Patch Candidate Profile: Jennifer Zonis, New Canaan Town Council

NEW CANAAN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in New Canaan and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

New Canaan Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Democrat Jennifer Zonis, 56, is a New Canaan resident running for the Town Council.

Education

New Canaan High School ; Harvard College AB’89.

What is your occupation?

Former film publicist ; current civic leader ( President of New Canaan Interfaith Council).

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

My husband Jonathan is a partner in an NYC law firm; I have two daughters. Charlotte, 26, is an Associate Producer of documentary films in Brooklyn, and Maia, 23, is a project coordinator for an environmental non-profit dedicated to cleaning up the waters around the Bronx and western Long Island Sound.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

I am currently a Justice of the Peace for New Canaan.

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?

To increase my efforts in serving the town, and to contribute to an atmosphere of civility and collaboration in town government.

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

Transparency. Seek input from the community, collaborate on innovative solutions with my fellow councilmen and communicate often and in depth to our constituents about important decisions.

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

I hope that all the candidates running for town council or currently serving share these values.

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

Affordable housing, telecommunications, open spaces.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Have a strong work ethic, be humble, be a good listener and try to find the grace in others.