Patch Candidate Profile: Tricia Massucco, 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 Tricia Massucc, 52, is a Norwalk resident running for the Common Council in District A.

Education

Bachelor of Science BUS/ECO minor in Communications, State University of NY at Oneonta.

What is your occupation?

Director of Elementary School Based Programs - 14+ years.

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

Christopher Massucco - 56 - Small Business Owner
Christopher Massucco - 25 - Client Representative in Miami
Olivia Massucco - 23 - Pediatric Nurse in Boston
Ava Massucco - 16 - Senior at Brien McMahon High School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

No.

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 am seeking the office of Common Council in District A for several reasons. Norwalk has seen a surge in new apartments as well as new proposed sites. District A is still an area that will be affected by zoning changes that will increase density. With each new project, there are challenges that Norwalk faces; increased traffic, parking and most importantly infrastructure concerns.

We need a plan for slow steady growth that addresses those issues. I want affordability not only in my district but throughout the city for those who want to call Norwalk home. I want to ensure that young families and senior citizens have access to affordable housing. I want equity in education. Every Norwalk child deserves to have what they need to succeed academically and socially. Every child needs an equal chance for success.

We also need checks and balances on the council. All parties need to work together for a common goal. I am a strong believer in consensus. I want to be a voice for all residents!

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the continued overdevelopment of Norwalk. We continue to build new apartments; areas will now become multi-family zones. This will continue to contribute to our failing infrastructure. How will our roads handle this density? Can the school system sustain this growth? Can our failing wastewater treatment plant handle this concentration of housing?

Although I am speaking about a single issue, voters know that it is a multifaceted issue. It has economic, environmental and public health implications. How can I contribute to solve this? I truly believe there is no I in team. We need to work together as Norwalkers to solve. We need balanced leadership on the council and our appointed committees. We need continued input from our residents and local businesses. We need to develop a plan that all Norwalkers can live with.

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

I am a problem solver and use consensus in the decision making process. We all need to come together around common goals. I have a strong work ethic as seen through my dedication not only in the Brien McMahon Community but the families I currently serve through my work at the Carver. I will work hard for all Norwalk residents.

I have a unique perspective on the challenges that many families face in Norwalk and it is that perspective that will drive my decision making. I have strong communication skills and that is key to being an effective leader. We must always be listening. It is all of this and my civic mindedness that I will bring to the Council.

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

As previously stated I will address the increased density and how it affects our infrastructure. We need zoning that is carefully considered. We need balance on our council. We need to make sure our school system is supported and teachers have what they need to support their students. We need to support our local businesses and listen to their concerns. We need to review the Norwalk Industrial Waterfront Land Use Plan and how it affects the Wall Street area. We need to ensure that there is continued progress on Wall Street Place and the expansion of the library.

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

I am the director of Elementary School based programs for the Carver. I lead a dedicated staff of over 200 that deliver quality after school programming and education to students and families in Norwalk. I always strive for continuous improvement. Continuous improvement drives best practices. I also use data to make informed decisions. These leadership qualities are vital to the Council. I am also an elected member of the Brien McMahon School Governance Council. I have participated in the internal interview process, teacher events, budget approvals, school quality review, attendance policies, school climate, website design as well as the discussion around the needs of Brien McMahon High School to support students, staff and families.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My mother is my greatest supporter. She has always surrounded me with her love and encouragement. She always tells me that I am beautiful inside and out and that I always need to believe in myself. This belief is what has brought me to this point in my life. Believing in myself has given me self confidence, self worth and the continued desire to attain my goals.

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

I am for decisions that make common sense for Norwalk residents. I will always listen to residents of District A and all of Norwalk. I want to bring balance to the Council and give voters a choice.