our community, are also seeing the average age of their membership increase sharply. Happily there are young people who want to move to Cornwall. We as a town must review our regulations and renew our efforts so more people can live and work here. We have a good team in place ready to engage, which is why I am running for another term as first selectman. 

Selectman

Richard Bramley

I am running for my seventh term as selectman for Cornwall.  I currently serve on the Economic Development Commission, whose mission is to cultivate and sustain a vital, viable business climate in all of Cornwall.  I previously served 10 years on the Board of Assessment Appeal, six of those years as chairman.   

My mission as Selectman is to assist and support the First Selectman along with other town initiatives in a sensible, smart, affordable manner and ensure the safety and well being of our community. These initiatives would include revising the 10-year Town Plan and refurbishing our town infrastructure including the bridges, buildings and roads.

I am available, dependable and resourceful in the implementation of the duties of selectman.

Priscilla Pavel

My reason for running is simple: I love Cornwall. As a Realtor for 19 years, I’ve learned it is a vibrant combination of factors that makes Cornwall unique. Some families have been here for generations plus there is a steady flow of newcomers (we honor them with a special tea each September), our historic Covered Bridge, a ski slope in part of the state’s largest park/forest, a great school K-8, an outstanding library, an active historical society and more nonprofits than you can shake a stick at!

Many of my clients start out looking for a weekend retreat (as I too started my Cornwall residency in  1975) and then retire here. Today’s potential millennial buyers are attracted by the beauty of Cornwall and its quality of life but need to make a living as working-age individuals. Many can work from home if they can communicate with and access the digital world. I believe a main focus for our town should be to provide better internet and cell phone service as well as other infrastructure improvements such as a septic solution for West Cornwall.

Locally I am president of the Cornwall Association and also serve as a Friend of the library, delegate on the Economic Development Commission, Cornwall Business Association, West Cornwall Sewer Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Republican Town Committee as treasurer.

I have a B.S. from the University of Rhode Island and an M.S. from the University of Tennessee. My earlier work  experience included teaching at the university level, 4-H club agent and textile sales internationally. I have been a Realtor with Bain Real Estate for 19 years.