Meet Mike Santini
Your Candidate for Ridgefield Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate
How has your personal and professional background prepared you for this role?
I’ve spent my entire career in the non-profit industry working primarily as a fundraiser over 15 years. My longest tenure has been with the Prospector Theater. I was part of the initial build and start-up, so I have experience with our local Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals.
My life experiences have given me a real toolkit of non-profit professional skills, from fundraising, to strategy, to facilities and operations.
But the greatest experience that I bring is that I’m a lifelong Ridgefielder.
What do you think the Board’s greatest strengths are and how will you build on them?
The ZBA is truly an apolitical board. They’re here to enforce the Town’s zoning regulations. It is very hard to politicize what is written in black and white. They’re not there to make anybody’s life more difficult, or to automatically say no. One of the greatest strengths of the ZBA is the collaboration with residents. Ultimately, the ZBA is there to help you.
What are your top priorities for Ridgefield when you are elected?
I hope to help businesses, families, and residents to find their happiness. Whether it’s a property owner looking to change the zoning on an existing space so they can start a small business, we want to help to support them in that journey. If it’s a family who is expecting another child and needs an addition, we want to help them build their forever home. We want to be supportive and assist people to grow, whether that’s helping them with their property, their business, or their family life.
How will you balance growth and progress while preserving Ridgefield’s character?
Ridgefield is a beautiful, charming small town. It is kind, welcoming, and intergenerational. We can need more housing solutions for senior citizens and future homeowners. New apartments, townhouses, or affordable housing within Ridgefield could allow more seniors and retirees to stay in the town they love. Affordability makes it possible for someone who isn’t yet prepared for home ownership but wants to begin a new chapter of life in their hometown.
What are the key issues the Board faces?
I hope that my role on the ZBA could help businesses in town. I’ve worked at many amazing Ridgefield businesses – Tubby Tim’s Tree Farm, Chez Lenard, Prospector Theater. Ridgefield is a great place to work. We have so much going for us – a great downtown, rich arts and culture scene, and fantastic restaurants. Businesses stimulate our local economy. They create jobs, generate more tax dollars, and develop community partnerships.
What is your leadership style?
The best leaders lead through actions. They model what good looks like. They’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty. I view my leadership style not as a coach, but as somebody that’s on the playing field with you. To use a sports metaphor, I want to be the quarterback to help direct the team and set up my fellow players for success.
What does Ridgefield mean to you personally?
I’m a native Ridgefielder. I came back to town with my wife after living in D.C., to start my own family here. My family is from here. My parents are native Ridgefielders. My brother and sister live in town. My childhood friends live here, with kids of their own now. I care deeply about Ridgefield. It’s my home.
What is one thing voters might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m active on a couple of boards, including Ridgefield Youth Football and Cheer, where my wife Chelsea, is a cheer coach. Go Tigers! I played youth football and have met lifelong friends through that experience. I’m a big believer in team sports and how that can help young people. Also, I am fluent in Spanish.
Why should Ridgefield trust you?
Joining The Zoning Board of Appeals is an opportunity for me to do what I can to preserve our town’s colonial and historic charm, while making it a more accessible community. A place where all can enjoy a very meaningful life. I was born here. My family sees movies at the Prospector, I take my daughters to the Library, we eat pizza at 850. I’ll see you at the Memorial Day Parade and the Holiday Stroll. I want to be able to walk up to somebody, look them in the eye, and have a civil conversation. I want what’s best for this Town and the people who live in it – like you and me.