Norwalk Election 2021: Lisa Brinton 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.

Independent Lisa Brinton, 61, is running for the Common Council in Norwalk.

Occupation: Retired Corporate Executive

Family: I am the mother of two adult sons, who went through the Norwalk Public Schools, graduating from Brien McMahon High School in 2015 and 2017; went on to college and are now employed.

Experience: None

Family in government: No

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

Affordability. Elected officials gave into Hartford’s density agenda. More people equates to more income and sales taxes for Hartford, but leaves Norwalk shortchanged. In 2018, Norwalk was the 8th largest contributor of income taxes to Hartford, not because we are rich, but because we sent in 42, 000 tax returns and $155M in income taxes. We got back less than 7% for our schools. Today, student enrollment reflects 60% free and reduced lunch students, but we continue to get shortchanged. The state ECS formula in 2019-20 gave Norwalk $938 per student versus Hartford $10, 858 per student. Add to the equation massive property tax credits for developers and you have a situation of more people, but not enough local property taxes to fund city services. Our infrastructure and schools are more strained. We are the most densely populated city in Western Connecticut. The city’s ability to service more people, impact on quality of life or how we will pay for it has been ignored. Long time middle class residents are being forced out. We need to figure out how to manage our larger city. That requires honest conversations about finances and serious discussions with Hartford, including engaging our state representatives – of which only two of the five exclusively represent Norwalk. Much of what has happened and not really discussed is due to single party rule, concentrated power and lack of debate. I want to change that.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I will give voice to residents and stand up for Norwalk versus giving into party loyalty. I want to see increased accountability, balance and improved communication on the council. I’m independent, non- partisan, and focused on common sense solutions for our city and didn’t sign a loyalty oath to get on the ballot. I’m not beholding to special interests. Lopsided power (24/25 offices are dominated by a single party) and money from developers and legal firms, who are making money off of taxpayers has outsized influence over ordinary residents. Years of private caucus meetings prevent public debate over development, population density, personnel issues, school funding and economic policy. Exacerbated by the pandemic, special interest agendas, especially from Hartford have fast tracked through the common council to the detriment of the city like the Walk Bridge, the regional high school, zoning and property tax credits, and when we struggle to fund the schools. Personnel and ethics issues plague the city. This needs to change.

Accomplishments:

I'm a 25-year veteran of the corporate world and promise to shed light on city management issues, so residents and local businesses have a better understanding of what’s happening on matters directly affecting them and their quality of life including: land use, basic city services, economic development and funding for police, fire and education. I promise to use taxpayer funds wisely so long-time residents can afford to STAY in Norwalk.

I spent 20 years with AT&T, selling infrastructure equipment to telecom companies in the US, Europe and Asia and five more years as an independent management consultant working with Fortune 500 Companies.

My education includes a BS Degree in Journalism from the University of Utah and more recently a Master's Degree in Public Administration & Policy from American University.

I have been active on Norwalk's Civic Boards for over a decade including:

Coalition of Norwalk Neighborhood Associations (CNNA): Neighborhood P&Z advocacy (2014- current)

League of Women Voters: Voter programs for local electorate. (2010- 2019)

NorwalkFirst: Political Action Committee (PAC) Winning the ballot initiative focused on municipal charter revision of "Doing It Right or Not At All." (2016)

Norwalk Public Schools District Data Mgmt. Team: State mandated organization focused on district operations, student assessments and closing the achievement gap. (2009-2015)

Founder R.Ed Apples of Norwalk: Education advocacy group focused on local reforms. (2009-2015)

Roton PTA: President. (2007-09)

Save Farm Creek: Non-profit board focused on coastal wetlands protection. (2015-2019)

Mayoral Candidate: Independent Candidate endorsed by the Republican Party receiving 45% of the vote. (2019)

Founder Udrivenorwalk.org: Web analysis of city performance and state benchmarking data for more informed public choice/policy decisions (2020)

Other issues:

After nearly 30 years, the reinvigorated Independent Line intends to restoreAccountability, Balance & Communication to City Hall and the Board of Education.

Norwalk’s greatest asset is its neighborhoods, but the current administration made us the most densely populated city in Western Connecticut. Lack of advocacy on Norwalk’s behalf in Hartford, multi-year developer tax credits & poor management have strained our city‘s infrastructure and services. We can do better.

We want a more sustainable future for Norwalk’s residents and are committed to:

1. Scaled development that fits Norwalk and doesn’t forfeit tax revenues.

2. Building and ordinance codes consistently enforced for safety, occupancy, blight and noise.

3. Parks, beaches, and recreational space that are protected for future generations.

4. Small business success supported by city grants and common-sense permitting and parking policies.

Increased urban tree canopy for heat, air, drainage & erosion control.

5. Better maintenance of roads, sidewalks & sewers.

6. Basic services for residents like storm drainage, paving, and garbage collection.

7. Traffic, signal lights, and road safety measures that ease congestion and are consistent with walk/bike initiatives.

8. Discussing city issues transparently versus rubber stamping or cutting backroom deals.

9. Restoring Norwalk’s city charter of a strong council weak mayor system for executive check and balance.

ALSO

The Board of Education needs to get back to basics:

1. Focus on student academic opportunity by preparing ALL students to succeed into the next phase of their life following Norwalk Public Schools, be it vocational, technical, military, or college.

2. Win back trust by inclusively and transparently representing all stakeholders. Attend meetings and discuss issues versus rubber-stamping policies that impact students, teachers, parents, and taxpayers.

3. Address the school funding crisis and stop giving tax incentives to developers or catering to special interests at the expense of students and taxpayers. Lobby Hartford for a fair and comparable share of funds, consistent with other municipalities, for our most vulnerable students.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I've been a Norwalk resident since 1998 and an advocate for non-partisan, professional city government, as well as giving a voice to residents, regardless of party affiliation and ahead of special interests. A three-time cancer survivor, I retired from the corporate world in 2007 to focus on my children and their education. I founded Student Newshounds and began teaching elementary and middle school students in the Greater Norwalk area how to debate and write. I am committed to Norwalk having recently downsized and intend to retire here. I enjoy tennis, golf, sailing and skiing.