In seven years as a resident of Ridgefield, I’ve witnessed our city’s ongoing remarkable transformation from a close-knit farm community to a vibrant extension of Portland and Vancouver.
I commend and sincerely thank the dedication of our current and previous city council members in steering Ridgefield through this period of rapid growth. What they have created is remarkable. I am retired from the software industry and a gay woman. My wife and I love the city you have created, and that’s why we are here.
However, with this demographic shift, it is crucial that our leadership evolves to reflect the diversity and aspirations of our expanding community. Our heritage and commitment to environmental best practices remain crucial elements that define Ridgefield’s character. Yet we must recognize the power in embracing change and engaging newcomers in the decision-making processes of our local government.
To navigate these transformative times successfully, our city council should actively seek and empower the perspectives of both longtime residents and newcomers. This means listening to people who do not look like you, and who do not have your wealth of experience. Indeed, it is their new ideas and perspective that are necessary to move us into the next phase.
