Norwalk Election 2021: Kara Nelson Baekey For Board Of Education

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 Kara Nelson Baekey, 49, is running for the Board of Education in Norwalk.

Occupation: Advertising Executive

• Andrew Baekey, Architect
• Charlotte Baekey, College student
• Benjamin Baekey, P-Tech student

Experience: NA

Family in government: No

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

The single most pressing issue facing our town is the schools, and this is what I intend to do about it:

As a resident of Norwalk for almost 20 years, I have for far too long heard the refrain “Norwalk is a great place to live, but the schools…” I have had neighbors and dear friends leave the city for other towns “because of the schools.” For just as long, I have watched from the sidelines as our Board of Education has taken one another to task - publicly, politically and personally - but not taken our school system to the level it needs to be.

I have been a leader on difficult issues, and I have seen what success can look like when people come together towards a common goal. I believe that regardless of party or personal philosophies, we can all agree that our children and their well being is of the utmost importance. I intend to bring my experiences bridging divides to our Board of Education in an effort to reach goals that benefit all of Norwalk’s children.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

An activist in the gun violence movement, I founded and led the Connecticut Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America for 7 years. During this time, I worked on perhaps one of the most difficult issues of our time and thus have deep conflict resolution experience.

I have crossed the aisle, put in the time and effort to find common ground, and ultimately been able to help direct mutual solutions that serve the safety of all. I think my experience with equitable conflict resolution sets me apart from the other candidates seeking a seat on our Board of Education.

Accomplishments:

For 25 years, I have had a career in the tumultuous world of pharmaceutical advertising. This experience has required me to work not just with clients and internal teams, but also third party partners, all within the confines of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Working with and often leading teams with varying priorities but a common goal are accomplishments that I think serve as evidence that I can handle this job.

In addition to my professional experience, I feel strongly that my accomplishments in the gun violence prevention movement will serve me well. In early 2013, in the wake of the Sandy Hook mass shooting, I worked with activists and Connecticut state legislators to help pass a package of gun safety laws that since enacted, has helped our state to have one of the lowest gun death rates in the nation. In 2017, I was proudly named a Norwalk/Darien YWCA Woman of Distinction for my work on the issue.

Other issues:

1) Prioritization of social-emotional learning and mental health for all children

2) Equitable academic opportunities for all children

3) Open collaboration with parents and families

4) Transparency in funding of our school system

5) Creation of a community school in South Norwalk

What else would you like voters to know about you?

Since I was a teenager, I have volunteered in support of those “in the margins.” In high school, I founded and led an organization called Recreational Activities for the Developmentally Disabled (RADD). This program paired high school students with adults with disabilities, allowing for regular companionship and eventual friendship. I took my passion for this type of volunteerism to college where I served as the President of our Best Buddies chapter, a national program with similar structure and objectives, for two years.

I have long had a passion for helping those who might not have a voice, as evidenced in my work with those with developmental disabilities, but also my work in the gun violence prevention movement. I consider myself to be an advocate for the well-being and safety of those that need it most, and I am not afraid to stand up for what needs to be said, or done, to achieve it.