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For Coverage: March 15, 2007 - November 2, 2007

Council Dems optimistic about working together

Hour Staff Writer

November 27, 2007

NORWALK — Despite their differences, Democrats on the newly seated 2007-09 Common Council say they can find common ground on issues facing Norwalk.

"There's a common concern about infrastructure, about budgets, particularly, for example, the effort to meet with our counterparts from the Board of Education to discuss the budget before it gets cast in stone," said William M. Krummel, a District E Democrat and now council majority leader.

Asked to name areas of common ground among the nine Democrats on the new council, Krummel identified engaging the school board on the budget, fixing infrastructure, supporting a 180-day demolition delay ordinance, and completing the Master Plan of Conservation and Development. He's also hopeful to see the appointment process changed to allow the council lengthier review of mayoral appointees.

"One of the things that I'm particularly interested in is modifying the system we have of nominating for appointments to committees and boards," Krummel said. "I discussed that with (council President Fred A. Bondi) last week about the desirability of having nominations presented to the council the first council meeting of the month and then having action the second meeting."

During the 2007-09 council's organizational meeting last Tuesday, Democrats disagreed over electing Bondi, a Democrat, as council president, and over committee chairmanships.

And Krummel said giving two committee chairmanships to Republicans — the minority party — went against council tradition and threatened democracy.

The disagreement reflected, in part, a continuing rift among Democrats.

On the 2005-07 council, Bondi and some fellow Democrats sided with Republicans in a "bipartisanship" manner, while others Democrats derided such behavior as against residents' interests, as reflected in the 2005 election. At times, it was impossible to get all 10 Democrats on the 2005-07 council in the same room.

Will the nine Democrats on the new council caucus together?

"It's important that we all get together, and I think mostly it will happen," Bondi said.

Bondi said he is hopeful that Democrats can work together to expand tax credit programs for seniors, revise the city's demolition delay ordinance, finish remodeling schools, and move forward flooding remediation as well as redevelopment projects.

"The big thing is the redevelopment in the city. I think that's important ... because that's going to bring us a lot of tax dollars," Bondi said.

Laurel Lindstrom, an East Norwalk Democrat newly elected to represent District C, voted against electing Bondi as council president and acknowledged that there were "definite disagreements" last Tuesday night. At the same time, she doesn't foresee those differences as being "anything that's insurmountable."

"Those kind of animosities, holding onto that is just going to interfere with my ability to do what I need to do (such as) work on the committees and work on the issues," Lindstrom said. "I'm going into (the 2007-09 council) with an open mind and hoping that we can proceed."

September 15, 2007

Hearing to focus on planned 4-story office building

By Tim Stelloh
Staff Writer

Advocate

November 13, 2007

NORWALK - At City Hall tomorrow night, the Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a plan for a 154,000-square-foot East Norwalk office building that would rise four stories in a now-vacant parking lot at 10 Norden Place.

The developer, Fortis Properties Group of Brooklyn, N.Y., wants to build 30 percent more office space than the zone allows.

The proposal comes after a 29-unit condominium project down the street was rejected by the commission after a heated public hearing in August. Neighbors said the project would have increased congestion.

Neighborhood advocates say they're concerned about the same problem with the office building proposal - despite a fairly positive picture painted by a traffic consultant at an Oct. 11 committee meeting of the Zoning Commission.

Increased traffic on Beacon Street from the project could be relieved by a new traffic light at Strawberry Hill Avenue and Beacon Street, said Leonard Liss, the consultant.

But council member-elect and longtime neighborhood advocate Laurel Lindstrom said that might not be enough.

"Even if the developer is agreeing to put in a traffic light, it doesn't mean that simply resolves the problem," she said. "You're going to have additional traffic not just through Beacon but going in the other direction onto Winfield Street and toward Saugatuck."

East Avenue and smaller residential streets also could suffer, she said...

The panel last month approved plans for the office building, which would sit near three wetlands. Elizabeth Suchy, an attorney for the developer, has said one wetland has been filled in with asphalt, but two others would be preserved.

Officials from the South Western Regional Planning Agency, which also reviewed the proposal, said they had "no basis to disagree" with the traffic consultant's study, according to a report that followed an Oct. 29 meeting.

The report says the project will not have any "intermunicipal" effects, Westport officials had not commented yet on the plan.

