Norwalk Election 2021: Lisa Shanahan 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 Lisa Shanahan, 63, is running for the Common Council (District E) in Norwalk.

Occupation: Retired Attorney

Experience: Commissioner and Conservation Commission

Family in government: No

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

Updating our critical infrastructure is our most pressing issue. As I walk my District, I have seen devastating flooding due to recent storms. If these large rain events continue as climatologists predict, we will need to address how to help our homeowners manage stormwater. Adding trees to our canopy, increasing the size of culverts, and studying watershed and river flows will be critical to protect our residents' investments in their homes.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

My undergraduate training in government, my experience as an attorney and my leadership in community organizations have helped me acquire critical skills in advocacy, problem solving, leading projects, and interpreting and drafting laws. These skills are absolutely necessary to properly represent my District constituents.

Accomplishments:

As Ordinance Committee Chair, I led the drafting of ordinances that brought gender neutrality to the Norwalk Code (with Dominique Johnson), regulated the selling of illegal fireworks, and updated the Ethics Code. We are finalizing an improved tree ordinance to protect city trees and expand our tree canopy, and an outdoor dining ordinance to help local restaurateurs. Partnering with Tom Livingston and DPW, I brought the first food waste collection pilot program to Norwalk to great success.

Other issues:

Sustainability, Walkability and Affordability. For Norwalk to continue to be a vibrant city, we need improve upon its walkability and add more biking paths. I want to keep Norwalk affordable for all with reasonable taxation. Increasingly urgent is our need to address our infrastructure in light of climate change and its impact on our waterways and flood plains. Adding to our tree canopy helps with both walkability and climate change

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I grew up in Norwalk attending the St. Joseph’s Parish, Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle schools. I have been an active volunteer and leader, serving on the boards of Shakespeare on the Sound, Rowayton Library, Rowayton Gardeners, Norwalk Land Trust, and Norwalk Conservation Commission. I joined McDermott Will & Emery, after earning my law degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 1984. I moved to The Northern Trust Company in 1992, retiring after my second daughter was born in 1997.