Patch Candidate Profile: James Frayer 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:

James Frayer

What office are you seeking?

Common Council District E

What town do you live in?

Norwalk, CT

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Retired

Family:

Widower with two grown children. Son, Matthew and family live in Vermont and daughter, Lauren and family live in London.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

In 2017, I was appointed to the Board of Estimate and Taxation. In 2023, I was elected to the Common Council for District E. I am currently running for re-election to the Council.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have always been involved with community activities since moving to Norwalk almost fifty years ago. Since 2017, when I was appointed to the Board of Estimate and Taxation and then elected to the Common Council, I have been passionate about how I can help make the city better. I currently serve as Chairman of the Public Works and Finance Committees as well as serving on the Economic Community Development, Land Use & Building Management, Public Safety & Gov't Services, Historical Commission, and the WPCA.

I have worked with the City’s Finance team to ensure City’s credit rating and our Fund Balance(rainy day fund) remain strong and budgets were adequate. I have been outspoken about improving departmental operations to recognize efficiencies and cost savings.

Working with Public Works and TMP I have championed the “Complete Streets” concept aimed at traffic calming and sidewalks to improve pedestrian and traffic safety.

My view of Norwalk today is that of a municipality with a firm financial foundation, a home to a populus that thrives on diversity, and a city that understands how to manage municipal economic development for a sustainable future. After fifty years in this city the future still seems bright! I believe I can continue to serve as an effective conduit for the citizens of District E and the Council.

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

Taxes, which are driven by spending for Education, Infrastructure, and services we provide to our constituents. We need to provide a vibrant educational experience for our children, but we cannot afford to pay for it by increasing taxes and driving young families to other cities. As Chairman of the Finance committee, I am working with the BOE to find operating efficiencies that will lower costs and look to the state to find funding to subsidize Special education spending.

Infrastructure represents one of the most significant expenses a City like Norwalk faces. Our Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) through careful planning and continued maintenance has not only been able to accommodate development over the years but maintain the plant's capacity at approximately 67%. Working with the Department of Public Works I am encouraging the consideration of a Stormwater Control Authority. Such a structure similar to the WPCA could help reduce residential taxes and move the burden to commercial users.

Finally, a city the size of Norwalk offers many types of services to its citizens, opposed to cutting services I believe we can look at the Citys administrative infrastructure for efficiencies and synergies, cut expenses, and reduce taxes.

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

I have worked in financial operations and IT systems for over fifty years before I retired. I have consulted with major corporations as well as holding senior management positions where I was responsible for cost cutting and reorganizations. But the real differentiator is my experience for several years on the Board of Estimate and Taxation and two years as Councilman. I have worked with most all department heads and understand their operations. I understand their challenges and what they need to do their jobs, and I can help. Also, because of my experience I can provide more meaningful information to my constituents.

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

I propose to offer a quarterly newsletter to my District so they can be updated as to activities that will be happening before they see it in the news.

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

Six years working on the BET and Common Council.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Listen before you begin to talk."

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

My wife and I came to Norwalk fifty years ago to begin a family. We were extremely lucky to raise two children in this wonderful diverse and beautiful place. I want to be able to participate in keeping Norwalk attractive, affordable, and adaptable for the generations coming.