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NORWALK, Conn. The city's political conventions are both happening within the next six days, and the jousting in the mayor's race is getting into full swing. Art Scialabba, chairman of the Norwalk Republican Town Committee, assailed a statement Monday made by presumptive Democratic mayoral candidate Andy Garfunkel on his website.
Garfunkel says that, as mayor, he would "conduct a national search immediately upon election for a chief of police who will develop and implement programs to reduce crime" because "Norwalk residents deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, in their homes and at school."
"Say it ain't so, Andy?" Scialabba wrote in a letter. "A nationwide search? Why spend that kind of money? Does Andy mean he has no confidence in our current chief?"
"That's not the statement I released," said Garfunkel. "This was not directed at Chief Rilling. This was directed at the future of Norwalk. Norwalk needs to prepare itself for the future of the police department, to make sure that we have the resources and the leadership we will need for the next several years. We're looking ahead for the change that Norwalk needs."
Mayor Richard Moccia said Norwalk had never conducted a nationwide search for a new chief before, and he does not believe it is necessary. "We have many fine people who are in position to move up; we have no need to bring an outsider in," he said by email. "(Garfunkel) cannot have it both ways. He states he is not criticizing the chief or the department, but on the other hand we need an outsider to take over because the current leadership is not doing a good job. We have dedicated officers who are effective in combating crime, and when the FBI stats come out that will be verified."
He did not know how much money such a search would cost because "it was never a consideration."
Garfunkel said he wasn't ruling out Deputy Chief Thomas Kulhawik, who many observers suspect will be the next chief. "We're looking to see who's out there," Garfunkel said. "This is not saying the deputy chief will not be included in this search. ... It would be wonderful if we find that the top qualified candidate for this job after a nationwide search is found here in Norwalk. ... But Norwalk deserves the best that we can get."
Garfunkel said on his website that "violent, gun-related crime has invaded our neighborhoods, homes and school zones. If real change is to come about to improve our quality of life, we, as a community need to work together to change this culture of violence and focus on the prevention of violent crimes."
Moccia replied, "I have said in the past, we are an urban center, and we do have the some issues as do other cities, but we are making arrests and the department has received new equipment and resources, contrary to his assertions."
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