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NORWALK, Conn. Voters will head to the polls Tuesday in the biannual municipal election to decide whether incumbent Republican Mayor Richard Moccia will get a fourth term or if Democratic challenger Andy Garfunkel will lead Norwalk for the next two years.
Also to be decided is who the city's next town clerk will be and shape of the next Board of Education and Common Council. Republicans have had the majority on the council for the last two years, and Democrats would like to take it back.
Republican Rick McQuaid, Democrat David Jaeger and "A Better Choice" candidate Peter Bondi are running for town clerk.
Ten candidates are running for five Common Council at-large seats. The winner will represent the entire city. Registrar Karen Doyle Lyons has expressed concern that Norwalkers do not realize they can vote for five people on the list. The large box in the middle of the ballot has confused some people, she said.
The Common Council at-large candidates are Republican incumbents Doug Hempstead, John Tobin, Joanne Romano and Fred Bondi; Republican newcomer Victor Cavallo; and Democrats Anna Duleep, Warren Pena, Sharon Stewart, Yvonne Rodriguez and Kate Tepper. Duleep has served on the council previously as an appointed member, from February to November 2009. You can pick five of these people to serve as your representatives.
Democrats are proud of the diversity of their ticket: Pena and Rodriguez represent a chance for the Hispanic community to gain the representation it deserves, they say. There are seven black people on the ticket.
Republicans have much experience to offer.
Running for Common Council in District A are Democrats Mathew Miklave and David Watts and Republicans Richard Bonenfant (an incumbent) and Karen Cosco.
Running for the Board of Education in District A are Democrat Rosa Murray (an incumbent) and Republican Mathew Surapine.
Running for Common Council in District B are Democrats Carvin Hillard and Michael Geake.
Running for the Board of Education in District B is Democrat Migdalia Rivas (an incumbent).
Running for Common Council in District C are Democrats Amanda Brown and Taber Hamilton and Republicans Nicholas Kydes (an incumbent) and Michelle Maggio.
Running for the Board of Education in District C are Republican Michael Lyons and Democrat Kevin Poruban.
Running for Common Council in District D are Republicans Bryan Meek and Jerry Petrini and Democrats Bruce Kimmel and Lynne Moore.
Running for the Board of Education in District D are Democrat Greg Burnett and Republican incumbent Jack Chiaramonte, currently the board president.
Running for Common Council in District E are Democrats Nora King (an incumbent) and John Igneri and Republicans Andrew Conroy (an incumbent) and David McCarthy.
Running for the Board of Education in District E are Republican Geoff Kieburtz and Democrat Michael Barbis.
Many other races are on the ballot. Democrat Donna Iacovacci King is running against Republican Ralph DePanfilis for city treasurer. Republican Steve Papadokas and Democrat Vinny Mangiacopra are vying for city sheriff.
Two selectmen will be selected: Democrats Chris Donahue and Galen Wells are running against Republicans Kathryn Angelo Martino and Brian J. Smith.
Four constables will be selected: Republicans Joseph Mastroianni, Peter Andreoli, Arthur Scialabba and Fred Bondi are running against Democrats Erik Anderson, Ari Disreally, Doug Sprenkle and Brenda Penn-Williams.
"Nov. 8th is going to be a big day for the city of Norwalk," said Garfunkel. "It is extraordinarily important that everyone heads to the polls."
Moccia also encouraged people to vote. He said, "Many people sacrificed their lives to ensure our right to vote."
Sample ballots are available here.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. To look up your polling place, go here and enter your street address.
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