Donahue for Norwalk

Learning Experiences all around...

2009-11-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

As I write this, there is just about 30 minutes left to Election Day. Not my first as a voter, but my first as a candidate.

Over the last month or so, I was preparing myself for the likelihood that I wasn't going to win. Even as a rookie to this campaigning thing, I saw that my opponents were building momentum and a lead that I was unlikley to surmount.

I am glad I was so pragmatic, because I came in a resounding fourth of 4 candidates. Not through any fault of mine. I gave it a strong effort. It was simply a matter of inexperience.

As the old saying goes, "Whatever does not kill us makes us stronger." I plan on continuing this odyssey, and in 2 years, I will be celebrating my first Election Day as a winner!

Thank you to all that offered support.

Another example of Norwalk Crime...

2009-10-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

In last night's mayoral debate, crime statistics and crime prevention were hot topics. This also came up in my debate, with the other District D Candidates. It was reported in today's The Hour that 2 high school students were robbed Friday, in 2 separate incidents.
In both instances, the students did not report the crimes until later in the weekend. As noted in one online reply from a parent of one of the victims, he was afraid of retribution if he snitched.
There are lessons to be learned here...

We need to educate our children that it is imperative that these crimes be reported in a timely manner. The sooner an incident is investigated, the better. This was a key point in my debate last evening, and one of the focuses of Mayoral Candidate Steve Serasis's Crime Plan - Youth Outreach.
We need a stronger police presence around our school buildings in the afternoons. (Also part of Steve's Plan)
Every crime, even minor crimes need to be reported to the authorities. Even if stolen items are never recovered, the statistical information compiled is invaluable in better deploying officers where they are needed the most.

When I was a child, I was taught to approach "a man with a badge" if I was separated from my parents and lost. Now our children are distrustful of our police department. How sad...

If elected, I would support a well thought out, and logical plan to decrease crimes committed by, or against children. For me the plan needs to include tackling the issue at the source through your outreach and education.

What do you think?

Cranbury Park Master Plan

2009-10-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

One of the largest tracts of "open" city land happens to be in District D - Cranbury Park. Over the last year, a committee of local residents, including members of Friends of Cranbury Park, have worked on developing a Master Plan for the next 15 years.

For info click here: http://www.norwalkct.org/parksrec/cranburyparkplan9-9-2009.pdf

You may have seen in local media outlets that there has been some discord over the last Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting where this plan was shared with the public. Committee chair (and Democratci Mayoral Candidate) Steve Serasis decided to table a vote on the plan until a public hearing takes place.

I think it is commendable that a plan of this scope has every opportunity for public input before going to vote in the Common Council.

For the record, I am in favor of the vast majority of this plan. I look forward to bringing my daughters to the improved playground, walking the trails with them and allowing them to experience a little nature close to home and perhaps, taking them ice skating in the winter. I think proceeding with strategic upgrades to the Gallaher Estate makes a lot of sense. That is a sorely underutilized asset, and if the city can rent that out for more events, it would go a long way to balancing the costs of maintaining the park.

I want to know what you think about it? What would YOU like to see at Cranbury Park