Meet Keith Carlson, Incumbent
Your Candidate for Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board
How has your personal and professional background prepared you for this role?
Professionally, I’m an architect, so I’m very familiar with the building process and can read plans very quickly. Also, in architecture you need to satisfy different, often times competing, needs to put a building together. You need to consider budget, client, aesthetics, codes and come up with something that works for everyone.
Personally, I have wetlands–actually a stream–on my property so I learned the dos and don’ts of the wetlands from homeowner perspective which gives me tremendous empathy for homeowners.
What do you think the Board’s greatest strengths are and how will you build on them?
It’s a very collaborative group. Our goal is to protect the wetlands and address any mitigating measures so that stakeholders can coexist peacefully. We also have some astute professionals on the board who make great recommendations. When someone comes to us with a request, we can usually help them find a pleasing path forward.
What are your top priorities for Ridgefield when you are elected?
Obviously, I’m committed to adhering to the spirit and rule of law. The wetlands are a critical part of the town’s ecosystem. I’d like more public outreach to make things a little more consumer-friendly. I think that by giving homeowners the tools they need in an easy-to-follow format, we can make the process less scary for people. Simply sharing more education on why the wetlands are such a vital resource that needs to be preserved can help diffuse any anxiety over it.
How will you balance growth and progress while preserving Ridgefield’s character?
There are lots of new construction projects going on in town. And the wetlands even flow through downtown. Getting a building permit is complicated. We need to consider the impact of cutting down trees and the presence of invasive species and wildlife on the town. IWB is part of the review process. With advance planning, we can be helpful in terms of providing advice to homeowners or contractors who are considering building close to the wetlands. It’s definitely a balancing act. By coming to us early with proposals we can make alternative suggestions that work for everyone. It’s like going to the doctor. If you feel like you’re getting a cough, go early rather than wait until it’s the flu and it’s more of a problem.
What is your leadership style?
I think I’m a good listener, something that’s lacking in our political discourse today. As an architect I try to address things early before they become issues. We need to be mindful and respectful of a homeowner’s property while serving the town. It makes life better for the homeowner, and better for the town.
What does Ridgefield mean to you personally?
We moved here from the city about four years ago. When we got here we thought,’Oh, my God, this is beautiful. I can’t believe we’re going to live here.’ I love Ridgefield for its vibrant arts community and theater. And there are so many people engaged with local government.
What is one thing voters might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a studio workshop in the house with some high-tech tools like a laser cutter and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery. I’m love tinkering around and started making sculptures last year. I’m really enjoying it. I also recently became a member of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists.
Additionally, my wife is very engaged with animal rescue. She was just awarded nonprofit status for a cat rescue project, called the Ridgefield Cat Project.
What sets you apart from your opponents?
I think I bring a unique combination of professional architecture experience, personal experience as a wetlands property owner, and hands-on approach to problem-solving. My technical expertise and ability to read plans and understand the building processes, combined with my collaborative approach, distinguishes my qualifications.
Why should Ridgefield trust you?
I’m committed to both environmental protection and property owners’ rights.