Andrea Beebe shares with Patch why she should be elected to the Ridgefield Board Of Finance.
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: Andrea Beebe
What office are you seeking? Board of Finance
What town do you live in? Ridgefield
Occupation: Retired High School Special Education Teacher- 12 years
Family: I have been married to David Beebe since 1983. We relocated to Connecticut from Dallas, TX in 1987 and moved to Ridgefield in 1988. David is also a retired teacher. We have two sons, JD and Ryan both of whom were educated in the Ridgefield Public Schools graduating from the high school in 2003 and 2005 respectively. JD and his wife Liz relocated from NYC to Ridgefield and share three daughters. Ryan and his wife Lindsay live in London, UK with their daughter. In 2016, we sold our home of nearly 30 years and downsized moving into town which was a great decision for us.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
Previous public office, appointive or elective: It has been my honor to serve on several boards and commissions: The Ridgefield Prevention Council, The Lyme Disease Task Force, The Commission on Aging, and currently serve on the Affordable Housing Committee.
Why are you seeking this office? I put my name forward for a seat on the Board of Finance because I believe Ridgefield deserves thoughtful, responsible leadership that listens. Over the years, I’ve heard from many residents—especially seniors—who are deeply concerned about the growing number of capital projects, escalating costs, and rising property taxes. These issues don’t just affect budgets; they affect lives. I am not afraid to ask the tough questions and/or challenge the status quo. During my two terms on the Commission on Aging, I had the privilege of listening to our senior community share their fears about affordability and the possibility of being priced out of the town they’ve long called home. Their voices stayed with me. I want to be a voice for them—and for all residents who feel unheard in the face of financial decisions that shape our future.
My goal is to bring transparency, fiscal responsibility, and compassion to the Board of Finance. Ridgefield is a remarkable town, and I’m committed to helping it remain a place where people of all ages can thrive.
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 addressing the expected capital projects - Public Safety Building and Public-School Buildings- and the future associated costs. We must approach this responsibility with thoughtful planning and, when necessary, creative solutions. These may include phased renovations, public-private partnerships (if applicable), or strategic bond initiatives—all aimed at preserving educational excellence while minimizing the financial burden on taxpayers. It is crucial to have community engagement and transparent dialogue will be essential. Ridgefield’s strength lies in its ability to come together, evaluate priorities, and invest wisely in the future we all share.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I will bring a commonsense approach to my work and understanding of the budgetary process to the Board of Finance. I will work to share with our constituents what is being asked of the BOF and explain the decisions that are presented to the Board of Selectpersons. I am committed to working in a collaborative manner to reach a positive direction using best practices for the town.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
1. Champion Fiscal Responsibility
• Ask the tough questions and scrutinize spending to ensure every dollar serves Ridgefield wisely.
• Promote long-term financial planning that balances needs with sustainability.
2. Engage the Public in Budgeting
• Foster transparency by opening the budget process to residents.
• Actively listen to community concerns and incorporate their input with care and respect.
3. Demystify the Process
• Use multiple platforms—public forums, town meetings, newsletters, and digital outreach—to explain how decisions are made.
• Empower residents with knowledge so they can participate meaningfully.
4. Preserve Ridgefield’s Character
• Protect the charm and heritage of our small town while embracing smart, thoughtful growth.
• Support development that enhances quality of life without compromising what makes Ridgefield special.
5. Make the Numbers Work
• Prioritize clarity and honesty in financial reporting.
• Use transparency as the foundation for making tough but necessary decisions.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? When my family moved to Ridgefield in 1988, we brought with us not just dreams, but the determination to make them sustainable. My husband ran his own business, and I took on the dual role of managing both his business accounts and our household finances. Each month presented a new set of challenges—fluctuating income, unexpected expenses, and the ever-present need to prioritize. I developed a system grounded in discipline and adaptability. Mortgage, utilities, healthcare, car payments, and taxes were non-negotiables. Groceries and school-related costs were carefully budgeted, often requiring creative solutions to stretch every dollar. Through it all, we remained committed to our financial obligations, steadily building and maintaining a strong credit rating.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? The best advice I received was to never be afraid to ask a question or ask for help. Both of these require humility, the ability to listen, and a desire to improve and learn.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? Simply, I love Ridgefield. I have called it home for over 37 years and look forward to many more memories. I deeply care about the people and the town's future. Ridgefield has been a wonderful place to raise a family and now the best place to "age in place". I am willing to do whatever I can to make this true for the town's individuals and families. Let's set aside our differences and work together to maintain what makes Ridgefield special.