Norwalk mayoral candidates picking up the pace

NORWALK – With the Sept. 10 primary election less than three weeks away, Democratic mayoral candidates are trying to forge bonds with various parts of their constituencies.

Former Police Chief Harry Rilling will be going out for brunch Sunday morning – a $100 per person gathering from 10 a.m. to noon at Harbor Lights Restaurant, 82 Seaview Ave. in East Norwalk. The event is hosted by Chris Gavrielides.

Zoning Commisioner Mike Mushak is organizing a two-mile bike ride Monday evening from the gazebo at Maritime Aquarium dock next to Stroffolino drawbridge to Calf Pasture Beach, where food and drinks will be available. All four Democratic mayoral candidates are invited – Rilling, District D Chairman Vinny Mangiacopra, Common Councilman Matt Miklave (D-Dist. A) and former Town Clerk Andy Garfunkel.

The event is not just a fun outing, though. Mushak’s intent is to highlight the need for safety improvements on Norwalk’s streets for bikes, pedestrians and cars.

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, things will turn a bit more serious as the South Norwalk Community Center will host a mayoral forum at 7 p.m. at 98 South Main St., in the first-floor multipurpose room. Members and leaders of the Norwalk Latino community will be on hand to discuss concerns and questions the candidates. All four Democrats have been invited – Garfunkel has a prior commitment but is working to rearrange his schedule, according to a Friday press release. Mangiacopra, Miklave and Rilling have all confirmed, the release said.

“Norwalk’s growing Latino residents are becoming more engaged and active in the community,” said SNCC’s Executive Director Marina Forero-Ferrandino in the press release. “It is important that we make our voices heard during elections as well to ensure the representation we deserve. We look forward to hearing from the candidates on all issues ranging from early childhood education, struggles with soccer fields for both youth and adult leagues, lack of Latino appointments to boards and commissions, lack of support to SNCC from the current administration, immigration issues, jobs and the recent cancellation of the Multicultural event, to name a few.”

There will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

The forum, which is open to the public, is sponsored by La Voz, El SoL and the Westchester Hispano.

Democrats aren’t the only ones who have someplace to be in the week before Labor Day. Republican incumbent Mayor Richard Moccia will be at The Loft, 97 Washington St. in SoNo, starting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, for pizza and politics with Connecticut House Minority Leader Larry Cafero. The mayor follows that Thursday with a fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. at a private home in Rowayton.