Patch Candidate Profile: Bob Namnoum, Canton First Selectman

CANTON, CT — Canton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Bob Namnoum is running for Canton First Selectman as a Democrat.

The following is Namnoum 's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Bob Namnoum

How old will you be as of Election Day?

76

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Canton

What office are you seeking?

First Selectman

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education

BA plus 48 graduate credits

What is your occupation?

Retired now but a full-time grandfather at all times; spent 23 years teaching English at Granby High School and 25 years representing teachers throughout the state for the Connecticut Education Association. Presently, I serve as an advocate arbitrator representing teachers during arbitration hearings.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Yes, my wife Donna, 3 children and 7 grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

no

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

It is time for change where the elected officials representing the people of Canton listen to them and more importantly seek solutions to issues that are pertinent to the town.

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

There is a feeling, by many in town, that elected officials no longer are listening to concerns articulated to them. My career has been to actively listen to issues raised by those I represent and then to pursue remedies to these issues. More importantly, after working to find solutions, to articulate the remedies available to these stakeholders.

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

My career has led me to work with local boards of education and town governments throughout the state. I have represented teachers from the city of Danbury with over 700 members to the town of Falls Village with 10 members. During this time, I became extremely knowledgeable regarding town budgets and well-versed in the diversity of local government. My time as chairman of the Canton Energy Committee has led me to actively work with local elected officials and boards which has increased my awareness of the workings of Canton governing bodies.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

n/a

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

There is a growing concern regarding road safety issues throughout the town. As the first selectman, I will work hard to move from establishing a committee to study the issue to forming an action plan to address this issue. The issue of affordable housing has now reached a point of priority in town. This issue dovetails into the importance of zoning and enforcement of our local regulations and laws. It is apparent to many that to create affordable housing in town we need to enact and enforce zoning laws that provide this growing need. As first selectman, I will make it a priority this issue is addressed. Finally, I will support Canton public schools to continue to provide a first-rate education by advocating for the BOE budget.

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

As a member of the commission on municipal opportunities and regional efficiencies’ special education working group, I traveled the state listening to various issues regarding special education programs and issues. I will bring to the job a deep knowledge base regarding ways to maintain programs and means to address costs. As a lobbyist, I frequently testified to insurance costs and coverage. This experience has led to an awareness of ways to control costs without a diminishment of coverage. My 25 years of successfully representing teachers of various sized towns and cities has given me a wealth of experience dealing with local governments.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"You never want to be the man who says at his retirement party I wish I spent more time with my family"