Norwalk Candidate Profile: Carl Dickens For Common Council

NORWALK, CT — Election day in Norwalk is drawing closer, and to help residents make an informed decision on Nov. 5, Norwalk Patch asked candidates seeking various posts to answer questions about the issues in the city and their campaigns.

Carl Dickens, 70, is a Republican who is running to represent District D on the Common Council.

He is a self-employed media consultant with 45 years experience, and is a member (and former Chairperson) of the Oak Hills Park Authority. He is also a former member of the Planning and Zoning Commission in Highland Village, Texas.

He has been married to his spouse, Francine Dickens, for 36 years, and his campaign website is keegandickens.com.

The single most pressing issue facing Norwalk is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Having traveled in my job all over this country to big and small cities it is the same everywhere. Lack of revenue, over crowding for the size of the community, crumbling infrastructure, schools needing help and support, traffic congestion, and overall quality of life.

How would I address it? Listening to the residents of the city regardless of political affiliation. Being an advocate for District D and the city. Reaching out and creating meaningful dialogue with other cities in the state and out of the state who have increased their revenue and quality of life without taxing their citizens and business to the point of they either stay or leave.

There are no easy fixes, however, growth and change take work. Growth of any city and especially Norwalk right now needs to be carefully planned. The citizens must have a say in the direction of their community and their largest investment in the city's home and business ownership. I will role up my sleeves and go to work on day one.

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

Why should people choose you over your opponent? That is always an interesting question. I am not running against anyone. I am running for the residents of District D. In this system four candidates are running for two seats. I want to be one of those two that the people choose to represent them and be their advocate for a better district and city. In the end it is about the best person who will listen to them and get the job done for them. I am a tireless worker and will be on their behalf.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

What has inspired you to run for office? Seventeen years ago when my wife and I moved to the area because of a job promotion we began to look at area communities to settle down. Norwalk kept moving to the top of the list and so we purchased our home on East Rocks Road. Slowly over the years that feeling we got that made us fall in love with Norwalk has been eroding. Quality of life a bit stagnant or eroding as well. Congestion, Infrastructure issues, home prices dropping and continued building without concern for the present or the future. I could either sit on the sidelines and complain or try to do something about what I was hearing from neighbors and friends. I chose to try and do something about it.

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

I am a resident, concerned citizen, with a deep background from my professional career of problem solving and managing large amounts of revenue. I am not a yes man, a good listener, and I build bridges not walls.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Never give up and don't sit on the sidelines, get involved

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

17 year home owner in District D. I choose to live in Norwalk. I am fixer, I get involved, and I am a communicator both in listening and giving information. Skilled negotiator and business person who gets results. Never say never.