Patch Candidate Profile: Heather Dunn, 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.

Independent Heather Dunn is a Norwalk resident running for Common Council Representative in District D.

Education

Lehigh University BA, Fairfield University MS.

What is your occupation?

Special education teacher, Norwalk High School.

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

My husband, Steve Morenberg, is a writer at Pappas MacDonnell, my son, Max, is an artist living in Black Rock, and my daughter, Laney, just got her masters from Columbia and is a doctoral candidate in Philly.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My sister is a special advisor to the board at the Federal Reserve Board in D.C., my father is a retired naval officer.

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?

I have spent the last 20 years advocating for quality of life issues in my neighborhood. I am currently the president of the Norwalk Association of Silvermine Homeowners and it has been frustrating to attend zoning and city budget meetings where our concerns as stakeholders seem to rarely be considered. I would like to have a seat at the table and be able to ask questions and share concerns about issues that affect Silvermine and Cranbury.

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 poor zoning decisions and lack of ordinance enforcement has led to negative impacts on our infrastructure that we cannot afford. I will work to make sure that our resources are protected, and that there is a return on any investment of our tax dollars, prior to any more studies or projects being approved.

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

I don't just talk the talk. I have been an activist in the city for 30 years. I understand Norwalk, I love Norwalk, and I will continue to fight for and with Norwalk residents in a variety of capacities.

Being so active in the city, I have developed the greatest depth of knowledge when it come to city issues facing us.

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

I do not believe Bryan Meek has failed the community at all. He does the work, and asks questions that need to be asked. I respect his skills, especially the way he understands financial implications.
Even when we are on opposite sides of an issue, he listens respectfully and is willing to engage with my position. I look forward to working with him.

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

As a member of the Norwalk Emergency Response Team, and also disaster recovery supervisor for the Red Cross Connecticut/RI, I am very concerned about health and safety issues prevalent in the city. I would also like to see a greater focus put on building more opportunities for homeownership.

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

I have worked on public art installations throughout the city, like designing giant stars (one is in city hall), murals in South Norwalk (while I was president of SoNo Arts Celebration), and history boards for Cranbury Park (installed as part of my sons Eagle Scout project). In order to be successful, I need to be collaborative with community groups and city departments.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Look for the helpers, and be one.

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

I believe that the best decisions are arrived at when all sides are thoughtfully considered. The best way to do that is to ask questions, be respectful of where others are coming from, and know that you can't always make everyone 100% happy.