Patch Candidate Profile: Josh Goldstein 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:

Josh Goldstein

What office are you seeking?

Common Council, At Large

What town do you live in?

Norwalk

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Attorney

Family:

Josh lives with his wife Elizabeth and their dog Slice in West Norwalk.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes, Common Council, At Large since 2021.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for a third term to build on the progress we’ve made with Mayor Rilling. Norwalk is an eclectic and amazing city filled with diversity, many different experiences and neighborhoods, and a common desire to be welcoming across the board. I want to help Norwalk move forward in a way that benefits everyone. I have learned that this requires advocacy, listening, and being able to communicate with people where they are, which is something I intend to continue should I earn re-election.

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

Affordability - I want to work to grow our commercial sector so we do not have to be as reliant on residential property taxes and work to make housing affordable, no matter how much you make or stage of life you're in.

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

We want to move Norwalk forward by making it more affordable, modernize our school facilities, and stand up for a diverse and welcoming city.

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

1. Affordability: we need to make Norwalk more affordable on a number of fronts including housing and childcare, so that everyone can afford to live in Norwalk. We have invested in plans to help guide us, and we need to continue the execution of those plans

2. Business Development: Work to grow our commercial sector so our property taxes are not so dependent on residential homes, we have businesses that will provide a livable wage and who are invested in Norwalk’s success. This also includes working to make sure properties do not remain vacant unnecessarily for long periods of time.

3. Equitable Funding of Education and Related Programs: this is always a crucial issue for Norwalk and Norwalk’s future, but as certain federal grants for our schools may or may not be fulfilled by the Trump Administration, we will have to even more focused on making services such as mental health accessible to Norwalk’s students and families while also funding our schools at a level Norwalkers can afford.

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

I spearheaded the passage of Norwalk's Complete Streets Ordinance, which standardized smarter street design to make Norwalk's streets more accessible and safer and made it easier to build new sidewalks, as well as Norwalk's retail cannabis ordinance. I also voted for affordable increases to public education funding and supported major school construction projects including the newly opened South Norwalk Elementary School and the upcoming new Norwalk High School.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen.

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

To learn more about me and the policy positions I have held and support, please visit joshfornorwalk.com.