Patch Candidate Profile: Jesse Buccolo 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:

Jesse Buccolo

What office are you seeking?

Common Council At-Large

What town do you live in?

Norwalk

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Deputy Director - Norwalk ACTS (5+ years)

Family:

My wife and I are enjoying learning how to be parents as we raise our toddler and love being here in Norwalk. We also have a dog who keeps us on our toes and is pretty sure he runs the house.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running for Common Council At-Large because I care deeply about Norwalk’s future and believe leadership at the local level matters now more than ever. The direction our country is moving can feel uncertain, but I’m a big believer in the power of place and the strength of local community. I’m incredibly grateful to have grown up in Norwalk and to now be raising my family here. I want to help preserve what makes this city special, its diversity, character, and sense of belonging, while improving quality of life so everyone can thrive. I’m committed to listening to voices across the city, working collaboratively, and making sure growth benefits all residents. This is about building on what works, addressing what doesn’t, and ensuring Norwalk remains a great place to call home.

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 affordability, and this is what I intend to do about it. I see this issue in two parts: affordable housing and access to good jobs. On housing, we need to explore smarter zoning, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and public-private partnerships that create workforce housing for people who work in Norwalk but struggle to live here. At the same time, we should attract and retain businesses that offer livable wages and career growth, and invest in workforce development programs and services that help residents gain the skills they need to succeed. Doing so will strengthen our local economy, increase commercial property tax revenue, and reduce the burden on residents. Together, these steps can help make Norwalk more balanced, sustainable, and affordable for the people who call it home.

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

I was born and raised in Norwalk, and I’ve spent much of my career working here to improve outcomes for children and families across the city. My background is in education and social impact work, so I know what it’s like to be in the classroom and in the community, working alongside families at the grassroots level. I also bring the perspective of what it means to be a young family in Norwalk, and if elected, I’d be one of the youngest members of the Council, bringing a fresh and forward-looking perspective. My approach is people-centered and collaborative. I listen first, build relationships, and focus on results. I’m less interested in politics and more focused on practical solutions that make life better for residents.

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

Beyond affordability, I want to focus on improving infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life across all neighborhoods. That means investing in safer streets, better sidewalks and bike lanes, and making it easier for people to get around without always relying on a car, which also supports affordability and equitable access. I care deeply about our parks, libraries, and public spaces, the places that bring people together and make Norwalk feel like home. As someone who works in education, I believe investing in our future means supporting strong public schools, youth programs, and community services that help families thrive. I also want to see Norwalk strengthen partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and philanthropy to bring in new grants and funding that diversify our revenue and keep the city strong for the long term.

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

For the past five years, I’ve served in leadership at Norwalk ACTS, a citywide partnership that brings together schools, city departments, and community organizations to improve outcomes for children and families. In that role, I’ve managed multi-year budgets, built partnerships with state and local agencies, and helped secure major grants that benefit Norwalk residents. Before that, I taught high school and worked in education policy, experiences that taught me how to listen, problem-solve, and stay focused on results. Having worked in four other cities, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in local government and community engagement. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on connecting dots and bringing people together to make real progress for the long term. That’s the collaborative, practical approach I’d bring to the Council.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is that “change moves at the speed of trust,” a lesson I first learned from Stephen Covey’s The Speed of Trust. That idea has shaped how I lead and work with others. I believe trust is the foundation for any strong relationship, whether in leadership, community work, or public service. Building trust means listening actively, being present, and approaching every conversation with a collaborative mindset. When people feel heard and respected, real progress becomes possible.

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

I’m grateful to have grown up in Norwalk and to now be raising my family here. I want to help strengthen our city, improve how we work together, and leave Norwalk in a better place for the next generation.