Patch Candidate Profile: Luis Estrella, 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 Luis Estrella, 36, is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council.

Education

High-school General studies.

What is your occupation?

Code Enforcement -- City of Norwalk (3.5 - 4 years)

Investor (6 years)

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

Married, Father of three. Wife AnaVivian, Three years old twins Liliana and Sophia, 18 Month old Emilia.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife and I both work for the City of Norwalk.

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

I'm Vice-Chair of the Norwalk Republican Town Commitee, does that 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 believe I can provide different ideas, and experiences which can hopefully lead to productive conversations, and increase transparency. Lack of bipartisanship automatically divides us as a city, so we never have ONE voice just a bunch of loud ones.

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

Residents individual issues vary. But my top three are supporting checks and balances, keeping our communities safe, and job growth.

1) I plan on being transparent and receptive with all residents no matter of party affiliation, while requesting departmental updates.

2) Provide local Police with resources and training and expand the police commission to Seven people.

3) Promote entrepreneurship and provide local businesses with proper resources and tax breaks.

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

I'm Proactive, Collaborative, and Community driven.

I wake up everyday looking for different ways to improve our city and motivate others to do so as well. I take the emotions out of politics and use logic and common sense. They lack the necessary individual relationships to make a difference, so they are beholden to follow suit as their predecessor.

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

Very few incumbents represent the Norwalk community and its local interests.

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

1) Did I mention SUPPORTING our police?

2) Micro-mobility infrastructure

3) Conservation advocacy

4) Improve overall quality of life

5) Aging infrastructure

6) Pathways to home ownership

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

I founded Cleaner Connecticut Coalition in 2019.

I am Executive Director/Lead Organizer for Keep Norwalk Beautiful

Vice-Chair Norwalk Republican Town Committee:
2021 - Present

Board member:

Norwalk Exchange Club: 2021- Present

Norwalk River Watershed Association:
2020 - Present

Norwalk River Valley Trail:
2020 - Present

Keep Norwalk Beautiful:
2019 - Present

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't be a product of your environment, let your environment be a product of you.

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

I'm a family man, that hopes to improve this wonderful city we call home for future generations. I will work diligently to benefit ALL taxpayers. I'm here to speak on your behalf not my personal opinions.