“I can’t imagine not running again for Town Council!”
New Canaan is one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. We’ve been grateful to live here for the past 17 years. I never planned to run for office when we arrived with our four children from New York City and now I can’t imagine not running again for re-relection to Town Council. I’ve been honored to represent New Canaan residents for the past four years. In November, I will be running again as a Republican Endorsed Candidate. I invite you to learn more about the background, experience and energy I bring to the Town Council, which is both the legislative and budgetary branch of our town government.
As an incumbent, I have a stellar track record of showing up – attending all meetings in person, on time and prepared to work hard for New Canaan residents.
I was appointed Co-Chair of the Health and Human Services Commission four years ago and recently spearheaded the first public Narcan training at the New Canaan Library in conjunction with New Canaan Cares.
Legislation
As an active member of the Bylaws and Ordinances Committee, I worked to develop the first Affordable Housing Committee. As the only Republican Town Council candidate who lives in town not far from the New Canaan train station, I am especially committed to maintaining local zoning control and lower density in our downtown areas. As a result, I advocated against adopting provisions for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Zoning in our new Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).
Responding to New Canaanites and finding ways to address their concerns is what I do best, and my track records shows it. I worked hard to develop an ordinance to reactivate the Utilities Commission so that residents could be involved in finding solutions to cell service challenges in town. In response to distressed and upset West School parents and neighbors, I led the efforts to block the building of a cell tower behind West School while advocating for new technology solutions that fit New Canaan.
I have also continued my keen interest in public safety and recently urged my colleagues on the Bylaws and Ordinances Committee to adopt an E-bike ordinance to protect our youngest riders and pedestrians. My commitment to public safety began several years ago when I led the “Slow Down in Our Town” awareness efforts focusing on pedestrian safety and texting and driving.
On noise issues, I remain committed to improving residents’ quality of life while maintaining an open-minded and flexible mindset that takes all residents into account.
Town Budget
Besides being the legislative body of the town, the Town Council is also the budgetary authority in New Canaan. We approve, reduce or reject all spending. I’ve participated in 4 budget cycles. I actively try to find ways to spend less, and lower taxes and debt. Keeping our mill rate down, in order to protect our property values, is always my goal. My four years of budget experience, coupled with fiscal conservatism, position me well to effectively navigate future budget cycles, including a pending BOE proposal totaling over 300 million dollars.
My Unique Background
My educational training and background is different from anyone on the Council now, and any candidates currently running for the seat this November. I bring the unique objectivity and analytical skills that I learned in my doctoral program many years ago at Fordham University. I learned to deeply research, analyze, evaluate, and verify sources before moving forward to decision making. My work as a forensic psychologist for the NYPD reinforced my training to look at issues from all sides and points of view before rendering an opinion. I use these skills and values when representing you on the Town Council.
Why I’m Running for Re-Election
My effectiveness and motivation to serve, along with my love for New Canaan, are the reasons I’m running for re-election to Town Council as a Republican Endorsed candidate. In order to run, I had to ask for signatures from 252 town Republicans in the first week of August! I ended up with 306 signatures because of teamwork. My team included my husband, 19-year-old son, 89-year-old father and many friends. We traveled around town at all hours of the day and night meeting fellow Republicans to sign my petition. Talking to New Canaanites about my desire to continue my work on the Council is an experience that I will never forget. Residents enthusiastically signed because they wanted to help me keep the job I love. The whole process became the natural beginning of my campaign.
I look forward to meeting more of you and making a personal connection that strengthens our community and town government, and I invite you to join me in enthusiastically supporting my candidacy, as did the 306 residents who signed my petition to run for New Canaan’s Town Council.
Reach out to me here kimberlynorton06840@gmail.com to meet for coffee, share your concerns, or join our campaign team.
Early Voting begins on Ocober 20th from 10 am – 6 pm in our Town Hall Lobby, including two days with extended hours on October 28th and October 30th from 8 am – 8 pm.
You can follow my campaign on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about me on my website (www. kimberlynortonfornewcanaan.com) and sign up for my newsletter there.
All my best,
Kim
