Norwalk Patch Candidate Profile: Patricia Venneri Agudow

NORWALK, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Norwalk and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Norwalk Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Independent Patricia Venneri Agudow is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council at Large.

Education

B.S. Management & Industrial Relations.

What is your occupation?

Senior Human Resources Executive 45 years of experience.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

None.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Member of Norwalk Board of Ethics 2022-2024.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

This is my way of giving back to the City that is my home. Been a long time goal to run for elected office; was a minor in political science in college.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Fast paced Growth in housing development. It impacts the quality of life, infrastructure, and environmental issues of a coastal city. Must work with city colleagues and resident input to insure smart development that is resilient for the environment and work with developers who contribute to the updating of our infrastructure -- road fixes, water treatment plant upgrade, and flooding matters on our waterfront.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am new to the election process; however, I am not a novice. I will apply my style of collaboration with my colleagues across party to accomplish positive advancements for Norwalk. I have a track record of success with collaboration and active listening to see the paths to successful decision making.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Would not classify it as failure, but most all by one position is from the same political party can narrow ones viewpoint. Having various methods to reach success is more enriching for a community.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

The three major ones are gaining smart development for our City vs density building only; realistic infrastructure improvements that are planned for targeted population growth; developers partner with our City and contribute to infrastructure for environmentally resilient development. All will bring Norwalk enhanced quality of life.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My corporate career success. I started in entry level positions and grew into the C Suite level in multinational companies. I could not have accomplished this success without keen collaboration skills, intelligence, and the ability to learn new things quickly and produce results. I have also worked at the Federal Government level promoting solar renewable energy for my company at the time. I know how grant process and legislation writing process is done.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

You have to follow your inner voice in making life decisions. Always be a person of your word that others can rely upon. Lastly, try new things because the path ahead may surprise. That is what I am doing now in the privilege of running for this office to serve my City of Norwalk.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It would be my honor to serve my fellow Norwalk residents. I am a novice candidate, but I am not a novice in terms of accomplishments.