Patch Candidate Profile: John Levin, 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.

Republican John Levin, 64, is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council at Large.

Education

BA in Economics and Mathematics, Yale University, 1984; MBA in Finance, Stanford University, 1987.

What is your occupation?

Investor.

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

Wife, Diane Keefe, we have been married (to each other) for 32 years; son: Abraham, age 23; daughter: Eliza, age 26.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife is a member of Norwalk District D DTC.

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

Does member of the Norwalk Conservation Commission count?

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 feel strongly that lopsided single party control of local government can lead to a broad array of problems.

My #1 goal is to improve transparency in local government, so that residents and community members can better understand how decisions are made, and how money is spent and resources allocated, and by whom.

I wish to serve on Norwalk's Common Council to more effectively scrutinize what happens in City Hall and our schools, question reigning assumptions and, when necessary and if possible, provide a meaningful check on overreach and bad decisions by the party now in power.

In addition, there are some specific positive improvements I would like to bring to 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.

Nope. I decline to fall into this. Norwalk is a diverse small city and the pressing issues for its residents differ widely. These concerns include the standard ones: 1) improve schools 2) control taxes 3) make housing more affordable 4) improve traffic 5) make the city more livable with improvements to parks, beaches, streets, arts and culture.

Though I expect few residents will cite it, my own most pressing issue is transparency in local government. To accomplish this I would seek to establish monthly city-wide in-person Town Hall "Listening and Reporting" sessions for the public to share issues, express concerns, gather information and interact with city officials and each other.

In addition, I would seek regular periodic reports of the following: 1) city litigation activity and expenses, 2) city contracts with outside consultants, 3) compliance by property owners and managers with their affordable housing commitments. This list is not complete.

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

I am the only candidate that has a blue beard. Seriously, I am a freethinker and I am willing to break with convention, explore possibilities, and embrace fun. Frankly, I have great respect for the other candidates running for Common Council. Our city is lucky to have them.

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

Four of the five Democratic candidates for Council At Large are incumbents. I have no basis to claim that any have failed our community, and I hold them all in high regard. But I do believe that the current Democratic super-majority on the Common Council overall reduces transparency and public debate. Both can be improved by adding voices that are not beholden to the ruling leadership.

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

I'm SO glad you ask:

1) Neighboring towns Westport, Darien and Fairfield allow dogs onto city beaches during the off season. Norwalk does not. I would like to explore ways, even on a trial basis, for Norwalk to offer the same benefit to its dog families.

2) Add city trash cans to public streets and street corners, especially in South Norwalk.

3) Consider making Sunday parking free in city lots and streets.

4) Lease naming rights to Norwalk's sewage treatment plant (I personally would bid for this!)

5) Invite Chad Kroeger and J.T. Parr to testify at a Norwalk Council meeting, perhaps on #4?

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

1) Veteran: three years active duty in the US Marine Corps.

2) Wall Street: two decade career in investment banking and investment research managing both people and money at firms both large and small.

3) Founder: Annual Darwin Day Dinner science lecture event since 2009.

4) Founder: Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Committee, 1995 (resettled refugee family from Bosnia in Norwalk).

5) NancyOnNorwalk board member 2014 - 2023, including serving as Board President.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My mom: DON'T GET OLD!

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

I am evidence based in my thinking, and new evidence or other changes may invite a change of opinion.

Also, I believe it is important to respect others, even if they do not share your values, beliefs and/or opinions - respectful dialogue is always possible and we all can learn from others.

Last, I seek to conduct myself with honesty and integrity always.