Patch Candidate Profile: Diane LaPine For Danbury City Council At Large

DANBURY, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Diane LaPine

What office are you seeking?
City Council at Large

What town do you live in?
Danbury

Party Affiliation:

Democratic Party

Occupation:
Real Estate Broker

Family:
I’m married to Jim LaPine for 37 years and we have Two children Jaimie LaPine, 36 and Greg LaPine, 32. We have 2 granddaughters Lilah, 4 and Lydia, 16 months. I and my children attended Danbury public schools. All 4 of us are professional musicians. Jim and Greg are Saxophonists and Jaimie is a vocalist and choral director and I’m a vocalist and taught the vocals for Broadway shows at DHS for 13 years.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I am currently serving my first term as CouncilWoman at Large

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m seeking re-election to my current position on the city council to help continue the momentum of the great work the Alves administration has accomplished in less than 2 years. I’ve lived in Danbury almost 60 years and have witnessed more progress in this short time than in the past 20 years.

Several years of late audits are nearly completed, the parks are improved, we are paving many more miles of roads than ever before, we have a new high school, a new westside firehouse is becoming a reality, and millions of dollars of state funds are pouring into our community thanks to the tireless efforts of the Alves administration! There is still much work to be done and I’m willing to put in the time to see it through.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Our Danbury neighbors are asking for quality of life improvements. At the numerous town halls held by The Mayor some of the most frequent subjects constituents bring up are speeding, traffic enforcement, and dangerous intersections This year the council voted in favor of cameras on the buses to protect the children from drivers passing stopped buses. I will continue to bring concerns to the Mayors office and vote for sensible improvements in those areas.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
It’s really important to me to be reliable and to give my all to the commitments I make. I strive to have a solid understanding of the issues and subject matter put before the City Council. I vote for what I believe is good for Danbury without bias.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
In my second term I plan to actively participate in Danbury’s efforts to bring more Arts and Entertainment to the community and see the Downtown Revitalization Project become a reality. Making Danbury a destination for Arts and Culture will contribute to the health of Danbury’s economy.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have a term of experience under my belt as a Councilwoman at Large. As a 30 year Real Estate broker and leader of a large team of agents in Danbury, I have gained invaluable knowledge of the inner workings of City Departments.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
You can do anything you put your mind to.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’m here to volunteer my time to make Danbury a better place for all of our neighbors. I’m only a phone call, text or email away and happy to listen to your concerns. I encourage my fellow Danburians to join us, get involved and support our ongoing efforts!