Patch Candidate Profile: Barbara Smyth For Norwalk Mayor

NORWALK, 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:

Barbara Smyth

What office are you seeking?

Mayor

What town do you live in?

Norwalk

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Retired Norwalk Public Schools Teacher

Family:

My husband, Pete, and I have been proud to call Norwalk home for 27 years. I have three grown children: Alison, Ben, and Ethan; and two grandchildren, Henry and Lila.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I have served four terms as an At-Large member of the Norwalk Common Council.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for Mayor of Norwalk because I have the experience, grit, and compassion to guide our city forward. I love this city and I am ready to fight for the kind of community we will leave to our children and grandchildren, while improving the quality of life for all of us.

I have proven leadership experience. I've been elected Common Council President twice and chaired key committees. In Public Works, I delivered improvements to roads, drainage, and wastewater systems while expanding our tree canopy. In Land Use, I led the construction of new schools and major facility upgrades.

I am proud to have been a Norwalk Public Schools teacher. It is my direct experience in the classroom and on the Common Council that gives me a perspective no one else in the race can bring to the Mayor's office. I know how to manage multiple and often conflicting needs in one community and assure each voice is heard, valued, and that everyone can succeed.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

If I'm to narrow down the many issues facing my constituents to a single issue, it would have to be quality of life. This means different things to different people. For many of us, it's affordability; for some it's the feeling that Norwalk is changing and leaving us behind; for others it's traffic congestion and the difficulty of getting from one side of town to the other, and yet others, it's a balanced budget for our schools that keeps taxes fair for all of us.

Some of the ways I will address these issues is to improve communication so that Norwalkers are aware of decisions that may affect their lives. One way I will do that is to come into the community with my staff for a quarterly Mayor's Night Out so residents are aware of upcoming initiatives and to deliver accountability and transparency to all the people of Norwalk

I will collaborate with public and private housing partners to diversify our housing stock, I'll work to modernize Tax Relief For Elderly and Disabled Homeowners, support and grow our small and large businesses to increase our commercial tax base and reduce the burden on residents, and work collaboratively with the Board of Education to assure a balanced budget that supports our teachers and staff and puts our students and families first.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am the most experienced candidate in the race. I know how City Hall works - and how it can and should work better for everyone. I've chaired key committees and have led with fairness and accountability, and will aways way what is best for Norwalk families.

What truly differentiates me from my opponents is my record of commitment to our public schools and our families. As a former teacher at Ponus Ridge Middle School and Norwalk High, I know firsthand what our students and educators need to succeed.

I am the only candidate with proven leadership experience. I've been elected Common Council President twice, including during the first year of COVID. With no script to follow, we worked with the Mayor's office and city staff to create a new way of operating during a global crisis.

Finally, I have the grit, determination, and compassion to guide our city forward.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I will work to make Norwalk a resilient city for the future by continuing to invest in our infrastructure, better roads and sidewalks, traffic calming measures to make our city more walkable and bike able. I'll also continue investing in our tree canopy, focusing on our urban core where heat islands are an equity issue. I will proudly stand up for our vulnerable populations and assure equity and inclusivity for all Norwalkers.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In addition to all of the above, I have raised three children in a changing world and am proud of the successful adults they have become.

Teaching in our public schools and working with our beautifully diverse population of students has given me a unique perspective no one else in this race can bring to the Mayor's office. I know how to manage multiple and often conflicting needs in a community and assure each voice is heard, valued, and that everyone can succeed.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice anyone ever gave me came from my mom. Don't judge a person unless you've walked a mile in their shoes.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Fairfield University.