Coalition waiting for results of 'Citizen Survey'

November 11, 2007

Robert Koch

Staff writer

The Hour

On Election Day last Tuesday, as Norwalkers cast ballots for elected offices at polling places citywide, the Coalition of Norwalk Neighborhood Associations conducted its own poll of residents.

"We felt it was important to reach out to the people of Norwalk to find out which issues were priorities for them," said Julie Burton, co-founder of Rowayton Advocates for Zoning, one of a dozen-plus neighborhood groups making up the coalition. "In any arena, you tend to talk to each other. Not too many people come to the meetings on a regular basis. Whether it's City Hall meetings or neighborhood association meetings, people don't have a lot of time. But it's doesn't mean they don't have opinions."

Burton, a former market researcher, collaborated with coalition coordinator Maribeth Becker to put together the one-page survey and get it out to as many people as possible on Election Day.

"I've actually gotten some (of the surveys) back in the mail already. In general, the people seemed to be really pleased that we were doing this," Burton said.

The one-page "Citizens Survey" asks residents to check a box next to the neighborhood in which they live. Fourteen neighborhoods are listed, including Broad River, Golden Hill, Silvermine, South Norwalk and Wilson Point. Respondents are then asked to identify their polling place.

Then comes the meat of the survey: Please put a check mark next to the five issues below that you feel should be the top priorities of the Norwalk city government.

Eighteen issues are listed, including preservation of the scale of neighborhoods, crime prevention, gang prevention, increasing open space, reducing flooding, reducing illegal apartments, historic preservation, property taxes and redevelopment of the inner city.

If none strike you as pressing, you may write in your own specific priority along with comments.

Becker said she and other coalition members distributed the survey to voters at at least five of Norwalk's 13 polling places on Election Day.

"I got a lot of people to fill it out while I was standing outside St. Mary's," Becker said. "We want to better understand what the average citizen is concerned about, to make sure as neighborhood leaders that we're focused on the issues that the average citizen is concerned about. We don't always talk to the average citizens. We talk to those who get involved."

Burton said the coalition will discuss additional ways to get the survey out, possibly by posting it on the coalition's Web site — www.norwalkneighborhoods.com — or finding other distribution places.

That discussion likely will occur at the coalition meeting later this month. The coalition hopes to continue the surveys in future years, Burton said.

Laurel Lindstrom, founder of the Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association and recently elected to the Common Council by District C voters, said the survey is similar to the questionnaire she distributed door-to-door in East Norwalk. Many of the issues are the same, according to Lindstrom.

"From neighborhood to neighborhood, there's a lot of overlap as far as the issues goes. The details may be different, but there's similarities between neighborhoods," Lindstrom said.

She hopes that the new survey will get more residents involved in city issues.

Said Lindstrom: "A lot of times, people come out just for the election alone, and then they forget about local politics and being involved. This is just one more tool for getting the participation. And it will help the neighborhood associations understand what's really important."

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2007 Vol.136 No. 312 The Hour

