Patch Candidate Profile: Brian Bailey For Norwalk Common Council

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:

Brian Bailey

What office are you seeking?

Common Council, District E

What town do you live in?

Norwalk, Connecticut

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Executive in Financial Technology, 20 years

Family:

Jessica Bailey, Wife and four children ages 17, 14, 12, and 9

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes. My father, Jack Bailey, was a career prosecutor who served as Connecticut’s Chief State’s Attorney for nearly a decade. My mother, Dee Bailey, worked as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Town of West Hartford for almost twenty years.

My grandfather, John M. Bailey, was a prominent figure in Connecticut and national politics—serving as Chairman of the Connecticut Democratic Party for nearly thirty years and as Chair of the Democratic National Committee for eight years, originally appointed by President John F. Kennedy.

Public service runs deep in my family. Close relatives have served in the U.S. Congress, as Connecticut Secretary of State, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives, members of the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, and in various municipal elected offices across the state.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I was a member of the Charter Revision Commission for the City of Hartford in 2001

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running for Common Council because I believe Norwalk’s future is bright. Over the past decade, we’ve made tremendous progress—new schools, safer neighborhoods, stronger test scores, and more sustainable infrastructure. But we can’t stand still. We must keep investing wisely to ensure Norwalk remains sustainable and affordable for young families, seniors, and longtime residents alike.

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

Affordability # I will work closely with Council members, the Mayor, and City Department heads to develop a smart, responsible budget that protects Norwalk’s AAA credit rating and keep laser focus on eliminating duplicative spending.#

I’ll collaborate with our state legislative delegation to advocate for continued investment in our schools and a fairer share of ECS funding, and with our federal delegation to protect critical programs and secure grants that support education, seniors, and health services.#

Finally, I’ll prioritize diversifying Norwalk’s tax base by promoting smart, balanced commercial growth that helps ease the tax burden on residents. New development should be concentrated in existing commercial centers near public transportation, carefully planned to avoid negative impacts on neighborhoods, and shaped by community input through a transparent public feedback process.

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

First, I want to say that I deeply respect all of the candidates running for public office in Norwalk. Civic engagement is vital to a healthy democracy, and I appreciate the time and personal commitment it takes to serve our community.

The key difference between me and some other candidates in District E is my belief that Norwalk has strong momentum under the recent Rilling administration—momentum we should build on through smart, balanced governance. I want to make Norwalk both affordable and vibrant by encouraging responsible commercial growth in our city centers. In contrast, some candidates advocate for freezing development entirely, which I believe would stall progress and increase the tax burden on residents rather than improving affordability.

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

These are the five pillars of my campaign, a few which I have already mentioned:

Maintain strong financial stewardship with responsible budgeting and long-term planning, protecting our AAA credit rating and preserving a healthy Rainy-Day Fund.

Attract and retain families by funding excellent schools and supporting first time home buyer programs and senior housing options.

Promote smart growth and local jobs that strengthen Norwalk’s city centers, expand the tax base, but keeps Norwalk’s unique character intact.

Invest in infrastructure and city services—from roads and sidewalks to beaches, parks, libraries, and public safety —so that Norwalk remains a vibrant and livable community.

Build on Norwalk’s recognition by Fortune Magazine ranking Norwalk as the best place to live in CT by enhancing quality of life, celebrating our diverse communities, supporting arts, culture, recreation.

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

Professionally, I bring nearly 30 years of experience in finance, technology, and the public sector —I started my career working on a Connecticut gubernatorial campaign, I then served as a top aide to the Connecticut State Treasurer, after getting an MBA, from Yale School of Management, I transitioned into the private sector where I have spent the past 20 years building and managing financial technology platforms at both large global investment banks and small high growth FinTechs. Along the way I learned how to manage budgets, make tough decisions, and bring people together to get things done. Those are the skills I want to put to work on Norwalk’s Common Council.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat everyone with the respect they deserve.

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

I am asking the voters for their trust, their ideas and their vote to help build a Norwalk that works for all of us.