NORWALK, Conn. – Long-time Norwalk Democratic Councilman Matt Miklave is going ahead with a run at becoming Norwalk’s next mayor, promising to do everything he can to not raise taxes should he win.
Miklave, who has been gauging support after forming an exploratory committee last November, will kick off his campaign March 23 at Bradford’s Tavern in South Norwalk, a press release said.
“Frankly, I couldn’t be happier with the support I’ve received thus far.” said Miklave, in the press release. “I’ve been approached by residents from all walks of life and from every neighborhood in Norwalk. And to each I’ve said the same thing. My goal is to be a mayor for ALL residents of Norwalk and to help reshape both the way Norwalk operates and our collective futures.”
Miklave, an equity partner at the national law firm of Epstein Becker & Green, is competing for the Democratic Party nomination against District D Chairman Vinny Mangiacopra, former Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling and former Town Clerk Andy Garfunkel, who ran against incumbent Republican Mayor Richard Moccia in 2011 and lost by about 600 votes.
The Miklave campaign has been vocal in recent weeks, with numerous press releases criticizing Norwalk’s budgeting process, calling for top-to-bottom reform.
“I’m proposing, and I’m a firm believer in, a regular, rigorous review of all city programs based on the principles of Performance Based Budgeting,” Miklave said in the release. “Like Norwalk, cities around the country find themselves in similarly dire financial straits. Through PBB, many have found substantial savings. If we can create savings of just 2 percent, we’ll free up over $6 million that can be used to fund Norwalk’s education shortfall, hire more police, increase targeted tax-relief for seniors and rebuild our economic infrastructure.”
The labor and employment attorney says we’re entering into a new era for municipal governments.
“Recent state and federal budget cuts simply mean there’s going to be less to go around. I will do everything in my power as Norwalk’s mayor not to raise taxes,” Miklave said in the release. “Right now, Performance Based Budgeting is the best first step toward reining in spending, while protecting critical efforts to educate our children, fight crime, create jobs and keep local taxes in check.”
Miklave, a graduate of Notre Dame Law School, and his wife have lived in Norwalk for 22 years. They have three children, two of whom attend Norwalk High School and one of whom is in college. He was first elected to the Common Council in 2001 and his current term on the Council began in 2011.
The kickoff will be from 4 to 6 p.m. March 23 at Bradford’s Tavern, 15 North Main St.
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