Patch Candidate Profile: Douglas Sutton, 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 Douglas Sutton is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council in District D.

Education

Norfolk State U.(BS);U. of Bridgeport (MS & CAS)

What is your occupation?

Science Teacher-Retired (New Canaan,35-Years)

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

Edna S. Sutton-Norwalk, CT (Wife;Retired RN)
Karen D. Sutton-Manchester,CT(Wittenberg U.)
Craig J. Sutton-Hanover, NH (Yale U.) Brian M. Sutton-Edmonds, WA (Providence C.)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No/None

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

( Elective Office) Norwalk Common Council; District "D"; At-Large (2000-2010)

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 citizen, I value civic engagement and civil service as an honorable, noble, and patriotic duty.
Positive citizen involvement strengthens Democracy, Communities, and PEOPLE.

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

The impact of developmental density coupled with infrastructure improvements/investments.....following appropriate preliminary studies and recommendations, I would advocate for processes that allow for Town Meetings/Public Hearings (In-Person, Zoom, Conference Call, etc.) during various phases (Conception, Approval, Beginning, During, Completion) of the project to ensure adequate citizen input, concerns, and assessment. Meeting time, type, location, etc. should vary to accommodate citizens' varied life-styles and family obligations. Knowledgeable professionals must be in attendance. Additional studies and safe-guards may also be warranted.

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

We all promote the ideals of our Political Party to some extent. Yet, we are all honorable people who value public service. Obviously, Our life experiences are uniquely different; and thus, we all bring forth different perspectives. Yet, we still have a common humanity that compels us to work together for the common good.

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

Not sure.....But, in our Democracy, citizens"Freely" give "Their Consent" to elected officials to govern based on a common trustworthy set of principles and values that we ALL hold dear. Thus, to SERVE and REPRESENT CITIZENS is a GREAT HONOR and TRUST.

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

Development and Density, Infrastructure, Public Education.

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

I have served previously as District "D" At-Large Common Council Representative (2000-2010); and served on the following: (Committees)-Personnel And Labor Relations (Chair), Land Use and Building Management (Chair), Finance and Claims, Ordinance, Public Health-Welfare-Safety; Norwalk Facilities Construction Commission; The Maritime Authority.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always Be your Best while Doing your Best.

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

Following are some of my other areas of participation:
(Military) US Army Veteran-Vietnam /6-Years Service; Grace Baptist Church: Trustee (Ex Chair),Ushers(Ex President), Men'BOD);Union/Teacher: NEA, CEA, NCEA, CEA-Retired; Norwalk NAACP (Ex President); PTA/PTO: Cranbury Elementary School (Ex Co-President with wife,Edna)',Norwalk PTA/PTO Council (Ex Treasurer); CubScouts: Cranbury E.S. Pack 97(Ex Cub-Master); Boy Scouts of America-Troop 19 (Ex Chair); A Better Chance-New Canaan (Ex BOD);
Horizons Student Enrichnent Program-New Canaan (Ex Sr Dir, Ex BOD, BOG); (Ex Sports Assistant):Small Fry & Cranbury Baseball Leagues (Norwalk), Mid-Fair field Youth Ice Hockey Association(Darien); (Ex Parent Group): Norwalk Youth Symphony & Norwalk H.S. Marching Bears.