Patch Candidate Profile: Darlene Young, Norwalk Common Council

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.

Democrat Darlene Young, 59, is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council in District B.

Education

Sacred Heart Academy

What is your occupation?

Youth Services Program Manager

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

Two young adults, ages 29 and 25.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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?

As a resident and current elected official, I'm seeking re-election to continue to represent residents of District B to the best of my ability with integrity and common sense. As South Norwalk and other areas of the city continue on this growth trajectory, that some welcome and others dread, we must remain determined to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighborhoods in equitable and meaningful ways. Generally, I believe in a system of government that protects its citizens and puts the well-being of "We the People" first over profit and politics.

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

One of the most pressing issues facing a number of my constituents is the significant rent increases that some landlords impose on tenants, spurred by the on-going housing development/market in the district and across the city, causing gentrification in certain neighborhoods. If we are honest, the answer is simple morally, but in practice, not so much, if profit over people rules the day.

Recently, the State required municipalities to create an affordable housing plan. This is a good start however, I think there also needs to be stronger expressed intentions and action around creating a viable, affordable housing initiative that includes housing for seniors in partnership with developers, investors and other pertinent organizations. There are best practices in the State and across the country to glean from. There needs to be consistent and purposeful work and dialogue among entities that directly impact housing, collectively. This and more will hopefully be addressed in an affordable housing study.

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

First and foremost, an array of cogent perspectives is always welcomed and, when expressed with respect can spur conversation, understanding and compromise. I believe I bring a pragmatic approach that welcomes all points of view. I can't speak with full honesty and certainty about major differences among other candidates, but I can speak to my approach to getting results. However, my detractors see that as a problem, I see it otherwise. I am able to reach across the aisle, listen to others and dialogue with respect, honesty and integrity even if we disagree.

I've lived and worked in Norwalk for 31 years. My years of working in Norwalk include the Financial Accounting Standards Board(FASB); Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Council(Now Positive Directions); Human Services Council; NEON; City of Norwalk - Weed & Seed Initiative (DOJ Law Enforcement Grant w/NPD); Assistant City Clerk; Fair Rent/Human Relations and Youth Services Departments. The work I've done focused on youth and families for three decades. In addition, I am part of a volunteer team of caring Norwalk residents that has provided annual holiday events and community clean-ups in South Norwalk for over two decades. My commitment to the city and community I serve is unwavering.

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

With the ongoing development taking place in South Norwalk and across the city, I think we are reaching a point for an appropriate pause on development to give neighborhoods time to adapt and more importantly, an opportunity for the city to continue to assess the infrastructure, service usage, traffic patterns, population increase, vacancy rates etc., before erecting more market-rate apartment buildings. As part of the MLK Initiative, I intend to continue to make sure homeowners who have lived in the area their entire lives can reap the benefits new development brings to the area. Also, there will be a new school for South Norwalk families that will eliminate the lengthy bus ride our children endured for decades to comply with diversity requirements for the School District. According to demographic data, the new South Norwalk Elementary School could potentially be a majority of families of color, and it is up to us as parents, leaders and concerned allies to lift our collective voices to ensure that each child is afforded equitable opportunities to thrive no matter where they live or what school they attend.

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

As I reflect, I'm not sure if any of my past accomplishments necessarily provide insight regarding my ability to handle the position of council member. But rather, I know that my passion and purpose is to be of service and that my employment and volunteer history has led me down the path to politics.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I don't recall any particular advice but a quote from a former City Clerk that has stuck with me is "Politics makes strange bedfellows," and it certainly does.

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

I love Norwalk and want to see our citizenry thrive together!