Norwalk Candidate's Form Intro

By Marcel Rodarte

Please read my introduction at the Norwalk Candidate's Forum held on January 22, 2009.

I would like to say a very special thank you to my little girl Eliana who is not here with us tonight but she is always in my heart. She is the center of my universe and the source of my motivation to work to make Norwalk a better place for us all to live, work, and play. I have worn many hats in my life but none has meant more to me than being a daddy to my little girl.

For those of you who don't know me I am Marcel Rodarte. I grew up in this great city we all call home. I attended Ramona and Moffitt Elementary schools before going on to graduate from Norwalk High School in 1990.

I have served my country honorably and faithfully for more than 18 years. I hold one of the highest enlisted ranks in the armed forces which is achieved by less than 1 percent of those who have served in the enlisted ranks. I am proud to say that achieving such an unlikely milestone in under 18 years is one of my greatest accomplishments.

Attention to detail and accountability are two of the greatest lessons I have learned while serving our great nation. I want to bring my years of experience and integrity to city hall here in Norwalk. In my civilian career I am a quality assurance specialist for the Department of Defense where I oversee sensitive defense contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

As part of my everyday duties I explore ways to save U.S. taxpayer dollars by identifying waste and overspending by defense contractors. I have worked with numerous companies facing difficult financial hardships and severe budget cuts as a result of reduced funding from Congress and the Department of Defense. I work closely with these companies to explore new avenues to do more with less, something we have come to know quite well over the last few years.

Due to the sensitive nature of my work I hold a top secret security clearance which requires an extensive background investigation and is only awarded to individuals of unquestionable integrity and character.

I decided to run for city council because I feel Norwalk is in desperate need of a new vision and a new direction. Our city, just as our nation is ready to start a new chapter. I am confident that together we can work through these difficult times.

I have no business or financial interests in or around our city. My only interest is in preserving our youth and senior programs, attracting community-oriented businesses, and ensuring our residents feel secure throughout our city.

I stand here before you as a product of what our great city has to offer. I grew up playing in our parks and learning in our schools. I chose the military because I wanted to see the world. I have seen the world. I have travelled to every continent in the service of our nation and to me there is no place like home. As I raise my daughter in this city I want her to feel safe playing in our parks without having to witness the slight of graffiti on every wall. I want all of your children, your grandchildren to feel secure as they walk to school every morning. I want to ensure our children receive the education they deserve so that one day they can give back to city that gave them so much.

We have come upon perilous times, both economically and morally. We may very well witness a tough economic climate that has not been seen in some 70 years. No one on our current council has experience in dealing with the hardships that we will witness over the next few years.

Our city, just as our nation needs insightful, innovative, and creative leaders who are willing to make difficult choices while introducing new ways to conduct city business and ensure our residents and businesses have the tools and services they need to survive these difficult times. I am confident that I can help lead our city through the uncertainty we are presently facing.

When you cast your vote for MARCEL RODARTE you can be confident that you are voting for someone who will serve our city as faithfully and honorably as he has served our nation. Please remember to VOTE RODARTE in the upcoming election.