Stamford Election: Nina D. Sherwood For Board Of Representatives

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 2 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Stamford.

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Democrat Nina D Sherwood, 38, is running for Stamford Board of Representatives, District 8 in Stamford.

Occupation: Animal Curator/caretaker

Experience: Stamford Board of Representatives and District 8

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue facing our town is the pressure on elected officials to go with the status quo. We, as a city, do many things the same way we always have just because it’s simpler to continue in that direction. Elected officials who ask questions or demand better are viewed as a problem, ignored or in some cases, vilified.

There are so many issues that the city could be doing a better job of addressing but there is a lot of pressure placed on elected officials to just continue on the same path. It comes from the leadership of both parties and the mayor's office. It stifles new ideas, and people who rightly push against it. The issue affects everything from our schools and the mold crisis to the fact that large corporate residential developers have far too much influence over our city government.

We need a culture change, where questions are encouraged, the status quo is challenged and differences of opinion and debate are recognized as one of the healthiest parts of a properly functioning government.

The best way to combat this problem is to shine light on it. We need transparency and the public to be present so that decisions are not made in a vacuum. Politicians tend to do the right thing when in the public eye, but when they aren’t being watched, elected officials tend to just continue to do what has always been done because it creates less resistance, and people don't have to think. I show up to meetings prepared to ask questions and push for better solutions.

When I feel like the city could be doing better, and I point it out and have the courage to make my points so that other members of the Board of Representatives feel comfortable enough to do the same. Being the first one to speak up provides a safe haven from the current culture for other politicians to find their voice. This has resulted in a lot of positive policy for the people of Stamford.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

District 8 will not find anyone who will work harder than me. I have already shown that I am a tireless advocate for the people. I don’t just talk the talk. I show up prepared, having researched the issues at every meeting. I push for the city to provide better services to our residents and when budget season comes around, and I advocate for cutting spending that does not help the people.

Accomplishments:

I authored and passed the state’s first comprehensive ban of the use of toxic non-organic pesticides on city property, and led the overturning of two zoning board decisions that the people of the city did not want. Working with others, I also pushed for better appointments for Director of Operations, the Board of Ethics, the Planning Board, the Zoning Board, and the Chief of Police.

Working with the Traffic Bureau, Anabel and I successfully advocated for the full paving of Weed Avenue. Lastly, I helped to block a plan to sell five of our public schools to a private developer in a sale-leaseback agreement that would have cost the city millions of dollars and would have conceded our autonomy over a quarter of our public school property.

Other issues:

• Fighting against the influence of special interests on city government that often drive policy and zoning in a direction that benefits the few at the expense of the many.
• Finding solutions and relief to flooding and storm management infrastructure.
• Always pushing for transparency and accountability in all facets of city government. Too often, there aren’t real consequences for bad behavior or decision-making and the people pay the price.
• Stamford has become unaffordable for many, including much of the middle class and seniors. We need to keep taxes low and push for affordable housing options.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I will always keep fighting for you. There is nothing more important to me than the interests of the people. I will show up having done research and vote in the best interests of our community and not special interests or political party demands.