Elections
People Friendly Stamford 2023 Stamford Board of Representatives Candidate Questionnaire Results
In advance of the 2023 municipal elections, People Friendly Stamford distributed a questionnaire to the eleven candidates seeking their responses on issues concerning safe streets and housing affordability. A copy of the questionnaire can be viewed HERE.
People Friendly Stamford would like to thank the following candidates for their thoughtful responses:
JENNIENNE BURKE
burkeforbor@gmail.com
WALTER MARDIS
waltmardis@gmail.com
BIANCA SHINN
biancafordistrict7@gmail.com
CARL WEINBERG
carlrw99@gmail.com
The following candidates unfortunately did not respond: Michael Battinelli, Karen Camporeale, Stephen Garst, Christina Strain, Kindrea Walston, Dakary Watkins, and Clemon Williams.
If you like what you hear or have more questions for the candidates, we have included their contact information above so you can learn more or get involved.
Find your district HERE and learn more about the elections HERE, including if you are eligible to vote for the Board of Representatives on September 12th and/or November 7th.
PFS encourages voters to support candidates who support safe streets and housing affordability!
Safe Streets Champions
WALTER MARDIS (District 9)
BIANCA SHINN (District 7)
Safe Streets Champions agree:
Stamford should repurpose space currently used for cars (like excess travel lanes or parking) in favor of more sidewalks and bike lanes.
Automated traffic enforcement (like red light and speed cameras) is an important tool to enforce road safety.
The use of electric scooters and other forms of micro-mobility should be encouraged in Stamford.
Stamford should prioritize more pedestrian-only spaces, such as fully pedestrianized lower Bedford Street or lower Summer Street.
Building more protected bike lanes would encourage more people to bike in Stamford.
Housing Champions
WALTER MARDIS (District 9)
BIANCA SHINN (District 7)
CARL WEINBERG (District 20)
Housing Champions agree:
There is a housing shortage in Stamford that has contributed to higher housing costs (rents and home prices).
One key way to limit rising housing costs is to allow for more diverse housing types (small single-family homes, townhomes, condos, apartments, etc.) to be built in Stamford.
The City should make it easier to repurpose underutilized properties (such as office buildings and City-owned property) as sites for housing.
More housing should be built within walking distance of Metro-North stations and bus stops.
The current zoning protest petition process is an impediment to the creation of more housing in Stamford.
We liked what we heard!
Here are some responses to our open-ended questions that we appreciated:
“I would proactively engage with…community members through my district to gain insights into their concerns, needs related to safer, friendly walking neighborhoods, access to affordable housing while examining ways to reduce car dependency.” – Bianca Shinn (District 7)
“We need to be careful in developing infrastructure, housing and commercial spaces in ways that take advantage of public transportation and which provide opportunities for walking to [shopping], recreation, and train service.” – Walter Mardis (District 9)
“My priorities include building and maintaining sidewalks where most needed in District 20…enhancing pedestrian safety for North Stamford’s many walkers through road humps, signage, speed monitors, and other passive devices; and supporting affordable housing proposals.” – Carl Weinberg (District 20)
“I’ve spoken with quite a few residents who bike from District 18 to downtown Stamford or work. [I would bring] awareness to the protected bike lane network of streets to begin to allow safe spaces for bike riders.” – Jennienne Burke (District 18)
“I would continue to advocate for policies that support and encourage affordable housing, maintenance of infrastructure that supports safe walking and biking.” – Bianca Shinn (District 7)
“Stamford has all of the tools that would be needed to maintain the City’s position as the most successful city in Connecticut. The Mayor’s efforts to expand housing opportunities, attract business, and deal with traffic issues are key to this.” – Walter Mardis (District 9)
“Affordability is the challenge here in Stamford.” – Jennienne Burke (District 18)
“I am optimistic about Stamford’s future as we continue to be persistent with innovation and cultivating a community where residents can access affordable and safe housing…. The current focus on addressing the lack of affordable housing provides a promising future for the many community members impacted by this critical issue.” – Bianca Shinn (District 7)
“With a focus on homeownership, I would champion development that [creates] housing for families that are trying to move up.” – Jennienne Burke (District 18)
“Stamford has been investing in urban revitalization projects, improving public spaces, [and] transportation systems such as…repair of the train station…. These efforts can enhance the quality of life for residents and attract businesses and investors.” – Bianca Shinn (District 7)