Ridgefield Votes for Open Space From the Danbury News-Times: RIDGEFIELD - Ridgefielders bit the bullet on taxes and easily approved next years $75.5 million budget Tuesday. But they sweat bullets over another vote that didn't even count.  That decision, on heavily debated proposals to preserve all or a portion of the large Bennett's Pond property, received a yes from the public Tuesday.  While not binding, the land vote is meant to advise town officials on the contentious issue. Voters supported a $10.8 million acquisition by eminent domain of the whole 613-acre property. They also supported an $8 million purchase or eminent domain acquisition of the portion of the property north of Bennett's Farm Road.  Georgia Stabell, who has lived near Bennett's Pond for 40 years, said saving the land from hundreds of condominiums and a conference center means less traffic and leaves something for future generations.  "It cant be put back if developed," said Stabell, who supported the budget.  With the approved budget that covers schools and town expenses, taxes will rise 9.6 percent.  The increase also will pay for a police officer in Ridgefield High School, and more teachers will be hired to meet increasing student enrollment. The town side of the budget passed 3,071 to 1,327; the school portion, 2,820 to 1,583.  "I went for the budget because you've got to get the asbestos out of the schools and keep the golf course going," said Dorothy Hall, who has lived in town for 35 years. She called the Bennett's Pond decision the worst dilemma I've ever had but ultimately voted against the expense.  The town cant be in the real estate business, said Hall.  That's how the day went in Ridgefield, as the budget vote was overshadowed by the Bennett's Pond issue that many feel is about nothing less than the future of Ridgefield.  Some saw value in developer Eureka V LLCs compromise proposal for some development and some open space.  On the budget, First Selectman Rudy Marconi called the result significant, given the tax hike was higher than many other budget proposals in the region.  But while voters understood the risk in approving a budget the tax bite the land purchase leaves many unknowns.  And selectmen have to figure out what they will send on to the Board of Finance for consideration. Marconi said selectmen may hold a public hearing on the two options.