Patch Candidate Profile: Jenn McMurrer, 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 Jenn McMurrer, 42, is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council in District C.

Education

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Magazine Journalism and Mass Communication.

What is your occupation?

I am an editor and writer.

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

Yes, I have two beautiful children who both attend Norwalk Public Schools, Harrison is in fifth grade and Madeline is in second grade. I also am lucky to have a wonderful and supportive husband, Ryan. We also have a Beagle named Lucky.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Yes, if elected this will be my second term serving on the Common Council.

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 do not consider myself a politician, but rather a mom and a member of our community that wants to work for my neighbors to make Norwalk the best place to live as possible. I originally ran and continue to run to bring communication and transparency to my neighbors and to make sure everyone is represented in our city.

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

Affordability. This is true of housing, cost of living, groceries, and utilities. Creating truly affordable housing that lets families put down roots here in Norwalk, but also doesn't push anyone out that has already put roots down here. It is a real challenge. We are in the middle of an affordable housing study so we are not developing just to develop, but creating true workforce housing that makes sense.

I also want to see what public and private partnerships we can embark on to make sure when we have developments they have what we need as a community not just for the short term, but the long term.

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

I entered into this to help and to make sure everyone is represented. I am a woman, a mother, have children in the schools, and I am deeply tied to this community and making it the best place for everyone who lives here.

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

I am the incumbent.

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

Creating safer and more walkability for all, adding to and continuing to upkeep the green space we have for everyone to enjoy including a community center and outdoor public pool, and ensuring our tax dollars go where they are most needed.

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

I have a proven track record for showing up, answer emails and constituents' calls. I created a monthly newsletter to keep citizens informed, and I always do my homework, ask questions, and then vote for what I think is right. I work for my neighbors and always try my best to represent what they want.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

There are always two sides and somewhere in the middle is the truth. I have always used that advice, which is why I ask so many questions and do my homework to make sure I have both sides so I can come to the best conclusion.

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

My why is always what is doing what's best for our community and our children. Having two young children myself I think about what the decisions we are making today will do for our future. I do not consider myself a politician, rather an advocate for our city. I will always listen and do what I think is right no matter what.