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ABOUT STEVE KARL
Steve Karl is a lifelong New Canaan resident who is running for Selectman. He is currently the Chairman of the New Canaan Town Council and has an extensive amount of local government experience. Steve's unique perspective makes him the ideal candidate to serve his beloved town. His top priorities include bringing a stable and civil influence to town government, much like he has provided while serving for the past sixteen years on the Town Council. Continued support of our local schools, public safety, and of course our downtown business district.
LIST OF ISSUES
HOUSING- Steve Karl believes that everyone living in New Canaan deserves access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing. As Selectman, he will work alongside the newly formed Affordable Housing Committee to explore logical ways to increase the supply of affordable housing options for families and seniors without sacrificing our long-range plan of Conservation and Development. Prioritizing smart growth and development that is sustainable and preserves the character of our town will always be his goal. "Looking back over the past 40-50 years New Canaan has had a history of building and providing affordable housing long before it became a "state mandate". We built it because as a community we recognized the need. Obviously, the need still exists today, and as a Town, we will strive to meet the imposed moratoriums to help control our own destiny."
EDUCATION- Steve Karl believes that education is the foundation of our thriving community. It is literally the lifeblood of New Canaan. Our schools represent our largest workforce as well as the reason our town attracts so many successful residents who move here to raise their families. As Selectman, he will prioritize investment in our schools to ensure that our children receive the best possible education. "Working with our outstanding Board of Education and Bryan Luizzi has been one of my greatest pleasures over the years. Bryan has consistently been open, transparent, and is an amazing communicator. We have tackled some big issues over the years as a result of his willingness to listen and compromise for the benefit of our Town as well as our growing student body."
PUBLIC SAFETY- Throughout his tenure on the Town Council, Steve Karl has consistently supported keeping our residents and Town as safe and protected as possible. He has served several terms on the Public Safety Committee and recognizes the integral role and importance of our NC Police, NC Fire, and NC EMS, as well as our local CERT organization. "Our community is extremely fortunate to have such an amazing and dedicated group of paid and volunteer first responders. The quality of our personnel, their training, and their tireless service is unmatched in CT."
CELL COVERAGE- Steve Karl helped push for the formation of our newly formed Utilities Commission. Working with the BOS and the Town Council, Steve worked to reestablish and repopulate the dormant Commission. In addition, he met directly with the neighbors of the proposed West School tower and helped articulate the issues which eventually stopped the development of the tower. "It takes a tremendous amount of teamwork to tackle these tough issues, and a lot of time and energy was invested by all the members of Town Council as well as Nick and Kathleen on the BOS to open up the town-wide dialogue on cell service. I am confident that a new Utilities Commission, up-to-date studies, new technology, and a transparent process will net great results for our community."
ENVIRONMENT- Steve Karl is committed to protecting New Canaan's natural beauty and resources for future generations. He recognizes that our Parks and Open Spaces provide an invaluable asset to residents and provide necessary solitude and sanctuary. As Selectman, he will prioritize environmental sustainability and continue to work on reducing our town's carbon footprint. "As a town, we have added Solar and Natural Gas to our Town Buildings in an effort to make them cleaner and more efficient. Expansion and continuation of these types of initiatives will be a priority. In addition, supporting organizations like Planet New Canaan, The Waveny Park Conservancy, and of course, the NC Land Trust are all vital to keeping our community healthy, happy, and sustainable."
DOWNTOWN- Steve Karl has been an advocate and steward for New Canaan's Downtown Business district for decades. He has served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Downtown Study Committee, and the Parking Commission. He is also a local business owner who fully understands the importance of an attractive and dynamic local economic landscape. "Our local businesses play a key role in our community, providing not only the goods and services our residents want and need but also the generosity and involvement they demonstrate toward our non-profits. Our businesses are fortunate to have so much support from the community, and in return, there is philanthropic funding poured back into so many worthwhile causes." Steve also believes that the town's retail and restaurants attract visitors who come to shop or eat and discover New Canaan for the first time.
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