Breaking news: Official results for Norwalk's election

Official results from Tuesday's election in Norwalk

Mayor

Richard A. Moccia-R 7,763

Walter O. Briggs-D 5,174

Scott P. Merrell (Petition) 353

Town Clerk

Andrew S. Garfunkel-D 7,799

Joanne T. Romano-R 4,909

City Treasurer

Ralph A. DePanfilis-R 7,247

Donna Iacovacci King-D 5,255

City Sheriff

Kevin J. Fitzgerald-R 6,529

Clyde Tinnen-D 5,003

Scott P. Merrell (Petition) 742

Common Council-At-Large

Fred A. Bondi-D 7,069

Amanda M. Brown -D 6,454

Michael K. Geake-D 5,823

Richard A. McQuaid-R 6,709

Douglas W. Sutton-D 6,498

Joseph P. Beggan-R 5,458

Marc C. Bradley-D 5,686

Tony Lopez-R 5,463

Craig Pattengill-R 5,097

John E. Tobin-R 5,542

Council District A

Richard J. Bonenfant-R 1,022

Steven Serasis-D 1,003

Andrew J. Mattiello-R 787

Matthew T. Miklave-D 993

Council District B

Phyllis Y. Bolden-D 875

Carvin J. Hilliard-D 876

Sandy B. Bonet-R 331

Council District C

Nicholas D. Kydes-R 1,492

Laurel Lindstrom-D 1,732

David W. Park-R 1,212

Kevin M. Poruban-D 1,344

Council District D

Douglas E. Hempstead-R 1,960

Kelly L. Straniti-R 1,740

Gail P. Wall-D 1,387

Anna Duleep-D 1,575

Council District E*

Gwen L. Briggs-D 1,518

Victor J. Cavello-R 1,427

Andrew T. Conroy-R 1,522

William M. Krummel-D 1,521

Board of Education

District A

Susan S. Hamilton-D 1,107

Ellen G. Wink-R 828

District B

Migdalia Rivas-D 793

Maria A. Borges-Lopez-R 343

District C

Glenn A. Iannaccone-R 1,820

Marina Rivera-D 1,112

District D

Jack A. Chiaramonte-R 1,701

Gregory J. Vetter-D 1,565

District E

Michael Harden-R 1,386

Jody L. Bishop-Pullan-D 1,599

Selectman

Brian J. Smith-R 5,843

Amy K. Jimenez-D 5,914

Kathryn Angela Martino-R 5,731

Taber Hamilton III-D 5,384

Constables

E. Steve Papadakos-R 5,480

David Edward Murchie-D 5,329

James M. White-R 5,184

Fred A. Bondi-D 6,513

Joseph J. Mastrianni-R 5,504

Gary S. Smith-D 5,690

Peter D. Andreoli. Jr.-R 5,572

Joe B. Newell-D 5,629

First Taxing District Commissioner

District A

Thomas J. Cullen-R 422

Robert A. Corbo-D 732

First Taxing District Treasurer

Brian J. Smith-R 455

Richard W. Steeg-D 669

Second Taxing District Commissioner

District B

Cesar A. Ramirez-R 361

Sylvester Maultsby-D 618

Ernest Reid-R 301

Second Taxing District Treasurer

Joseph Mastrianni-R 226

Sonya Merrill-D 645

Third Taxing District Commissioner

District C

Paul G. Kokias-R 767

John A. Stoops-D 502

Third Taxing District Treasurer

District C

Connie S. DiScala-R 724

Beth M. Siegelbaum-D 522

Sixth Taxing District Commissioner

District E

Tamsen C. Langalis-R 592

Andrew T. Conroy-R 555

*There will likely be a recount in this district.

OFFICIAL results of election 2007 below. Winners are in bold.

Mayor

Walter O. Briggs-D ................5,174

Richard A. Moccia-R .......... 7,763

Scott P. Merrell - (Petition) .......353

Town Clerk

Andrew S. Garfunkel-D ........7,799

Joanne T. Romano-R..............4,909

City Treasurer

Ralph A. DePanfilis-R...........7,247

Donna Iacovacci King-D.........5,255

City Sheriff

Kevin J. Fitzgerald-R ...........6,529

Clyde Tinnen-D ......................5,003

Scott P. Merrell (Petition)............742

Common Council At Large

Joseph P. Beggan-R ................5,458

Fred A. Bondi-D...................7,069

Marc C. Bradley-D..................5,686

Amanda M. Brown-D.........6,454

Michael K. Geake-D............5,823

Tony Lopez-R..........................5,463

Richard A. McQuaid-R........6,709

Craig Pattengill-R....................5,097

Douglas W. Sutton-D .........6,498

John E. Tobin-R.......................5,542

Council District A*

Richard J. Bonenfant-R.......1,022

Andrew J. Mattiello-R................787

Matthew T. Miklave-D...............993

Steven Serasis-D..................1,003

Council District B

Phyllis Y. Bolden-D .................875

Sandy B. Bonet-R.......................331

Carvin J. Hilliard-D..................876

Council District C

Nicholas D. Kydes-R............1,492

Laurel Lindstrom-D.............1,732

David W. Park-R......................1,212

Kevin M. Poruban-D ..............1,344

Council District D

Anna Duleep-D ......................1,575

Douglas E. Hempstead-R...1,960

Kelly L. Straniti-R.................1,740

Gail P. Wall-D ..........................1,387

Council District E*

Gwen L. Briggs-D...................1,518

Victor J. Cavello-R...................1,427

Andrew T. Conroy-R ...........1,522

William M. Krummel-D......1,521

Board of Education

District A

Susan S. Hamilton-D...........1,107

Ellen G. Wink-R .........................828

District B

Maria A. Borges-Lopez-R ..........343

Migdalia Rivas-D ....................793

District C

Glenn A. Iannaccone-R.......1,820

Marina Rivera-D .....................1,112

District D

Jack A. Chiaramonte-R.......1,701

Gregory J. Vetter-D.................1,565

District E

Michael Harden-R ..................1,386

Jody L. Bishop-Pullan-D .....1,599

*Districts that will likely be the subject of a recount (see related

Moccia's task: building on his strengths

Editorial
November 8, 2007

Two years ago, Mayor Richard Moccia eked out an upset win over then-incumbent Alex Knopp. There was no eking Tuesday night.

