Patch Candidate Profile: Dana Nellie Cole For Norwalk Board Of Education

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:

Dana Nellie Cole

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education - At Large

What town do you live in?

Norwalk

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Custom Engraving and Etching (10 years)

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have lived in Norwalk my entire life. It is because of my own experience as a member of both the queer and disabled communities and self advocacy herein that I was inspired to run, such that I could help give voice to the more vulnerable in our community.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is funding. I intend to work towards seeking grants and increased funding from the state government through direct action, such that we can make sure each child gets the accomodations and programs they need and deserve as part of a well-rounded education.

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

I am one of the only candidates who has experienced the Norwalk Public Schools as a student. I am also a member of the lgbtq+ and disabled communities, and as such have a unique perspective to the issues directly affecting those members, including but not limited to special education funding, accessibility options, and medical privacy. As a member of the Jewish community, I believe I also give a voice to the needs of a minority population that does not as of yet have representation on the Board of Education.

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

A major point in my campaign is providing a voice for the most vulnerable. Aside from both the disability and queer communities, of which I consider myself included, one community in desperate need of our support is our immigrant population. As a participant of Silvermine Elementary's Mano a Mano program, I was fortunate enough to learn alongside children of multiple Hispanic heritages. It pains me to see how ICE has been callously targeting and tearing apart families, whose only crime, at worst, was wanting a better opportunity for their children. We have already lost several Norwalkers to deportation. I will do everything I can to prevent future family separations and to protect everyone in our extended Norwalk family, regardless of country of origin.

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

I have served both as a volunteer and elected member of various advocacy and charitable organizations. As a student advocate, I helped run forums on marriage equality and made several trips to the state legislature to push inclusive legislation in Connecticut. As webmaster for the Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee, I helped run the Memorial Day Parade for many years and even spearheaded the changeover for applications to digital format. I have worked as part of my synagogue's Social Action Committee to promote projects that protect and provide for the more vulnerable and at-risk members of our community. I have been working towards building a better Norwalk and a better Connecticut most of my life, and would be honored if granted the opportunity to continue this work as a member of the Board of Education.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Honestly, the best advice I was ever given was being told it was okay to reach out to disability services. I am ADHD and low support needs autistic, but due to lack of proper diagnosis, I never had an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) growing up. I had a very strong grasp on learning the material given to me, and was even considered "gifted," but I struggled when it came to written exams. It was severly frustrating, especially since it was the one area I really had trouble with, despite my handle on the subject matter. There was even a long period where I did not consider myself disabled, because unlike many of my friends, my disabilities do not have visible markers. It took one of these friends sitting down with me for me to finally approach the disability services at UConn for the accomodations I needed. I had spent so much of my life advocating for others, I hadn't thought to advocate for myself. Having these accomodations finally allowed me to not only finish my degree after twenty years, but graduate Cum Laude.

As many long-term Norwalk residents know, my father, David Cole, held several elected positions in Norwalk, including Board of Education, and several persons had asked if I intended in following in his footsteps. I always sidestepped the question, as I did not want my father's legacy to be the sole reason behind my candicacy. I needed my own reason, and that degree, and everything that lead to it, is a major part of mine. To help advocate for the needs of all children, regardless of how big or how small. If I can make their academic journey even just a little bit easier, that will mean the world to me.

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

Falling on the Autism Spectrum, social interaction is honestly one of my personal nightmares. That said, I also very deeply feel the need for proper communication and understanding. If there are any issues a voter has questions on, I want them to feel free to reach out to me, and I will respond in a timely manner. That way we can work together to build Norwalk Public Schools to be the best they can be.