Patch Candidate Profile: Jan Degenshein, 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 Jan Degenshein, 77, is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council in District D.

Education

BS Architectural Science, Washington University, B. Architecture, M.S. Planning, Pratt Institute,Post Graduate Studies, Environmental Psychology, CUNY

What is your occupation?

Architect-Planner

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

Wife, three adult children, one stepson

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Appointed: Town of Clarkstown Shade Tree Commission, Town of Clarkstown Housing Committee, County of Rockland Art in Public Places Committee (chair), County of Rockland Water Resources Committee, County of Rockland Aging in Place Committee, Village of Nyack Parking Committee, US Rep. Benjamin Gilman Committee on the Environment

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 wish to leave Norwalk a better place than it was when I began office.

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

Public Education. I will work with the Board of Education to seek grants to improve academics, extra-curricular, and supportive programs so that every child can reach their potential.

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

A lifetime of experience, a fresh look at politics, a background in conflict resolution, and expertise in the burning questions of planning, zoning, and housing.

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

He has sought to invest little in the way of programs that will derive community benefit.

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

Environment: Vital Downtowns, Sustainability, and Resiliency. Add to the energy already in place to seek grants to fund programs as a means to keep taxes down.

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

Served on the boards and chaired manifold not-for-profit agencies. Among other recognitions for contribution to civic benefit, I was elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners for Community Service and Leadership.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Place others before yourself.

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

I wish to listen to my constituents and enact means to fulfill their needs.