For his second term, Norwalk's mayor pulled in more than 60 percent of the vote, besting Democrat Walter Briggs by some 2,200 votes as well as independent candidate Scott Merrell, who pulled in a mere 213. (Tallies weren't official at the time of writing.)

Those results shouldn't surprise anyone. This election didn't produce enough heat to reasonably expect an upset, although that isn't meant to take away from Mr. Moccia's victory. He has been a popular mayor over his first two-year term, with a personable style well-suited to the city's character.

Now he will need that style and the strong backing that voters have given him to continue the job of leading Norwalk into a period of enormous change. Several giant redevelopment projects have been in the works for the city's center for years. Mr. Moccia has done a good and much-needed job of moving them toward commencement. Preventing the momentum from slowing will take a steady and sure hand.

In particular, the mayor's often-proclaimed powers as a facilitator will be tested in avoiding eminent domain claims within certain project zones. Property owners' rights must be respected, and legal disputes circumvented, or they could stall projects for years.

But that, of course, is only one issue he'll have to confront. And others, including flooding, will also test the newly chosen Common Council. Democrats on Tuesday retained a comfortable majority on the council, 10-5, but it remains to be seen how the new configuration plays out. The last council tended not to split on partisan lines, but there was a serious fissure separating Democrats. Some of the players have changed, and it will be interesting to watch.

Among the new faces, at-large member Michael Geake, a Democrat, brings an interesting idea to create a Norwalk Power Authority, which he says could save customers money on their electric bills while providing new revenue for the city. His plan certainly looks good on paper, and will deserve consideration by the entire council.

Meanwhile, over in East Norwalk's District C, Democrat Laurel Lindstrom replaces party mate Kevin Poruban. Ms. Lindstrom was ushered into office by an army of supporters well-earned through years of service to the city. Her reputation as a people's advocate, and her pledge to "bring neighborhood to City Hall," could make her a resource in potential eminent domain disputes as well.

There were also changes, perhaps more significant ones, made Tuesday to the Board of Education, where the Democratic stronghold has been breached. Republicans mounted an angry charge at the school board this year with candidates who claimed the current board serves as a rubber stamp for school administrators in the central office, especially when it comes to the school budget. Republicans Jack Chiaramonte and Glenn Iannaccone were able to gain footholds on the board. Mr. Chiaramonte in particular was a vocal critic.

A different perspective is always good for any governing body, including a school board. But the most important thing always is student results. Whether the new perspective will help test scores to rise or the achievement gap to close are some of the many questions raised by Tuesday's elections.

GOP Retains Mayor's Office, Dems Council

BY JOCELYNE HUDSON-BROWN

Article Launched: 11/08/2007 02:18:25 PM EST

While the Republican Party maintained its hold on the mayor's office in Tuesday's municipal election, the Democratic Party did the same with the Common Council.

Winning his second term as the city's chief elected official with 7,763 votes, Richard Moccia handily defeated both of his challengers, Walter Briggs, who was endorsed by the Democrats and the Working Families Party and garnered 5,174 votes, and Scott Merrell, a petitioning candidate who collected 353.

On the 15-member council, the Democrats definitively have seven of the seats and the Republicans four. Recounts, however, are required in Districts A and E. According to Town Clerk Andrew Garfunkel, a recount is mandatory when the margin of victory is less than 1 percent.

In District A, Democrat Steven Serasis was one of the two top vote getters, with 1,003, giving his party the majority on the council, barring any major discrepancy. Republican Richard Bonenfant garnered 1,022, Republican Andrew Mattiello 787 and Democrat Matthew Miklave 993. In District E, Republicans Andrew Conroy and Victor J. Cavallo collected 1,522 and 1,427 votes respectively, while Democrats William Krummel and Gwen Briggs collected 1,521 and 1,518.

