Patch Candidate Profile: Kimmi Krieger 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:

Kimmi Krieger

What office are you seeking?

Common Council member for District B

What town do you live in?

Norwalk

Party Affiliation:

Republican

Occupation:

Science writer for 22 years

Family:

I'm married, and my husband and I have four daughters ranging in age from 9 to 16.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

Norwalk's Common Council is currently dominated by a single party. They tend to solve problems by throwing money at them in an unsustainable way.

I am seeking office to bring alternate points of view and more creative thinking to the council.

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 illegal overnight parking by commercial vehicles and nonresidents. It makes it difficult for residents to park on their own streets, and dangerously obstructs fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.

I will push the city council to have the police actually enforce our existing parking rules. (Currently they do not.) This would enormously improve safety and quality of life in the densely populated South Norwalk neighborhoods.

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

The major differences are that I am:

1. Keenly aware of District B's water and sewage constraints and willing to push back on development that will strain our resources.

2. Willing to attend Board of Education meetings as a citizen and work to avoid last minute Board of Ed-Common Council clashes on funding.

3. Responsive. I will return my constituent's calls and emails and discuss their concerns.

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

The overarching issue is affordability. The rising cost of running the city is burdening Norwalkers in all kinds of ways. The city currently depends on property taxes for the vast majority of its budget, and most of that is paid by residents. I will work with the city's state delegation to get alternate revenue streams for the city. It won't necessarily be easy but we can do it. And it's essential to relieve the financial stress on our residents.

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

I have always looked at things from a different perspective than most others. When I was a journalist this meant I found stories and angles others did not.

As price reporter in the energy markets, I was insulted by and lied to on a daily basis by people I needed to maintain productive relationships with. And I did!

I'm always willing to ask the questions others are not, and I enjoy understanding other's perspectives and coming to a common place of agreement. I look forward to working with my fellow council members to find good, fiscally responsible solutions to Norwalk's challenges.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Strike while the iron is hot. They meant that opportunities are often time limited, and you need to seize them when they appear!

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

I'm a lifelong Norwalker, and I really care about this city and look forward to serving its residents.