Patch Candidate Profile: John Kydes For Norwalk Mayor

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:

John Kydes

What office are you seeking?

Mayor

What town do you live in?

Norwalk

Party Affiliation:

Petitioning Candidate

Occupation:

Contractor

Family:

Naomi Kydes (wife), Sophia Kydes (Daughter - 21yrs - senior at UConn Storrs, John Kydes (Son - 19yrs - Junior at University of Michigan)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I served on the Norwalk Common Council for 10 years (2013-2023).

Why are you seeking this office?

I've seen the path of Norwalk is on and know that I'm the only candidate that's not afraid to make the changes we all want and has the experience to get it done. Norwalk is at a crossroads and if we stay on its current path, we will lose everything that makes us special. That's why I'm running for office.

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

Apartment development is at the top of nearly everyone's list and I intend to stop it. First by removing all tax incentive programs such as Opportunity and Enterprise zones. Then pressing city staff to adopt new regulations that make apartment development unprofitable. Then shift city focus to urban revitalization to improve our current inventory.

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

I'm not burdened with the heavy hand of a political party. The Norwalk voters are the only ones I am accountable too.

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

Getting our state and federal representatives to step up to increase school funding because the Norwalk taxpayers can't do it alone anymore. An increase to school funding will offset Norwalks large property tax increases.

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

I spent 10 years on the Norwalk Common Council. In that time I was council president and majority leader. I know exactly how city government works, so expect big changes right out of the gate if I am elected.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't lie.

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

I'm in the middle like so many of you who just wants to see the right things done. I've got no angles or agenda, just the will to improve the quality of life in Norwalk. We are all in this together.