Norwalk Dems, Republicans organizing

NORWALK, Conn. – Three Common Council candidates were announced at one Norwalk meeting, while another featured a political operative offering to help.

The Democratic Town Committee and the Republican Town Committee are both gearing up for their conventions next month. Here are notes taken at their meetings:

The RTC

District D Chairwoman Kelly Straniti said her group was ahead of the game, and is supporting incumbent Councilman Jerry Petrini for re-election and Oak Hills Park Authority member Shannon O’Toole Giandurco for election to the council. The district is supporting Councilman Doug Hempstead for re-election as an At Large councilman, and has another At Large candidate to offer if the RTC needs one. District D supports Sue Haynie, Artie Kassimis, John Bazzano and Lauren Rosato for the Board of Education.

The RTC has $5,897.71 on hand, treasurer Brian Smith said.

Chairman Art Scialabba said that was great, but “it still doesn’t buy us what we need.”

“If we’re going to do a mailer, if we’re going to do a flyer in the paper, the printing expense alone could be $5,000,” he said. “It’s a good start but we’re not there yet. Keep those donations coming in.

The DTC

Maryli Secrest, last year’s deputy campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Greenwich) said she would help the Democrats run a strong campaign once a mayoral candidate is settled on.

That included “making sure all the candidates know to use the tools at their disposal,” including an “online database to keep track of voters, keeping track of the conversations that come from knocking on doors.”

Treasurer Peter Thor reported $1899.33 in the DTC coffers. “We’re doing OK,” he said.

Chairwoman Amanda Brown said the DTC needs more.

“We really do need to raise some money,” she said. “Everyone in this room has a responsibility to send in a check. (We’re) asking for $250 each.”

She informed the committee that the July 16 convention would be in the City Hall community room.

“I had a conversation with Mayor Moccia and he has agreed to waive the fee for us because because he believes its a great community service,” she said, drawing laughter and a comment from an audience member, “Is he going to pave the road?”

Correction, 11:20 a.m.: Clarified that Amanda Brown did not mention road paving.