Patch Candidate Profile: James Frayer, 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 James Frayer is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council in District E.

Education

BBA -Economics.

What is your occupation?

Financial Operations and Audit (Retired).

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

Widowed, two grown Children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Board of Estimate and Taxation (five years) Appointment.

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 lived in Norwalk for over forty years and have volunteered for many civic activities, I have served on the Board of Estimate and Taxation for five years. I was appointed to the Council in June to fill a vacant position. I know the workings of the city from my involvement with the Board of Estimate and Taxation and with more than fifty years of financial operations experience, I can contribute to the Norwalk's continued success and prosperity

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

Norwalk residents are concerned about the growth of the city. I will work to ensure that growth is sustainable including jobs that fit our neighborhoods and expand our tax base. In addition, I would continue the existing programs to upgrade streets and sidewalks and focus on conservation and sustainability efforts. Integral to growth is providing ample space to make residing in Norwalk a livable by implementing the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

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

None of the other candidates have the experience and knowledge of how the city of Norwalk works that I have gathered in my five years of service on the Board of Estimate and Taxation and almost six months as a Councilman. I know how the planning and budgeting process works and the issues faced by department heads that I speak with on a regular basis. I have held leadership positions in several large companies and know how to work with people and get things done.

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

I will work to hold taxes down by looking at opportunities to tap revenues to offset spending increases. Sustainability and resilience are very important in a coastal city like Norwalk, we must be planning ahead as climate changes effect our waterfront residential communities.

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

Most recently as a member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation we were able to lower the tax burden for the my district by several percentage points.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Listen to others before you speak"