Norwalk Election 2021: Heidi Alterman For Common Council

NORWALK, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in town will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on a few topics.

Democrat Heidi Alterman, 39, is running for the Common Council (District D) in Norwalk.

Occupation: Student Of Addictions Counseling, Psychiatric Technician, Lpn, Emt

• Rahul Kumar, 41, husband
• Kaiya Kumar, 7, daughter
• Klio Kumar, 5, daughter
• Kisni Kumar, 3, daughter

Family in government: No.

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Mental health needs are the most pressing issue facing any town, right now during the pandemic, and Norwalk is no different. So many people feel alone, feel worried, feel hurt. In my daily life, I encourage anyone to be a force for change. I encourage everyone to be a positive in this world with so many negatives. I help anyone I can in any way that I can. Currently, while organizing clothing donations and food deliveries for families in need, I am also working on organizing free mental health services to be offered throughout our amazing city.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I do not focus on our differences, but on our similarities. We are all here because we love and care for our neighbors. I believe each candidate has a different set of strong values propelling them forward in this election. I choose to focus on my responsibilities, strengths, and experiences. I will always be the one standing up for those who need help. I will always support discussions based on rationality, empathy, and respect. I will always strive to be a better me than I was yesterday.

Accomplishments:

As a nurse, I understand the importance of proper medical care. As a garden enthusiast, I understand the importance of outdoor activities and a colorful variety of healthy foods. As a psychology major pursuing my masters in addictions, I understand the need for connections, forgiveness, and taking responsibility for one's actions.

I believe in rational thinking alongside loving kindness. I believe firmly that it has everything to do with making political endeavors better and more successful for every resident in Norwalk. The more we empathize with each other, the more likely we are to listen to each other. Listening is key for resolving problems and it is key for preventing future problems.

I understand our community’s needs and wants because I am an actively engaged member of District D. When I see a problem, I roll up my sleeves, get to work, and get things done.

Other issues:

I promise to continue my work for creating outdoor classrooms and continuing gardening initiatives at every school in Norwalk. I will continue advocating for an increased focus on mental health needs. We need more mental health programs in our schools and available for everyone citywide. We need more mental health training in every area: school personnel, city employees and staff, and police personnel. We must continue to work on truer environmentally sustainable plans. I promise to keep pushing for increased support for teachers and school staff, as well as parents and caregivers. We are actually in this together, whether or not we like it. But my goal is to help encourage people’s actions to follow a bigger mission. We have to start talking again. We have to start listening again. We have to realize everyone surrounding us cares, too, just maybe in a different way. We have to remember that we live in a country named the United States of America. United we stand. United we must be.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I promise to work with my constituents to find solutions for the myriad problems we all must deal with. I promise to stay in constant communication with constituents. When I decided to run for Common Council, I was not worried about winning or losing an election. In my recent door-knocking opportunities, I have found it best to bring my children with me. I am running, not just for our community to receive more support, but also for my children to learn what it means to be a helper. I am a mother, and a wife, a student and a guide, a fighter, and a caregiver.

I will work with other Council members, and state representatives, to make the best choices for environmental sustainability and to continue reducing energy waste.

I will work with residents to improve sidewalks and create a more bikeable and walkable Norwalk.

I will push for increased funding of community services, like mental health programs and food distributions for those in need.

I will encourage open dialogue with our Board of Education and support funding for current curriculums, as well as new programs that will make our schools even greater.

I will continue my research on the best way to achieve responsible government spending and I will encourage my fellow council members to do the same.