Patch Candidate Profile: Joanne Romano Csonka, RTM District 7

FAIRFIELD, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Fairfield will be on the ballot, including Board of Selectman, Board of Education, Board of Finance, RTM and others.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 7, Fairfield Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next few weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Name

Joanne Romano Csonka

How old will you be as of Election Day?

71

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

RTM District 7

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

7th

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Staples High School

What is your occupation?

Private personal elder care professional 25+ years

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

Husband: Lance M Csonka
Daughter: Jessica L Hwang (Kevin)
Grandson: Cortney Jason Davis 30
Grandson: Paul Brian Hwang 21

Parents (Deceased)
Father:Joseph A Romano (Former Westport Police Officer)
Mother: Mary E Hewitt Romano

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

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

Previous elected experience: Common Council, City of Norwalk, At-Large member (2005-2013) - Parks and Recreation Common Council
- Personnel Committee Common Council
- Health, Welfare & Emergency Services Common Council (Chairwoman)
- Ordinance Committee
- Ethics Committee
Norwalk Human Relations Commission (1996-2002) - Commissioner Vice Chairwoman (2000-02) Connecticut Justice of the Peace (2000-2014)
East Norwalk Historical Cemetery Committee, Secretary (2004-2014) Norwalk Republican Town Committee, District C Secretary (2004-2014)
Neon Board of Directors, Council Representative & Neon Executive Board of Directors (2005-07)
Norwalk Emergency Preparedness
Former Chair Fairfield Affordable Housing 2019-2023

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?

I have always felt that if you want to exact change in your community you should be a part of the solution by being involved.

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

Over building and overcrowding within our town. We must seek balance. We can’t just allow building on every street corner to fill an agenda put forth on a state level that allows 8-30g to be misused

If we are going to help our own citizens we have to take into consideration those truly in need. The build it and they will come mentality does not help families with children, seniors who helped build this town, veterans and young adults who want to live in the town they were raised in. Let’s focus on our own before we try attracting people from outside our town. I’m aware it takes a lot of work to come to decisions that benefit all taxpayers having served many years doing just that in a much larger diverse municipality.

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

I believe that when you are elected to serve your community you represent all constituents. You must be willing to listen and learn.

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

While it is not the decision of the RTM I do believe we should all be concerned and lend our support to the children and parents who will be facing redistricting. This will be a very difficult transition.

On another side, while I do have extensive experience in municipal government I am aware that each town/city is unique in its own right and there’s much to learn about all of the issues important to Fairfield.

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

I have always been able to see all sides of an issue and have meaningful conversation with not only my party but all who are entrusted to make the important decisions.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be yourself and be true to your beliefs.

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

My dad, through his actions taught me that there’s always someone less fortunate than yourself and helping others is truly rewarding.