Patch Candidate Profile: Denise Brown, 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.

Republican Denise Brown is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council in District E.

Education

Resident: 40 years. Education: Katherine Gibbs School of Business – Cert. Business & Bookkeeping. Silvermine Guild of the Arts, Associate Degree in Fine Arts., Univ. of Bridgeport Associate Degree in Graphic Design. Profession: Retired freelance graphic artist, management, and bookkeeper of various magazines and corporations. Civic Engagement: Board of Directors Secretary & Treasurer for Beachside Soccer for 12 years. Team Coordinator, Light The Night (Lymphoma & Leukemia Foundation). Head of St Martha’s Ministry for 3 years for St Mathews Church. Board Member & Treasurer, Oak Hills Park Authority representing Oak Hills Tennis and Supporters of Oak Hills.

What is your occupation?

Bookkeeper - 2003 to current.

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

Husband - Clifford Brown, born and raised in Norwalk. Daughter - Vanessa Vagner, born and raised in Norwalk and now lives in Wilton with my Son-in-law - Eric Vagner and nine year old Granddaughter - Hailey Vagner. Brother - Fred Chicatell lives in Norwalk, and Sister - Elaine Anderson, lives in Stamford, and many nieces and nephews.

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?

To represent my neighbors in District E.

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

Traffic and congestion, sewer problems, one party rule.

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

Common sense approach to issues.

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

Her claims to focus on environmental issues have been unenforceable and unrealistic, while the City of Norwalk faces serious issues of building in FLOOD Zones, overload of traffic congestion and affordable housing.

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

State funding for Norwalk students, better planning and zoning, with priority to traffic, parking and sewers.

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

Currently, I'm helping improve the tennis center at Oak Hills Park by raising funds to install a new patio, redo the fencing on all 8 courts, and add new stone walkways. I have created a fall youth program now in it's second year at a reasonable cost introducing tennis to young players. Currently working with the USTA introducing youth tournaments to Oak Hills Tennis and also working with the USTA to acquire grant money for improvements and programing.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't listen to all the negative chatter, stay focused and if you don't succeed, use that experience to learn from and move forward.

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

I like to ask questions to figure things out and try to listen to what people are saying.