Patch Candidate Profile: Richard Bonenfant 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:

Richard Bonenfant

What office are you seeking?

Common Council District C

What town do you live in?

Norwalk

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Republican & Endorsed by Independent Party

Occupation:

Photographer for Many Years

Family:

Wife Maureen, Three Grown Children, Four Grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes, Seven Terms on Common Council, Five Years Human Relations Commission Chair

Why are you seeking this office?

I enjoy serving the public and don't like the direction the city is going.

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

Overdevelopment, I would phase out the Enterprise Zones appoint Planning & Zoning Commissioners that listen to the residents.

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

Experience and Community Engagement.

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

High Taxes, Traffic Congestion, Illegal Apartments, Public Safety, Preserving Open Space and Enforcement of the Rules.

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

Fourteen Years on Common Council, three different Mayors and twice Majority Leader during which time I have improved our parks, built athletic fields, completed school projects, supported First Responders, protected open space, supported senior programs, preserved Historic buildings. As a local photographer and member of several organizations I know Norwalk well.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't commit your support on something until you hear other sides to the story.

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

Endorsed by the Norwalk Firefighters Local #830, I helped lead the fight to scale back Zoning plans that would have ruined neighborhoods and have married several hundred couples as a Justice of the Peace.