Keeping their at-large seats are Republican Richard McQuaid and Democrats Douglas Sutton and Fred Bondi. Joining them are Democrats Amanda Brown and Michael Geake. Democrats Carvin Hilliard and Phyllis Bolden are returning to the council in District B, Republican Nicholas Kydes in District C and Republicans Kelly Straniti and Douglas Hempstead in District D. Democrat Laurel Lindstrom won the second seat in District C.

Determining the outcome in Districts A and E "may take a few days," said Garfunkel. "We must subpoena the workers, everything must remain sealed, and a moderator has to come in." He also noted that because of the new voting machines used this year, "this is a good way to review [the recount] process."

Garfunkel, a Democrat, also was successful in his bid for re-election, garnering 7,799 votes to Republican Joanne Romano's 4,909.

On the Board of Education, Democrats Susan Hamilton, Migdalia Rivas and Jody Bishop-Pullan held on to their seats in Districts A, B and E, and Republicans Glenn Iannaccone and Jack Chiaramonte were victorious in Districts C and D.

So far, the new electronic voting machines have been deemed a success.

"They were wonderful," said Republican Registrar of Voters Karen Doyle Lyons. "The secretary of the state sent around an inspector to Connecticut communities. Our guy came from Stamford and visited two schools in Norwalk. He was very pleased, giving us an A-plus."

"The new voting machines were very easy," said voter Sharon Hannibal. "The monitors did a great job. I didn't get it at first, and they explained it again. It was very simple. I was impressed."

However, not as many residents got a firsthand look at the new machines as should have, since only about 30 percent of the 44,666 eligible voters turned out for the election. "It was a lower turnout than I had expected." said Doyle Lyons.

In a post-election overview a few minor snafus surfaced. Printing errors were found on the absentee ballots as well as on some of the ballots for District B, but they did not alter the overall election outcome, said Doyle Lyons.

"Now there is post-election work paperwork to do," she said. "Even with all of the high-tech machines, we now have to check and double-check. The accuracy and integrity of the election are worth waiting for."

Briggs 'Will Not Disappear'

By Jennifer Masi

Article Launched: 11/08/2007 02:18:26 PM EST

Norwalk Citizen-News

As the blank white walls at the Democratic Party's Van Zant Street headquarters began filling up with numbers declaring which candidates won which districts after the polls closed Tuesday night, family, friends and supporters remained hopeful that mayoral challenger Walter Briggs would prevail over Republican incumbent Richard Moccia.

In the end, it was Moccia who won the mayoral race with 7,763 votes to Briggs' 5,174 and independent candidate Scott Merrell's 353 but the Democrats who had control of the Common Council and the Board of Education.

"I feel like the Detroit Tigers baseball team," said Briggs, whose father, Walter Briggs Jr., owned the club for five seasons in the 1950s. "We [Democrats] won everything but the World Series."

Waiting for the outcome to be announced, many of those present paced around the room, glancing nervously at the tally walls and donning their navy-blue-and-red "Briggs for Mayor" hats.

Democratic Town Committee Chairman Galen Wells said the amount of work everyone put into the campaign was amazing. "Right now it looks as if Walter has not won the election, which we are sad to see," Wells said at about 9 p.m. "But we are seeing that many of our Common Council candidates and Board of Education candidates have won."

At 9:50 p.m. the first results for the mayoral race were posted by election volunteers. Moccia had won in the first four districts reporting, yet Briggs' supporters remained optimistic. "Districts C1 and D2 are important schools," said one. "Those results will make a difference."

At 10:05, however, the writing on the wall was just what the Briggs camp had hoped not to see. But as Briggs walked into the room amid loud cheers, whistles and applause, he smiled broadly and promised that he "will not disappear."

"We put the issues out there and made people aware," Briggs said. "Everyone did one heck of a fine job, and tomorrow we get back to work so that in two years from now we do all we can to make sure we win every position."

Briggs, the father of eight children, was accompanied by his wife of 50 years, Gwen, when the results were announced. "I appreciate every vote I got," he said.

Briggs plans to return to the Planning Commission and to sit down with fellow Democrats and regulate Moccia's policy implementation. "We're going to keep Moccia's feet to the fire and with the issues he says he will do something about and make sure he does it," Briggs said.

Other important races won by the Democrats included town clerk. Incumbent Andy Garfunkel received the most votes in the election and was appreciative of the support.

"Norwalk is such an incredible town and so diverse," Garfunkel said. "I enjoy my job, and I thank the citizens for keeping me there."

