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Ridgefield Patch Candidate Profile: Marty Heiser For Board of Finance

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 14:22 GMT by Patch
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Ridgefield Board of Finance Candidate Profile: Marty Heiser

In a bid to bring seasoned financial expertise to the Ridgefield Board of Finance, local resident and longtime community advocate Marty Heiser has announced his candidacy for the board’s open seat. Heiser—whose résumé boasts a blend of public‑sector stewardship and private‑sector accounting—claims that his experience uniquely positions him to help the town navigate a complex fiscal landscape while ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility for residents.

A Career Built on Numbers and Service

Heiser’s professional background is deeply rooted in finance. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who earned his degree from the University of Connecticut’s School of Business, Heiser spent the early part of his career at a regional audit firm before turning his focus toward public finance. For over a decade, he served as the City of Ridgefield’s Finance Director, a role in which he oversaw budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting for a $70‑million municipal budget. In that capacity, he was responsible for preparing the annual budget proposal, monitoring expenditures, and advising the City Council on financial implications of policy decisions.

Beyond his role as Finance Director, Heiser has served on several municipal committees. He was a member of the Ridgefield Planning & Zoning Board and the Local Economic Development Advisory Council. In 2018, the City Council appointed him to the Board of Finance, where he worked on a bipartisan team that focused on creating a balanced budget, establishing a multi‑year reserve strategy, and streamlining the city’s bond‑issuance process.

“Finance is not just about numbers; it’s about people,” Heiser said in a recent interview. “I’ve spent my career translating complex financial data into actionable insights that help our city grow responsibly.”

Why Ridgefield Needs a Finance‑Savvy Board Member

The Ridgefield Board of Finance is tasked with reviewing and approving the city’s annual budget, setting policy on property tax rates, and overseeing long‑term capital projects. With a population of just under 14,000, the board’s decisions directly influence local tax rates, school funding, and public‑works investments.

Heiser’s platform centers on a few key priorities:

• Fiscal Transparency – He plans to publish detailed budget explanations and hold public forums for residents to ask questions. He has already advocated for an updated digital portal that would provide real‑time data on spending and revenue projections.
• Balanced Budgets and Reserve Building – Drawing from his experience as Finance Director, Heiser argues for a “balanced‑budget-first” approach and a 2‑year reserve cushion to cushion the town against unexpected downturns.
• Smart Capital Planning – Heiser aims to streamline the city’s capital‑expenditure process, ensuring that infrastructure projects meet long‑term needs without compromising fiscal prudence.
• Tax‑Rate Stability – He has pledged to keep property‑tax increases low by optimizing operational efficiencies and exploring alternative revenue sources, such as public‑private partnerships for certain services.

“Ridgefield is a wonderful community, but we can’t let a lack of foresight erode its economic foundation,” Heiser told a local gathering in the spring. “With careful planning, we can keep taxes affordable while investing in the future.”

A Campaign Grounded in Community Connections

While Heiser’s resume is impressive, his campaign emphasizes grassroots engagement. The candidate’s official website—[ martheiser4finance.com ]—lists volunteer sign‑ups, event calendars, and a monthly newsletter. In addition to the online presence, Heiser’s campaign team has organized door‑to‑door canvassing, town‑hall discussions, and a “Finance 101” series that demystifies budgeting for residents.

Heiser’s wife, Sarah, who teaches mathematics at Ridgefield High School, is active in the campaign’s “Financial Literacy” outreach. Together, they have hosted a series of workshops for high‑schoolers about budgeting, credit, and municipal finance.

“I believe that education is the most powerful tool for empowerment,” Sarah said at a recent event. “When people understand how their tax dollars are spent, they’re better equipped to hold local officials accountable.”

Endorsements and Community Support

Heiser has already secured endorsements from a handful of local organizations. The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce cited his experience in fostering a business‑friendly environment and his track record in managing municipal funds. A small group of residents on the Ridgefield Historical Society’s board also expressed support, noting that Heiser’s fiscal prudence would help preserve the town’s historic properties.

Additionally, Heiser’s candidacy is noted on the official Ridgefield City website’s “Candidates” section, which provides biographical details, campaign finance reports, and links to official statements. Residents can find his LinkedIn profile at [ linkedin.com/in/martyheiser ], which highlights his professional milestones and recommendations from former City Council members.

The Stakes of the Election

The upcoming election will decide whether the current board, which has maintained a 55‑year tradition of balanced budgets, will see a shift toward a more proactive financial strategy. Critics of the status quo argue that the board’s decisions can sometimes lack public transparency, while proponents believe the existing approach keeps the town’s finances stable.

Heiser’s opponent—former city treasurer Lisa Ramirez—claims she has the experience to maintain fiscal health. However, she has been criticized by some residents for her lack of engagement with the broader community. Heiser’s campaign counters by emphasizing his “open‑door” approach and willingness to collaborate across the board’s membership.

Looking Ahead

If elected, Marty Heiser would join a board that has historically included a mix of long‑time residents and new voices. He has stated that his goals will align with the board’s long‑term vision: “Our objective is to keep Ridgefield financially healthy for future generations while ensuring that every resident sees the impact of responsible stewardship.”

The race is still early, but Heiser’s blend of professional credentials, community involvement, and public‑service philosophy have already sparked interest. Residents are encouraged to visit the candidate’s website for more detailed policy proposals and to attend upcoming public forums.

For a deeper dive into the Ridgefield Board of Finance’s structure and responsibilities, visit the City of Ridgefield’s official page at [ cityofridgefield.org ].

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