Zoning Board of Appeals - 2025 Candidate Comparison
Election Date: November 4, 2025
Seats Available: 2 regular + 1 alternate
Vote for: Up to 2 for regular seats, up to 1 for alternate
Term Length: 4 years
Position Overview
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hears appeals from Planning & Zoning Commission decisions and grants variances from zoning regulations when strict application would cause undue hardship. This quasi-judicial board protects property rights while ensuring zoning regulations are fairly and consistently applied. Decisions directly affect property owners' ability to develop their land.
Key Responsibilities:
- Hear appeals from Planning & Zoning Commission decisions
- Grant variances from dimensional requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, building height)
- Issue special permits as authorized by zoning regulations
- Interpret zoning regulations and zoning map
- Hold public hearings on variance applications
- Balance property rights with community zoning standards
How to Vote
TWO SEPARATE RACES:
Race 1: Regular Members (Vote for up to 2)
- Richard Ruggiero (D) - Regular member
- Jason Bergman (R) - Regular member
Race 2: Alternate Member (Vote for up to 1)
- Richard Wolf (R) - Alternate member (only candidate)
Candidate Summary Table - Regular Members
| Attribute | Richard Ruggiero (D) | Jason Bergman (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Party | Democratic | Republican |
| Status | First-time candidate | Incumbent (2024/2025 term) |
| Background | Director/Editor in creative fields (possible) | Real Estate/Title Insurance Attorney |
| Professional Expertise | Unknown | Property law, title issues, zoning restrictions |
| Relevant Experience | Unknown | Current ZBA member, 20 years real estate law |
| Education | Unknown | J.D. (New York Law School), B.A. (Muhlenberg) |
| Credentials | Unknown | CRE®, Fellow ACMA |
| Current Position | Unknown | VP & Senior Underwriting Counsel, Benchmark Title |
| Community Service | First candidacy | Current ZBA service |
Candidate Summary - Alternate
| Attribute | Richard Wolf (R) |
|---|---|
| Party | Republican |
| Status | Incumbent alternate (seeking re-election) |
| Background | Construction/Contracting |
| Professional Expertise | Building codes, construction feasibility |
| Relevant Experience | Current ZBA Alternate, former Building Committee, Cemetery Committee |
| Key Strength | Contractor expertise for technical variance review |
| 2023 Election | Ran unopposed for 2-year term |
Detailed Candidate Comparisons - Regular Members
Professional Background
Richard Ruggiero (Democratic):
- Limited public information available
- Possible professions: Director/Editor in creative fields, business operations roles
- First-time candidate for elected office in Weston
- No documented town board/commission service
- Background details: Not confirmed through public sources
Jason Bergman (Republican - Incumbent):
- Current: Vice President & Senior Underwriting Counsel at Benchmark Title Agency, LLC
- Career Focus: Title insurance and real estate law (nearly 20 years)
- Previous Positions:
- VP and Underwriting Counsel at nation's largest title agency
- Underwriting Counsel, First American Title Insurance Company (New York)
- Claims Counsel, First American Title Insurance and Fidelity National Title Group
- Education:
- Currently pursuing M.A. in Real Estate Finance & Development - New York University
- J.D. (Juris Doctor) - New York Law School
- B.A. - Muhlenberg College
- Professional Credentials:
- CRE® (Counselor of Real Estate) - Highest level of expertise in real estate specialties
- Fellow, American College of Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA)
- Current ZBA Service: Member during 2024/2025 term
Relevant Experience for Zoning Board of Appeals
Richard Ruggiero:
- No specific zoning/land use experience documented
- First-time candidate: No prior board service in public records
- Democratic endorsement: Received Democratic Town Committee endorsement July 22, 2025
- Part of Democratic slate: One of the exceptions who doesn't currently hold office
Jason Bergman:
- Current ZBA Member: Serving on board during 2024/2025 term
- 20 years real estate law: Direct experience with property rights and restrictions
- Title insurance expertise: Reviews and interprets:
- Zoning regulations and restrictions
- Property boundaries and easements
- Land use limitations
- Deed restrictions
- Building restrictions
- Professional focus: Handling complex real estate transactions and title issues
- Daily work: Evaluating property rights, restrictions, and zoning compliance
- Specialized knowledge: Property law directly applicable to variance requests
Why Relevant Experience Matters for ZBA
The Board's Work:
- Reviews variance requests involving setbacks, lot coverage, building height
- Interprets zoning regulations and property restrictions
- Evaluates hardship claims related to property characteristics
- Balances property rights with zoning compliance
- Reviews title issues, easements, and property boundaries
Jason Bergman's Direct Relevance:
- Title insurance work involves daily review of zoning restrictions
- Understanding of property rights essential to variance decisions
- Experience interpreting complex property documents
- Knowledge of easements and property boundaries
