Welcome to James (Dimitrios B.) Kontolios
Elected Official; Electronics/I.T. Engineer; Small Business Owner; Greek-American Community Leader; Volunteer/Philanthropist
About JIMMY
Who Am I?
o Ridgefield Councilman since 2017, serving with a focus on public safety, infrastructure, and responsible development.
o Lifelong Ridgefield resident, educated in Ridgefield’s public schools: Shaler Boulevard School, Slocum-Skewes Middle School, and Ridgefield Memorial High School.
o Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. Experienced Defense Subcontractor Production/Test Engineer and Wireless Telecom Engineering Manager.
o Owner and President of DBK Chian Enterprises, an electronics and information technology company.
o Chair of the Police and Public Works Committees, and has served on key borough committees including Finance, Fire, and Library.
o Vice-Chair of the Ridgefield Municipal Democratic Committee.
o Member of the New Jersey State Hellenic-American Heritage Commission, promoting cultural pride and civic involvement.
o Devout Greek Orthodox Christian and active parishioner at Ascension Greek Orthodox Church in Fairview, NJ.
GALLERY
Councilman Kontolios | Dedicated to Responsible LeadershIP
✅ Property Tax Stability
As Member of the Finance Committee for 8 years, your Municipal Property Taxes have been stable despite rising costs by cutting spending without sacrificing services. Ridgefield is the 12th lowest taxed town in Bergen County.
✅ Modernized the Building Department
Led the transformation of Ridgefield’s Building Department—making it more professional, accessible, and resident-friendly.
✅ Delivered Key Transportation Improvements
Partnered with Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese and NJDOT to widen the Grand Avenue exit at Route 46 and install a long-overdue traffic light at Route 5
✅ Working on GWB Traffic Problems
Assemblyman Calabrese, Assemblywomen Park and Haider, and I met with Google Maps/Waze Engineers and other Police officials to discuss changing their algorithms not to bypass cars and trucks through our Ridgefield streets when the George Washington Bridge backs up. On April 10, the NJ State Assembly Bill A3036 "Swift Access For Emergency Response Actions Preservation Program (SAFER APP)"; which authorizes the Attorney General to order turn-by-turn navigation systems to reroute vehicular traffic under certain conditions, passed unanimously in the Transportation Committee.
✅ Upgraded Veterans’ Park
Secured major improvements to the Steve Pellino Basketball Court, Baseball Fields, and tennis courts—enhancing recreational space for residents of all ages.
✅ Upgrading Willis Field
Added Pickleball Courts to Willis Field | New Turf, Track, and LED lighting will be updated this year | Electric Vehicle Charging Stations will added also
✅ Protected Ridgefield’s Character
A strong and consistent opponent of overdevelopment and duplex expansion—standing up to preserve Ridgefield’s small-town charm.
✅ Strengthened Public Safety
Keeping Ridgefield one of the safest towns in Bergen County, as Chair of the Police Committee: led the hiring of eight new police officers | added traffic cameras to key intersections | radar speed enforcement | installed pedestrian crossing signs with flashing lights | supported Junior Police Academy for kids. As Member of the Fire Committee: purchased 2 new Fire Trucks | supplied state of the art gear for our firefighters | instituted a stipend for our volunteers to assist them with their expenses
✅ Improved Streets and Infrastructure
Coordinating with PSE&G and Veolia to upgrade underground infrastructure and repave Ridgefield’s roads. All lighting is being replaced in buildings and outdoors with LED's with PSE&G grants to save Ridgefield on utility costs.
✅ Helped Stop a Polluting Gas Power Plant
Lead the fight, with Food and Water Watch, against a proposed gas-fired power plant that would have polluted Ridgefield’s air to benefit New York City—protecting our environment and public health.
✅ Technology Experience for the Borough of Ridgefield
Using his Information Technology (I.T.) Experience to benefit our town by hiring the best I.T. Engineers for Ridgefield. We are certified as a NJ Top Ranked CyberSecurity compliant municipality. Jimmy has volunteered his time as Ridgefield's Webmaster since 2011, before he ever sought Public Office.
✅ A Voice You Can Trust
No conflicts of interest—not an attorney and no ties to developers. Councilman Kontolios works solely for the people of Ridgefield.