NORWALK, Conn. — Former Norwalk Town Clerk Andy Garfunkel has announced he is stepping up to run for state representative in the 142nd District, a seat that has been held for 20 years by Republican Larry Cafero.
Garfunkel, a Democrat who came within several hundred votes of defeating Richard Moccia in Norwalk’s Mayoral Election in 2011, is looking forward to an issues-based campaign. He believes that, after last year’s contentious election season, voters are suffering from campaign fatigue.
Garfunkel was unsuccessful in his 2013 bid for the Democratic mayoral nomination, finishing fourth in a four-way primary race.
“We are getting an overwhelmingly positive response,” Garfunkel said in a Saturday night press release announcing his run. “I’ve lived in Norwalk my entire life and I can say that there is a real need. People are ready for someone who is prepared to take a new approach to solving persistent problems. I will work to change those factors that are making it difficult for people to get ahead. Government should be a tool for helping our family, friends and neighbors to succeed.”
Garfunkel, who served as town clerk for 10 years and is currently a trustee of the Norwalk Seaport Association, said in the release he believes there are many areas where the state and the city can be working together to benefit the residents of Fairfield County.
“I wish Andy well in his pursuit to become a state representative,” Rilling said in the release. “Like me, Andy was born and raised in Norwalk and knows the issues which challenge our city. I’m confident he will be a strong advocate in Hartford.”
State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), now in his fifth term representing Norwalk and Darien, was also quoted in the release.
“Andy Garfunkel has always put Norwalk first and will continue to do so as a state representative in the Connecticut legislature,” Duff said. “He will work hard and be a good partner to make our community even stronger. I look forward to serving with him.”
State Rep. Chris Perone (D-137), who represents part of Norwalk, waxed enthusiastic about Garfunkel’s run in the release.
“I am delighted to hear that Andy Garfunkel is running for state representative in the 142nd District. For 20 years, no Democrat has represented the 142nd, and I believe that Andy’s candidacy will help fuel the change we are striving for,” Perone said. “Over the years, Andy has served his home city of Norwalk extremely well and has worked tirelessly on its behalf, not only in his capacity of town clerk, but as a member of the boards of the Seaport Association, the Senior Center and Congregation Beth-El. I know he will apply himself on behalf of those in New Canaan and the rest of the state. He will be a welcome partner representing the region’s needs in Hartford.”
Garfunkel attended the University of Bridgeport, majoring in theatrical design. He owned and operated his own home remodeling business in Fairfield and Westchester Counties for over 15 years before serving as Norwalk’s town clerk from 2001 to 2011 when he chose to run for mayor. He is currently a licensed real estate agent with William Raveis in Norwalk and a freelancing technician with both the Studio Mechanics and Stage Employees Unions in the tri-state area.
Cafero, of Norwalk, is the House Minority Leader, and is rumored to be leaving state government. Cafero has reportedly not made a decision yet, but recently said he would announce “next month,” meaning February. Cafero was caught up in a statehouse scandal in 2013 but was not charged with any wrongdoing. Garfunkel’s former assistant town clerk, Debbie Troy is facing charges she stole money from the city while working under Garfunkel, but Garfunkel has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
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