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NORWALK, Conn. – The three announced Democratic candidates for the Norwalk mayor congratulated Mayor Richard Moccia on his decision to seek re-election, but they wasted no time in distinguishing themselves from the four-term incumbent.
"I congratulate the Mayor on coming to a decision,” said Common Council member Matt Miklave in a statement. “The upcoming campaign is going to provide an opportunity for a vigorous review of the city's operations and I look forward to bringing my ideas before the citizens of Norwalk.”
Miklave added, "As a Councilman, I've had the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to discussions on the budget, education and on quality of life issues that Norwalkers care about. I think the well-attended public hearings over the past two years speak to a craving for a new approach and that is what we will be focusing on."
In addition to Miklave, former Town Clerk Andy Garfunkel, who ran against Moccia two years ago, is looking for another chance, and District D Democratic Chairperson Vinny Mangiacopra has also thrown his hat in the ring.
Former Police Chief Harry Rilling has made overtures to also run for mayor as a Democrat, but he has not yet formally announced.
"We're pleased that the Mayor is seeking another term,” said Mangiacopra in a statement. “He's the guy we want to run against."
Mangiacopra added, “There are many things that set us apart from the Mayor, I'll let my colleagues give their own reasons, but for me, there has to be a game plan and urgency brought to the tough issues. This administration is run day-to-day and reacts to the situations that occur. I want to bring a vision, energy and fierce advocacy on behalf of our citizens. We want to be in constant dialogue with our residents to identify problems before they fester and have the political will to make solutions the priority.”
David Jaeger, Garfunkel’s campaign director, said in a statement, “Coming so close in the last campaign proved that Andy has a wide range support from all corners of Norwalk. While elections can seem like a popularity contest Andy looks forward to a healthy debate on the Democratic side on how to get Norwalk moving back in the right direction.”
Comments (3)
Vinny needs to go back to Bridgeport. He brings nothing positive to the conversation in Norwalk and he speaks for no one but his own self interests. I think Ernie Newton needs him back. A perfect match.
BORRRIIINNNGGG - Same old guy - Same old Norwalk. Will Norwalk become the modern Fairfield County society we hope for on the back of a 70+ year old incumbent Mayor? Doubtful
There can be no doubt the quality of life in Norwalk has continued to deteriorate under the Moccia administration. Taxes have continued to rise and dysfunction between city agencies (planning & zoning, BoE, etc) has grown progressively worse. The city council has become increasingly strident and partisan in addressing these issues, offering the taxpayers little hope of improvement any time soon.
But there can also be no doubt that the people currently running the Democratic side of the equation care more about allegiance to party principle than doing what is right or necessary for Norwalk. Any deviation from what the party leadership dictates is grounds for a media beheading. That simply asures us we'll be stuck with another couple of years of medocrity and lack of vision.
It's a damn shame the Independent Party here in Norwalk chose to pack it in. They were the one true moderate voice of sanity this city so desperately needs.