Norwalk Election: Tom Keegan For Norwalk 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.

Republican Tom Keegan, 68, is running for Common Council (District D) in Norwalk.

Occupation: Retired Police Lieutenant

Family: Married to Lori Keegan with four children and one stepdaughter.

• Son Jeff, 36, is a nuclear engineer living in Hawaii and married to Kaity Keegan.
• Son Danny, 33, is chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy serving aboard the submarine USS Wyoming and married to Denise Keegan with 8-year-old daughter, Anna, living in Jacksonville, Florida.
• Daughter Mary, 32, is a single mom living in Waterford with 2-year-old daughter, Olivia.
• Stepdaughter Marisa, 26, is a physician's rep living in Scottsdale, Arizona.
• Daughter Elizabeth, 17, is a senior at Norwalk High School and the drum major of the defending national champion Norwalk High Marching Band.

Experience: Common Council (District D) and Conservation Commission appointee.

Family in government: My father, uncle and brother are all retired police officers, as am I.

A second uncle was the Director of Parks & Recreation in Greenwich and is retired. My sister was a Post Office Postmaster and is retired.

Lastly, my Uncle Tom was a state rep in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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

Currently the single most pressing issue in Norwalk is lack of balance. The Board of Education has nine Democrats elected and no other representation. The Common Council is 14-1.

There is a single party rule in Norwalk and the citizens are the only ones who suffer as a result. I intend to advocate for Republican and unaffiliated and Independent candidates to be heard and elected.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I believe the single factor separating me from the other candidates is that I am an incumbent. There is a bit of a learning curve for new members of the Common Council. I have already established relationships with my colleagues and have an understanding of processes more so than the other candidates

Accomplishments:

I believe all experiences including accomplishments can be evidence that I'm capable of handling this position. I have been a police officer for 40 plus years and have dealt with people and problems daily. I have a wealth of experience bringing opposing viewpoints to agreement which is a desirable trait politically.

Other issues:

My campaign platform is very simple. I will work and represent the residents to the best of my ability. I will run on my reputation and I believe strongly in honesty and integrity.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am very flexible in my positions and opinions and willing to listen to others. I enjoy and welcome discussing opposing views in a civilized respectful reasonable fashion. I believe listening and caring are the two most important character traits a candidate can have. I like to consider myself a person who listens and cares.