Anne Wennerstrand

Candidate for Common Council District C

Party Affiliation: Democrat

What Inspired you to run for Common Council? 

I’m running for Common Council to continue the hard work I’ve begun alongside my friend and Council colleague Nicole’ Eaddy for District C. In October 2024, I stepped up after serving on the Board of Ethics and was appointed to fill a vacant Council seat representing our district. I am working hard — listening, learning, collaborating and getting things done. Serving the community is an immense privilege and a very meaningful responsibility to me. Now, I seek the trust and the vote of residents so I can continue this work with their full support. Local government is where democracy truly lives — where neighbors come together to solve problems and shape daily life. At a time when national norms and institutions are under attack and federal funding is threatened, what we do locally plays a critical role in providing stability and protection for our community. I love the people of Norwalk and how we show up for each other through our schools, city services, churches, strong community and mutual aid groups. When elected, I will continue my hard work, pushing for a safe and fiscally responsible city and especially standing up to protect our most vulnerable residents. 

What in your background shows that you understand the needs of Eastern Norwalk? 

I’ve been a clinical social worker and community organizer for over 30 years. I am trained to listen deeply, keep an even temper, build trust, and solve problems collaboratively. I believe these skills are essential for representing a community as diverse and dynamic as District C and particularly East Norwalk. I respond quickly to people’s concerns and I push for practical, sustainable solutions that improve people’s daily lives. Living in the district, I share firsthand the concerns and frustrations about roads, traffic and growth. As a Public Works Committee member, I pay close attention to our infrastructure projects from city-funded storm drainage projects to the Walk Bridge project: East Norwalk Train Station improvements, the northern track bridge work (Fort Point Street, Osborne Avenue, East Avenue, Strawberry Hill Avenue). I’m well aware of the disruption and frustration of residents in the area. I pushed very hard for funding the East Avenue Traffic Corridor Study in our capital budget this year and I will make sure that study is implemented. I am a parent, homeowner, and small business owner. As such I personally relate to the stress of overall rising costs, taxes and other concerns of residents — and I’m committed to pursuing policies and supporting projects that keep all of District C livable and affordable.

What are your top three council priorities for the next year: 

1. Too many people cannot afford to live in or remain in Norwalk. Keeping Norwalk attainable for everyone means addressing rising costs and housing issues head-on. We need more small-scale “missing middle” housing that can be integrated without changing neighborhood character. Alongside that advocacy, I will work to grow our commercial sector — especially supporting local small businesses and artisans — to broaden the tax base and support folks with great business ideas locally. And I will push for a fairer distribution of the tax burden between residential and commercial property owners while fighting for full state ECS and other funding sources so our schools are well-resourced without overburdening homeowners. 
2. I will continue advocating for climate-aware infrastructure projects that protect our precious coastal resources — including promoting green spaces, exploring ideas for stormwater management, flood mitigation, and sidewalk and road upgrades — to make District C safer, more walkable and more bikeable. I support a residential parking program and a sensible noise ordinance that protects neighborhood quality of life. I will also push for communication and robust, meaningful community input early on in city and zoning planning processes so residents have a real voice in decisions about development and growth. 
3. Healthy communities need strong social and cultural supports. I will continue to fully support our Community Services Department and will support mental health resources for youth as well as ongoing arts and cultural programming. We must protect our most vulnerable residents, particularly the immigrant population regardless of status. 

With the new bus network hub at East Norwalk Station, what rider experience improvements will you advocate for? 

I’m excited about the Norwalk Transit District’s full network redesign and the inclusion of the East Norwalk Station as a new mini-hub. As part of the broader Walk Bridge replacement, significant improvements are coming to East Norwalk Station — including new traffic signals, redesigned parking and drop-off areas, platform expansions with canopies, and ADA accessibility upgrades — all of which will make the rider experience safer and more comfortable. Since those station improvements will take more time to complete, my priority in the meantime will be to stay present and listen to riders directly by visiting the mini-hub regularly. I’ll advocate for immediate improvements that make a difference right now, including making sure pedestrian crosswalks are safe and there is adequate lighting to ensure riders can safely reach the station given all the construction going on. I’ll continue to provide outreach via my social media pages so riders know how to access discounted fares for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities, as well as supporting continued funding for Wheels2U and other low-cost options.

What specific outcomes should residents expect to see regarding streets/sidewalks, housing, and small businesses by this time next year? 

I will push for implementation of the East Avenue Corridor Traffic and Design Study to lower accidents, and to make sure that pedestrians and bikers can get around safely along East Avenue. Residents should also see the addition of sidewalks around Cemetery Street, streetscape enhancements, bike lanes, new crosswalks and intersection upgrades. With the changes coming in the District, I expect to see more small businesses take root. I expect to and hope to see a pilot implementation of the Residential Parking Program in place by this time next year. I’m especially looking forward to the transformative housing initiative project at 7 Moore Place launched by the Mid Fairfield AIDS Project (MFAP) just adjacent to their existing supportive housing site at 9 Moore Place. Supportive housing like this offers critical stability for residents transitioning from homelessness and will provide tenants with supportive services such as assistance with entitlements, mental health, substance use recovery, and connection to permanent housing. 

What should District C residents keep in mind about you when they vote? 

I see my role on Council not as advancing a personal agenda, but as showing up consistently, listening carefully, and being a trusted voice for the community — with special attention to the unique challenges and opportunities in District C. I will continually strive to earn your trust and I do not take it for granted. I am your neighbor, your advocate and a problem-solver who shows up and does the work. I believe Norwalk thrives when we make decisions together, with transparency and mutual respect. 

How can Norwalk residents reach you? 

Residents can reach me via email at anne4norwalk@gmail.com or through my Instagram page @anne4norwalk and on Facebook Anne4Norwalk. I encourage you to contact me with your concerns and ideas — I want to hear from you.