Patch Candidate Profile: Diana Carpio, Norwalk Board Of Education

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 Diana Carpio, 59, is a Norwalk resident running for the Board of Education in District C.

Education

BS in Finance

What is your occupation?

Office Manager 8 years

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

Son (Ethan) age 20

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Incumbent for Board of Education District C

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?

I would like to continue the great work that BOE/NPS have been doing serving our students, families and community at large.

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

The budget. I will continue to have open and honest conversations regarding the needs of our students with the Mayor, Common Council and constituents.

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

This will be my second term and I have won the respect of my colleagues and have been elected as BOE Chair. I have experience in working with our city officials and understand the issues at large as a mother in the district.

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

NA

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

I have always been open to the student voices. Meeting with students has always been critical since they are the ones in our school buildings and are affected by all of our decisions. Mental health, feeling safe in school and future readiness are some of the issues I would like to address during my campaign.

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

I am an avid volunteer in the schools as well as events in Norwalk. I am on the board/committee of other city groups/programs. I have successfully worked on The BOE and have earned the respect of my peers and am the Chair of the BOE.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Politics can harden your heart. Never change your heart."

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

I am proof that you can succeed if you put your mind to something you feel is right and just. The community at large wanted me to step up to the plate for those that needed a voice. As a single mom, I always thought I was below politicians. Here I am sitting in the same room as them fighting for "Our" children.