Norwalk Democrat Primary: Tyler Fairbairn Seeks Nomination

Norwalk CT

07 September, 2021

6:16 PM

Description

NORWALK, CT — This year's Democratic primary in Norwalk features a four-way race for Councilmen (District C) between Tyler Fairbairn, Jenn McMurrer, John Kydes and Jennifer McAllister. Patch asked the candidates to answer questions about their campaigns ahead of the primary which is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 14. Tyler Fairbairn, 39, is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Norwalk Common Council (District C). Occupation: Community Development Administrator, Town of Greenwich Family: Wife (Maria); Kids - Abbie (9), Charlie (7), Phoebe (3) Experience: N/A Family in government: No The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it: Education. I was inspired to run for Common Council after watching the past two annual budget cycles unfold. I did not feel that my concerns as a public school parent were being considered, and I hope to change that if fortunate enough to be elected. Norwalk's families with school-aged children are homeowners, renters and taxpayers, and I think the conversation needs to move beyond taxpayer vs. parent, and which seemed to be the central argument for further reducing the school budget last year. As a council member, I would listen to residents of the district and be transparent in my decision making. Critical differences between me and my opponents: I am not a politician, and I am not interested in running for higher office. I will be a public school parent for another fifteen years, and and want to be a voice for other Norwalk parents on the Common Council. Accomplishments: I have a masters degree in urban planning and have been a community planner for the past eleven years, managing millions of dollars in grant funds allocated to nonprofit community partners. I have written and carried out community plans that incorporate the input and feedback of residents. This process lends itself well to representing a district on the Common Council, as members should be a conduit for the concerns and desires of those they represent. I have also served on the School Governance Council for several years at my children's elementary school, most recently serving as parent co-chair. This experience has allowed me to see how the school operates first-hand, and and how vital every dollar and every staff position is to giving kids an opportunity to succeed. Other issues: Affordable housing.Contextual, responsible development.Youth sports/recreation. I have been a little league parent for three years now, and and would gladly work with city staff to improve the condition of our fields if elected. What else would you like voters to know about you? I think my family is very similar to so many others in Norwalk. My wife and I both work full-time and our kids attend our neighborhood elementary school, where they are benefitting every day from the incredibly dedicated teachers and staff. Every kid should have the same opportunities mine have, and I will be an advocate for public school families if elected to the council. At the same time, my family, like so many others, cannot afford endless tax increases. I think that it is critical to find a balance between delivering the services that the most vulnerable Norwalk residents need and keeping the city affordable. I would like voters to know that if elected, and I will be responsive to calls/emails/conversations regardless of where I stand on an issue.