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NORWALK, Conn. – Rain was a repeated theme at a prolonged Norwalk Common Council meeting Tuesday night during a feisty and sometimes heated debate on the dire straits faced by Norwalk's Board of Education.
Comments about the Rainy Day Fund came from residents and council members who urged the city to find more money for the schools in the contentious meeting held in Concert Hall to accommodate the larger than usual crowd of at least 200 people.
Two resolutions sponsored by three Democrats were discussed. One proposed giving the Board of Education four years to repay the $4 million needed to cover a budget shortfall. The other was to do a "test and learn" on the proposal to turn Calf Pasture Beach Road into one lane in each direction.
After four hours of public hearing and discussions, there were no answers. Both proposals were sent to other committees.
Those who stayed past midnight watching a debate that Democratic Councilman Bruce Kimmel said he was ashamed of said it had been worth it.
"For me, it's almost about the theater of having them know they're watched," said Debra Goldstein, who was aware that both resolutions were nonbinding as she sat in Concert Hall.
Council President Carvin Hilliard, a Democrat who did not sponsor either resolution, urged members to table the school board proposal so the council's finance committee, which he chairs, could study it Thursday night. Finance Director Thomas Hamilton is out of town and is expected back Wednesday, he said, and needs to weigh in on whether the city could come up with the money.
The resolution on Calf Pasture Beach Road was tabled in a 9-6 vote.
Republican Doug Hempstead said he resented the resolutions because they were inspired by partisan politics. He said only Norwalk's Traffic Authority has the power to alter city streets, not the council. That prompted Warren Peña, one of the sponsors of the resolution, to say it was frustrating that an appointed board had more power than representatives elected by the public.
Mayor Richard Moccia said he is on the authority and is an elected official. According to the city's website, the other members are Democrat Daniel O'Connor and Republican Peter Torrano, both appointed by Moccia.
Moccia assured council members that the traffic authority would take up the Beach Road proposal.
The mayor was targeted for criticism by some of his Democratic rivals. Peña questioned Moccia's leadership of the city and made comparisons to the recent scandal revolving around Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now (NEON). Democrat David Watts got into the political tussle, at one point saying Moccia needed "lessons on how to run the city."
"I'm used to it. You have to have a thick skin," Moccia said. "I was basically criticized. That’s fine. But let’s move beyond that. Let’s put away all the old names. I’ll take responsibility."
Correction made, 10:36 a.m.
Comments (4)
Last night's Common Council meeting was a disgrace. As stated by xMisterMikex, the Council Members on BOTH sides of the aisle chose to politicize and personalize the issues at hand, rather that truly debate and work toward solutions. Norwalk must come together to find a solution to this BoE budget crisis, but how can this be accomplished when our leaders behave this way?
I encourage all citizens to attend a Common Council meeting before the next election. You may rethink your votes ... I know I am.
What was really clear to me was that the people that made this motion had done nothing to think it through or even consider the implications. They played to the crowd. I am scared for my kids, but proposing things that cant legally be done doesn't help. A non-binding resolution? A loan for operating funds?
The comparison to Oak Hills got me thinking on Monday, but it became clear that that is a real loan that costs tax payers nothing once it is paid back. "Loaning" money to the schools was clearly described as against the law. So, they got everyone's hopes up with their false promises (principal told me if they passed this the crisis was over) and now it seems the adults have to figure out how to pick up the pieces.
Idiots that keep saying things like "stop hurting the childen...don't take things away from my kids" are the real problem. They give the union the strength to not come to the table for another day. That teacher came out and said it...they are all willing to forgo their 21 dollars to keep the rest of their friends employed
I attended the meeting last night to show my support for the schools. I was amazed and proud of all the teachers and citizens who spoke on behalf of our children, teachers and city in general. I thought for sure the council members were listening and would unite to help the heart of our city.
Instead, when it came their time to speak I quickly realized I was attending a circus in which the main act was a bunch of monkeys on stage throwing feces at each other. Council members understand this one point...ITS NOT ABOUT YOU! If your feelings are going to get hurt by another council member bring a helmet to the next meeting. Because your personal feelings arent the issue here. The issue is helping our children by insuring they receive the best education the city can provide for them.
I was there pretty late but finally left when I realized votes would not be made on the basis of what the right thing to do is, but rather votes would be made to simply SPITE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE.
Set aside your political differences and be a human. Do something for the good of the people not to simply go against your "opponent."
The council did a wonderful thing last night by voting the proposal for the schools back to the finance committee. NOT! Just once I would love them to take a stand and do something that actually supports our children as Joanne Romano said so eloquently. If you all stand and care for the children then let's PLEASE make sure that the proposal to save our schools, teacher and the future of this great city gets out of the committee and back to the full council for a discussion and vote. This is NOT the children's problem; they did not cause this mess STOP BLAMING THEM AND HOLDING THEM RESPONSIBLE!! The children of this city demand a top education from our schools. That don't care which political party helps them get there and truthfully this should be a non-partisan issue in the first place but we all know the truth.
Like I said last night its time to show the people of this great city that we care about our children and the future of this city. And to digress for a moment, the council wont have to worry about needing a bike lane for Calf Pasture Beach because should the BOE have to enact all of these proposed cuts and not get the help they need people will leave this city in a hurry. You wont have to worry about traffic and our children because no one will want to live here! But once again members of the council would rather not do a thing for the BOE because of PAST repeat PAST problems. We do need an independent audit and find out what's going on with the books. But the time is way way short and a lot of tough decisions have to be made now. The future is in the hands of our elected officials! You all talk a good game and now is the time to put a plan into action and let our children continue to excel in our schools and community.
I'll end my comments on this quick note: I was at Norwalk High a couple of weeks ago for their awards and scholarship night! I had the privilege of sitting next to Mr. Lemeca on the stage. He was cheering for every child that won!! I'm so glad for him" Or "They worked so hard" They so so deserve it...And the best one: YEAH (Double fist pump) THAT my elected officials is what is going on in our schools that's pride in what our teachers and administrators do everyday and instill in our children. HOW CAN YOU ALL IN YOUR RIGHT MIND TAKE THAT AWAY FROM THESE DESERVING CHILDREN? HELP THEM AND THE PAY BACK WILL BE TEN TIMES FOR OUR GREAT CITY!