NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk Democratic mayoral hopeful Vinny Mangiacopra said Monday that it was an honor to sign the Norwalk Democratic Town Committee consent form. On Tuesday, he provided that consent form, referred to as a “pledge” by many people to NancyOnNorwalk.
The consent form is attached below.
The topic came up during the NDTC mayoral forum, as shown in the video above. While Mangiacopra expressed pride in having signed it, his three opponents explained why they did not.
Common Councilman Matt Miklave (District A) said he rejects the premise.
“I guess I don’t believe the mayor of the city of Norwalk, if they have a D by their name, is the head of the party. I believe you’re the party,” he said, pointing at the audience. “I don’t think any one man is.”
Former Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling acknowledged being the “new kid on the block,” but said in 1983 he swept the floors at Democratic headquarters and made phone calls for the party. As chief he thought he should be neutral, he said. “My mantra has been to serve the city,” he said. “For some of you I may have to prove that I’m a Democrat. But I don’t think I have to sign an oath to say that I am.”
Former Town Clerk Andy Garfunkel, the 2011 Democratic challenger to Republican Mayor Richard Moccia, said that as mayor he would represent all of Norwalk’s residents. “Am I loyal to the Democratic party? Damn, yeah. Look what I did for you. It wasn’t for me. I was asked, ‘Will you step up?’ Yes, I think that’s a commitment. And I’ve been there for every other campaign that’s been out here. … Up in the mayor’s office there’s loyalty to the city. That doesn’t mean I’m going to turn my back on the party.”
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