- Professional focus on resolving property right issues
Richard Ruggiero's Unknown Relevance:
- Professional background not confirmed
- No documented zoning or property law experience
- Skills transferable to ZBA work not publicly known
Community Involvement
Richard Ruggiero:
- Weston resident
- No documented community service in public sources
- First-time candidate
- Democratic Town Committee participation (2025 endorsement)
Jason Bergman:
- Weston, Connecticut resident
- Current ZBA service: Active member 2024/2025
- Professional community: Benchmark Title Agency, involved in real estate community
- Seeking re-election based on current service
Detailed Profile - Alternate Member
Richard Wolf (Republican - Incumbent Alternate)
Professional Background:
- Contractor with extensive construction experience
- Technical expertise in building codes and regulations
- Practical knowledge of construction feasibility and constraints
Town Service:
- Current: Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate
- Previous:
- Building Committee member (reappointed 2011)
- Cemetery Committee member (former)
- 2023 Election: Ran unopposed for 2-year ZBA Alternate term
- 2025: Seeking re-election
Relevant Experience:
- Construction expertise: Understanding of building codes and site development
- Technical review skills: Ability to evaluate feasibility of variance requests
- Practical application: Real-world experience with how zoning affects construction
- Building Committee service: Applied contractor expertise to town building projects
Why Relevant for ZBA Alternate:
- ZBA frequently hears variance requests for building setbacks, lot coverage, construction issues
- Contractor background provides practical understanding of construction constraints
- Can evaluate whether claimed hardships are legitimate from construction standpoint
- Understands technical feasibility of proposed solutions
2011 Context:
- Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to reappoint Wolf to Building Committee
- Building Committee Chairman Don Gary strongly supported reappointment, emphasizing need for contractor expertise
- Gary stated he had "never known Richard to be cavalier with money"
Role of ZBA Alternate:
- Serves when regular members have conflicts of interest or cannot attend
- Must attend meetings regularly to stay informed
- Steps in to make decisions when called upon
- Requires same preparation and knowledge as regular members
Key Differences - Regular Members
Professional Expertise
- Ruggiero: Unknown professional background
- Bergman: Real estate/title insurance attorney with 20 years experience
ZBA Experience
- Ruggiero: No prior ZBA service
- Bergman: Current ZBA member (2024/2025)
Relevant Credentials
- Ruggiero: Unknown credentials
- Bergman: CRE®, Fellow ACMA, J.D., pursuing Real Estate Finance M.A.
Zoning/Property Law Knowledge
- Ruggiero: Unknown
- Bergman: Daily professional focus on property rights, restrictions, title issues
Public Information
- Ruggiero: Minimal public information available
- Bergman: Extensive professional profile and current board service
Key Similarities - Regular Members
Commitment to Service
- Both seeking to serve on ZBA
- Both endorsed by their respective parties
- Both Weston residents
Running for Same Position
- Both competing for regular ZBA member seats
- Voters can vote for both (2 seats available)
Race Dynamics & Voting Strategies
Regular Members (2 seats, 2 candidates)
Key Decision: Vote for both, one, or neither?
Option 1: Vote for Both (Ruggiero + Bergman)
- Result: Both candidates elected
- Partisan balance: One Democrat, one Republican
- Expertise: Mix of Bergman's known real estate expertise + Ruggiero's unknown background
- Pro: Ensures bipartisan board
- Con: Limited information about Ruggiero's qualifications
Option 2: Vote for Bergman Only
- Result: Bergman likely elected, second seat determined by other voters
- Emphasis: Prioritizes proven real estate/title expertise
- Risk: Second seat outcome uncertain
Option 3: Vote for Ruggiero Only
- Result: Ruggiero possibly elected, second seat determined by others
- Question: What qualifications support this choice given limited information?
- Risk: Both seats' outcomes uncertain
Option 4: Vote for Neither
- Result: Other voters determine both seats
- Message: Neither candidate meets your standards
Alternate Member (1 seat, 1 candidate)
Richard Wolf (R) running unopposed
- Vote FOR: Support his re-election based on contractor expertise and current service
- Leave BLANK: Decline to support his re-election
- No other option: No opposing candidate
Critical Questions for Voters
About Richard Ruggiero
- What is his professional background and relevant experience?
- What qualifies him for ZBA service?
- What is his understanding of zoning law and property rights?
- Why has he chosen to run with limited public information available?
- Will he provide detailed qualifications before the election?
- What is his vision for ZBA decision-making?
About Jason Bergman
- Has he served effectively as ZBA member in 2024/2025?
- Is his title insurance expertise valuable for variance decisions?
- Does his real estate law background create conflicts of interest?
- Can he balance professional work with board responsibilities?
- What is his judicial philosophy for granting variances?
About Richard Wolf (Alternate)
- Has he served effectively as ZBA alternate?
