Editor’s Note: We are deeply saddened by the passing of Common Council member and candidate Greg Burnett. A devoted public servant, Greg brought integrity, compassion, and dedication to every role he held in Norwalk. He was known for his steady leadership and his commitment to making the city a better place for all residents. Out of respect for his service and to preserve his own words, we are keeping his candidate questionnaire available below as he submitted it.

Greg Burnett

Candidate for Common Council At-Large

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Why are you running for Common Council At-Large, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I am humbled and honored to receive the endorsement to run for re-election to the Common Council  At-Large position. I have a devotion to public service and producing results for the people I serve. I am proud of our accomplishments and energized to continue to serve and make a positive impact. I plan to continue to bring common sense thinking and laser-sharp focus to ensure the needs of our residents are the highest priority. I will ensure sound fiscal management and responsible stewardship of Norwalk tax payer dollars and continue to advocate for safer neighborhoods by providing our police and fires departments with the tools and resources necessary to continue to be proactive in serving the community. 

What does it mean to represent the entire city “at-large” as opposed to a specific district? How will you ensure all neighborhoods are heard?

Norwalk is a diverse city and serving in the ‘at-large’ capacity allows me to hear and appreciate the input from all neighborhoods. This is critical to my thinking when voting on items that affect all residents. Serving ‘at-large’ takes an extra effort to be present and visible across the entire city and conduct valuable dialogue and brainstorming in each neighborhood. I will maintain an open line of communication and ensure accessibility to all Districts. My greatest impact as an incumbent will continue to be the relationships I have established in the community as an advocate for all residents of our city. 

What are the three issues you believe Norwalk needs to address in the next two years, and how would you approach them?

There are several items which need to be addressed in some form and several are interwoven. One of the key issues over the next two years will be executing on our Affordable Housing Plan to provide affordable/accessible ‘work force’ housing for all.

Housing is essential to a person’s or family’s well-being. The second issue is  continuing to keep a watchful view of our city spending as we continue in years three and four of the phase-in of the revaluation and maintaining the lowest possible taxes for our residents. Finally, we should continue to refine our long term plans for the modernization of our school infrastructure with plans for new or renovated school buildings. 

How would you balance the need for economic development with concerns about overdevelopment and infrastructure strain?

I support the mission of the Planning and Zoning Commission which focuses on the planning and coordination of the physical, social, and economic development of the City and regulates the use of land within the City. The work of the commission can be challenging and I respect the Planning and Zoning Commission’s role in crafting and maintaining the zoning code, which is differentiated from the Common Council’s oversight roles in the City ordinance and budgeting. I welcome the several opportunities for public hearings, community engagement and input that takes into account recommendations from engineering experts and other professionals.

What’s your stance on affordable housing in Norwalk? What policies or zoning reforms do you support or oppose?

We have invested valuable time and energy to produce a robust and actionable Affordable Housing Plan to address the various needs of our residents. I served on the advisory review committee in the creation of the plan and proud of the document. The plan includes key data points, community input, and best practices. In short, the need for affordable housing is greater than the current inventory. I support innovative solutions to create affordable housing opportunities across the city. One should be able to work in Norwalk and afford to live in Norwalk. This also includes supporting our senior population with the ability to stay in their homes that they have invested in their whole lives. 

Do you support expanding public transit, pedestrian infrastructure, and bike lanes in Norwalk? Why or why not?

Norwalk is a growing city and with that comes the necessity for continual investments whether it is road repair, overhauling the composition and coordination of traffic signals to better maintain the flow of traffic, or improving the transit system, such as local buses, that many of city’s residents rely on. Investing in infrastructure/transportation/mobility is crucial because of the direct impact these have on our day to day lives. I will continue to support and advocate for our Complete Streets and Vision Zero strategy. 

How do you view the role of the Council in the city’s annual budget process? Would you support reforms to increase fiscal transparency or community involvement?