Laurel Lindstrom, who was elected to the council in District C, said she is eager to begin work on the issues people in Norwalk care about. "It is important to stay in touch with voters," she said. "Our goal is to stay on top of their issues and priorities and do something about them. We will look at what has been done and what needs to be done and prioritize the needs of the residents."

Amanda Brown, who won one of the five at-large seats on the council, said she found out about her win at St. Mary's Church, where she was closing out the polls.

"When the electronic voting machine was printing out the receipt tallying the votes, I asked the woman working to see what the results looked like. She looked at me and said, 'Brown, I don't see a Brown on here,' and I almost had a heart attack," she said. "I told her to look again, and she did and gave me a wink. It was then I knew that I had won and I was filled with glee."

Brown's supporters filled an entire section of the conference room. Friends and family, including her daughter, Jasmine, 15, and her son, Isaiah, 9, couldn't contain their excitement about the victory.

Brown said she also was excited that Migdalia Rivas was re-elected to the Board of Education because her passion for children is evident. Brown believes the board is on the brink of serious change.

Though saddened by Briggs' loss, Brown was hopeful the initiatives in the plan he helped to create for the city will be implemented by the council.

"We will give the city of Norwalk the best service they expect," Brown said. "The citizens put their trust in me, and I won't let them down."

Dems secure majority on the council

By Tim Stelloh
Staff Writer

Advocate

November 7, 2007

NORWALK - It was a bittersweet victory for Democratic Common Council members last night.

Despite mayoral candidate Walter Briggs' loss to Republican incumbent Richard Moccia, it appears Democrats retained their majority on the Council.

Final results were not available as of 12:30 a.m., and Republicans and Democrats had conflicting numbers. Democrats went to bed believing they maintained 10 seats, but Republicans were hopeful of picking up two more seats after absentee ballots were counted.

The closest race was District E. Early today, it appeared incumbent Democrat William Krummel kept his seat. The race between incumbent Democrat Gwen Briggs and Republican Andrew Conroy was too close to call.

It appeared Democratic newcomers Amanda Brown and Michael Geake were elected to at-large seats, but Republicans were hoping last night that their slate could pick up a seat by defeating either Democrat.

Incumbent Democrat Douglas Sutton and Democrat Fred Bondi, formerly of District C, also were elected to at-large seats. Incumbent Republican Richard McQuaid also was re-elected as an at-large member. Democratic newcomer Laurel Lindstrom won in District C.

Richard Bonenfant of District A, a former council member who lost his seat in 2001, appears to be the only Republican newcomer.

Phylis Bolden and Carvin Hilliard, also Democrats, were re-elected in District B.

Democrat Matthew Miklave, a former at-large council member, was elected to District A, and Republican members Kelly Straniti and Douglas Hempstead were re-elected to District D.

Republican Nicholas Kydes was re-elected to District C.

"This was a great cross-section of Norwalk," said state Rep. Chris Perone, D-Norwalk, standing amid a crowd of cheering supporters at Democratic Party headquarters at 25 Van Zant St. in East Norwalk.

"They talked about flooding issues; they talked about historic preservation; they talked about things that people really cared about," Perone said. "That's why we have so many council people returning from the Democratic side."

While some Democratic newcomers seemed to be in shock after the results were tallied, they were eager to get down to business.

"I'm going to be (the Republicans') worst nightmare with this Power Authority thing," Geake said, referring to her support of a centralized municipal power utility for Norwalk.

Lindstrom said she plans to focus on open space and flooding issues, while Brown said she would concentrate on infrastructure issues.

Across town at the Norwalk Inn & Conference Center, where Republicans had gathered to await results, Moccia said he hoped a majority of Republican candidates would be elected to the council.

But as word spread that they would likely be a minority for another term, Republicans were confused about why more seats weren't carried on Moccia's coattails.

"Maybe Republicans thought we had it in the bag and stayed home," Straniti said. "I'm baffled, really."

Bonenfant said he was equally puzzled.

But Moccia said afterward that Norwalk remains a Democratic town.

Although the mayor had to work with 10 council Democrats during his first term, at least five of them often broke ranks to side with the minority.

Moccia said his second term might not be so easy with new faces among the Democrats.

"We'll see," he said.

For Kydes a victory celebration was marred by the fact that he is still in the council minority.