- Is contractor expertise valuable for the board?
- Does his Building Committee experience strengthen his qualifications?
- Should he be re-elected based on current service?
About Board Needs
- Is real estate/title expertise essential for ZBA?
- Should board include contractor perspective? (Wolf)
- What other professional backgrounds would be valuable?
- How important is prior board experience vs. fresh perspective?
About Voting Strategy
- Should you vote for bipartisan balance (both regular candidates)?
- Is it better to vote based on qualifications despite information gaps?
- Should you leave seats blank if information is insufficient?
Information Gaps & Recommendations
Richard Ruggiero Critical Information Needs
Voters evaluating Ruggiero's candidacy need:
- Professional background and career experience
- Education and credentials
- Relevant experience with property, zoning, or legal matters
- Reasons for running and vision for ZBA
- Understanding of variance standards and property rights
- Time availability for board service
- Community involvement and civic engagement history
- Positions on property rights vs. zoning compliance balance
Where to Find Information:
- Candidate Forums: League of Women Voters
- Democratic Town Committee: weston-democrats.org
- Direct Contact: Request information through party
- Public Meetings: Attend ZBA meetings to understand board work
Jason Bergman Information to Evaluate
While more information available, voters should understand:
- His ZBA service record from 2024/2025 term
- Specific variance decisions he's participated in
- Judicial philosophy on when to grant variances
- How professional work informs board decisions
- Any potential conflicts between professional and board roles
Understanding ZBA Function
What the Board Does
- Variance Requests: Most common - dimensional relief (setbacks, lot coverage, height)
- Appeals: Reviews Planning & Zoning Commission decisions
- Interpretations: Clarifies zoning regulation meanings
- Special Permits: As authorized by zoning regulations
Standards for Granting Variances
Connecticut law requires:
- Undue hardship from strict application of zoning
- Hardship due to property characteristics (not personal circumstances)
- Variance won't harm public interest
- Variance consistent with zoning intent
Why Professional Background Matters
- Property knowledge: Understanding real estate, boundaries, restrictions
- Technical expertise: Evaluating construction feasibility (contractor background)
- Legal understanding: Interpreting regulations and statutory standards
- Judgment: Balancing property rights with community standards
Jason Bergman's title insurance work directly relates to these needs Richard Wolf's contractor experience provides technical perspective Richard Ruggiero's relevant background unclear from public information
Resources
Full Candidate Profiles
- Richard Ruggiero: View Profile
- Jason Bergman: View Profile
- Richard Wolf: View Profile
Contact Information
Richard Ruggiero:
- Contact: Weston Democratic Town Committee (weston-democrats.org)
Jason Bergman:
- Professional: Benchmark Title Agency, LLC
- Contact: Weston Republican Town Committee (westonrtc.org)
Richard Wolf:
- Contact: Weston Republican Town Committee (westonrtc.org)
- Residence: Weston, CT
Zoning Board of Appeals
- Website: westonct.gov - Zoning Board of Appeals
- Meetings: As needed to hear appeals
- Meeting Minutes: Available on town website
- Applications: Public files at Land Use office
Additional Resources
- Zoning Regulations: Available at westonct.gov
- Variance Standards: Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 124
- League of Women Voters: Non-partisan candidate information
- Town Clerk: Sample ballot and voting information
Voting Information
- Election Day: November 4, 2025
- Early Voting: October 20 - November 2, 2025
- Sample Ballot: westonct.gov and Town Clerk's office
Last Updated: October 15, 2025
Important Notes:
Richard Ruggiero: This comparison identifies significant information gaps regarding professional background, relevant experience, and qualifications for ZBA service. Voters should attend candidate forums and request detailed information through the Democratic Town Committee before making decisions.
Jason Bergman: Has documented real estate law expertise directly relevant to ZBA work and current board service providing track record for evaluation.
Richard Wolf: Running unopposed for alternate position with documented contractor expertise and prior town service.
Key Voting Considerations:
-
Regular Members (Vote for up to 2):
- With 2 seats and 2 candidates, you can elect both for bipartisan balance
- Consider Bergman's real estate expertise
- Seek more information about Ruggiero's qualifications
- Your vote determines whether both serve or seat(s) go to candidate(s) with most support
-
Alternate Member (Vote for up to 1):
- Richard Wolf unopposed
- Vote to support his re-election with contractor expertise
- Leave blank if you don't support his continued service
- No other candidates to choose from
Recommendation: Given the technical and legal nature of ZBA work (property variances, zoning interpretations, appeals), voters should prioritize candidates with demonstrated relevant expertise. Jason Bergman's title insurance and property law background is directly applicable. Richard Wolf's contractor experience adds valuable technical perspective. Richard Ruggiero's relevant qualifications remain unclear and should be clarified before the election.