Patch Candidate Profile: Jan Degenshein 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:

Jan Degenshein

What office are you seeking?

District D Common Council

What town do you live in?

Norwalk

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Architect-Planner - 50 years experience

Family:

Wife, Alison Lee, host of Craftcast.com, an international web-based high-craft teaching platform; Children, Britta 54, retired electrical engineer; Oleg 44, sustainable construction contractor; Anya 40, professor of sociology and government policy. Two preschool-aged grandchildren, Harry and Julius.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Appointed Chair of the County of Rockland (NY) Art in Public Places Committee.

Why are you seeking this office?

1. To help make Norwalk a better place for its constituents.
2. As a grass-roots effort to improve national political policy.

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

Tax stabilization (A key contributor will be sustainable, controlled growth in both the residential and commercial sectors.)

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

Fifty years of experience as an architect & urban planner provides a keen understanding of the benefits and drawbacks associated with development.

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

Education: Funding alternatives to provide an equitable education and best outcomes for all our children.

Housing: Affordable at all income levels and demographics, with options suitable to the neighborhood in which it is proposed.

Environment: Expand the tree canopy, improve parks, plan for climate resiliency, and reduce our carbon footprint. (The Norwalk River Trail is one example.)

Transportation: Provide more attractive public transit options, plan more bike routes, and safer pedestrian ways.

Commerce: Create incentives to retain, expand, and attract business for local employment options and balanced taxes.

Communication: Update the city website. Hold quarterly Neighborhood Town Hall meetings.

Quality of life: Afford respect and constitutional rights to all residents. Maintain high-quality city services. Support arts and culture.

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

Leadership roles in not-for-profit organizations, including business, education, healthcare, transportation, and arts communities.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen with respect.

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

My goal is to establish a stronger foundation for future generations to build upon.