As Chairperson for the Common Council Finance and Claims Committee I have recommended and supported smart fiscal management strategies based on data-driven information while maintaining the city’s top tier AAA rating. I have supported and implemented additional public hearings during the budget cycle to increase community involvement and embrace community feedback in the budget creation. I will continue to support continuous and constant dialogue amongst all stakeholders which will support compromise and understanding. The Finance Committees of the City and Board of Education have conducted and will continue to hold public meetings emphasizing public participation as it relates to the budget process. 

Do you support expanding public transit, pedestrian infrastructure, and bike lanes in Norwalk? Why or why not?

The current Common Council has invested the past year to first identify an outstanding Charter Revision Commission and an expert legal consultant to continue to modernize and streamline the City Charter. I support the continuing review of the mayoral and council term lengths, council compensation, and additional public hearings during the budget cycle to include key City, Board of Education, and commission stakeholders. 

How will you promote transparency and open communication between the Council and the public?

The implementation of hybrid or virtual meetings has increased public participation during Council and committee meetings. We have enhanced the City website to make it easier to location meeting minutes and agendas. We have increased the publication and distribution of the City’s weekly calendar of meetings to foster awareness and participation. We have implemented a Council newsletter to highlight key focus items within the Council committees. I remain open to suggestions to keeping the public better informed and aware of the actions of the Council. 

Norwalk residents sometimes report feeling unheard during public comment periods. How would you make community input more impactful and accessible?

I would advocate for more town hall meetings on various topics which are structured for more debate and interactive discussions then a Council meeting. The town hall meetings were extremely valuable during the pandemic to share information and to address questions from the community. 

What specific steps would you take to support equity and inclusion across Norwalk’s diverse communities?

I will continue to advocate, support, and celebrate our diverse communities which sets us apart from other cities. We have embraced our diverse communities and appreciated their contributions which makes Norwalk a special place to live and enjoy. I will continue to support small business opportunities which enhances the quality of life in communities. I will continue to address the variables of the concerns of our residents in order to create positive solutions.    

How would you advocate for Norwalk’s youth, especially in areas like education, recreation, and job readiness?

I am a firm believer that education is ‘the great equalizer’, and everyone is entitled to a robust and equitable learning experience. On an annual basis through federal, state, and local investment; more resources have been allocated to better develop our school system’s workforce and increase per pupil spending to lessen the disparity compared to neighboring districts. Norwalk’s school system has made tremendous strides continuing to receive the top rating among peer districts and national recognition. I will continue to advocate for investments for our youth to ensure all students are future ready. 

How will you work with other council members to promote collaboration across differing perspectives?

Communication is key to successful collaboration. I will continue to communicate and collaborate with other council members and the public to ensure we continue to flourish and thrive in every aspect of life including economic, education, health, safety, and overall wellbeing of all of our stakeholders. We have to respect diversity of thought and find value in our different perspectives.

What prior experience, professional, civic, or volunteer, has best prepared you for this role?

My professional background includes over 35 years in both managerial and technical positions where I have developed an extensive tool kit of professional skills, business acumen, and leadership expertise. I have served as the President of the Common Council and currently the Chairperson of the Finance and Claims Committee. I also serve on the Land Use and Building Management, Community Services, and Ad Hoc Affordable Housing Committees. My previous service includes being an elected member to the Board of Education and appointments to the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) where I served as the Chairperson and to the Board of Health. 

If elected, how will you stay accessible and accountable to the people of Norwalk over your term?

As stated previously, my greatest impact as an incumbent and one of the most enjoyable aspects of serving on the Council continues to be the relationships I have established in the community as an advocate for all residents of our City. I strive to be a visible role model to all community members in formal and informal settings. Running for political office is a challenge that takes energy, grit, and enthusiasm. It is through the vote of the people that I will once again be given the opportunity to serve and help people every day. I will genuinely appreciate and embrace this opportunity.