His father, Demetrios, who immigrated to Norwalk in 1954, died Oct. 31 at 95.

"It's bittersweet," Kydes said as he puffed a cigar in the Norwalk Inn's lobby. "He's not here to enjoy it with me."

Gone from the council are Democratic President Michael Coffey and Democrat Herb Grant, both of whom did not seek re-election. Republican Joanne Romano, who lost in a bid for town clerk, did not seek re-election either.

Democrat Kevin Poruban, who ran against Nicholas Kydes, was not re-elected.

Democrats hold Common Council majority

Robert Koch

Staff writer

The Hour

November 7, 2007

Mayor Richard A. Moccia coattails do not appear to have helped fellow Republicans running for the Common Council in Tuesday’s municipal elections.

As of late Tuesday evening, unofficial counts, excluding absentee ballots, showed Democrats winning nine to 10 seats, and Republicans capturing five to six seats on the 15-member legislative body.

The current council, which will remain seated through Nov. 13, comprises 10 Democrats and five Republicans.

The outcome surprised Republicans, who expected to pick up more seats, given that incumbent Republican Mayor Richard A. Moccia handily defeated Democratic challenger Walter O. Briggs in the mayoral election.

“When the mayor wins that big, it has always been very traditional — no matter who it was, Democrat, Republican or even Independent — they would always take the at-large (council seats),” said District D Republican Councilman Douglas E. Hempstead, who run reelection. “I’m hoping those (optical ballot scanner) machines were accurate.”

Excluding absentee ballots, Republicans counted Hempstead, fellow District D incumbent Kelly L. Straniti, at-large candidate Richard A. McQuaid, District A candidate Richard J. Bonenfant, and District C incumbent Nicholas D. Kydes as winners as of 10 p.m.

Gathered at the Norwalk Inn & Conference Center, Republicans cheered the “defeat” of District A Democrat Matthew T. Miklave. At Democratic campaign headquarters on Van Zant Street, however, Democrats showed Miklave as the top vote getter among the four District A candidates. Miklave, speaking from his home later Tuesday night, said he believed that he had won reelection.

“I believe that I was reelected and I believe that the Democrats have retained control of both the Common Council and

Board of Education,” Miklave said. “Now the only question is whether we have eight or 11 (council seats).” Miklave also expressed surprise that more council seats didn’t follow Moccia’s coattails.

“The election two years ago … Dick Moccia won by 176 votes and he didn’t have any coattails beyond that,” Miklave said. “Here, he won by a wide margin and he doesn’t appear to have made any inroads on the council.”

Democrats, also excluding absentee ballots, counted as winners Miklave, at- large Democrats Fred A. Bondi, Marc C. Bradley, Michael K. Geake and Douglas W. Sutton, as well as District B incumbents Phyllis Y. Bolden and Carvin J. Hilliard, District C newcomer Laurel Lindstrom, and District E incumbent Gwen L. Briggs.

The District E race appeared to be the closest. Briggs won 1,457 votes. Republican Andrew T. Conroy received 1,455 votes. Democratic incumbent William M. Krummel captured 1,455 votes. Republican Victor J. Cavello got 1,373 votes, according to Democrats. Matt Waggner, Walter Briggs’ campaign manager, predicted a recount will take place in District E.

If the numbers do hold, the new council, if not necessarily different in balance, will include both old and new faces. Brown, a paralegal, campaigned on a platform to fix infrastructure, expand youth programs.

“I am (grateful) to the city of Norwalk voters to trust me to have an opportunity to represent them,” Brown said. “I will do my best that this trust is used in a fiscal manner. I will push forward all the necessary plans to get the infrastructure fixed.”

Bonenfant, who served on the council from 1995 to 2001, campaigned on promises to keep taxes at reasonable rates, revitalize the downtown without overcrowding roads and schools, and support police and fire with “the best equipment we can afford.” Republican counts showed Bonenfant as the No. 1 vote getter in District A.

“I’m happy I came in first. That was my goal,” Bonenfant said. “Right now, I’m just going to enjoy tonight and talk to the other councilmen, and get up to speed as fast as I can.”

Five Republicans and 10 Democrats sat on the 2005-07 on the council. Five of those Democrats bucked Moccia on various issues. Five others, including council President Michael W. Coffey and District A Councilman Herbert A. Grant, often have worked in concert with Republicans in a spirit of “bi-partisanship.” Coffey and Grant did not seek reelection this year.