CT Patch Candidate Profile: Kadeem Roberts For 137th House District

NORWALK, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Kadeem Roberts, a Norwalk resident, is running for State House of Representatives 137th District 137th House district.

Campaign website

www.kadeemroberts.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

I was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. I earned a high school diploma from Norwalk High School, a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Virginia Union University in 2014, and a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Local and State Government from Fairfield University in 2018. My career experience includes working as a civil servant.

In 2019, I was elected as the youngest African American in the history of Norwalk CT to become a member of the common council. Since then I have been fully focused on helping all the constituents in the city of Norwalk but more importantly creating a city where everyone can live and thrive from one another.

Occupation

Lakefield Veterinary Group (Senior Center Manager)

Family

Mother- Nora Roberts ( Pre - School teacher in Norwalk CT for over 44 Years.) Father- Wesley Roberts ( CEO of Madison Limousine Company) Sister- Tasheedah Roberts ( Attorney ) Brother- Jameel Roberts ( Grammy Nominated Music Producer)

I love my family with all my heart they are the reason I joined politics, but most importantly they are my support system when times get tough.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

Age

31

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Yes, in 2019 I was elected as the youngest African American in the history of Norwalk to become a member of the common council.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for office because public service is the definition of my life. I have lived here in Norwalk my entire life. As a lifelong citizen, and a person who attended the Norwalk Schools system I want to keep this city a great place to raise a family and continue to produce successful leaders. I also have an experience in finance and community service necessary to be an effective leader within the community.

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

The difference between me and other candidates is I have a background in this work/ field. My educational background of having a masters in public administration with a concentration in local and state government helps me understand how government is ran also how to provide certain services to constituents in a timely manner.

I also believe my experience of the Common Council is key as well. I worked with many of the businesses in the city, and also worked with the schools systems too. Being a certified teacher I can speak to the youth, and can relate to them because I have went through the public schools systems here in Norwalk my entire life.

Overall, Norwalk is where I was born and where I want to stay and raise my family. I went to college in Virginia and once I graduated I told myself that I wanted to come back home to giveback to my community in a way which I am doing now, and will continue to do. Public service is Kadeem Roberts.

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?

How we support our educational system with funding. I want to also address prioritizing healthcare for all, and protect women's health and individuals access to reproductive services.

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

While working on the Norwalk Common Council I did many things with my fellow colleagues. I served on the ordinance committee where we passed noise ordinances that are in effect today. I helped pass a $360 million dollar budget that helps the entire city of Norwalk and also provided funds to the Board of Education.

Lastly, I was on the public works committee, community service committee, land use committee, and arts commission where I helped provide services to constituents in need whether they wanted to have events to publicize their companies and small businesses, or by doing community street cleaning.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Luck is just being prepared at all times, so when the door opens, you are ready.

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

I want to be the voice for the people. I am a leader and advocate and I am ready to craft workable solutions for difficult situations by being inclusive of viewpoint diversity, and combining the best ideas so that we can move Connecticut forward.