NORWALK, Conn. – Here’s some Norwalk political notes for you:
- Duff to join ‘Moms’ in ‘Vigil for Lives Lost’
- Cranbury Park rentals detailed
- Primary in District A?
‘Demanding action’
A “Vigil for Lives Lost” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday in response to the two mass shootings last weekend in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.
State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-25) will join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America outside City Hall, along East Avenue, a press release said.
“We should not have to live with this type of violence,” Duff is quoted as saying in a press release. “When one incident like this occurs in other countries decisive action is taken at the national level to curb mass shootings. At every turn Connecticut has passed laws to combat gun violence and it is long past time for Washington to follow our lead.”
“In recent days, mass shootings have devastated El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio,” Kara Nelson Baekey, a Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America volunteer and Norwalk resident, is quoted as saying. “But also in recent weeks, Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven have been directly and gravely impacted by gun violence. Every day, 100 Americans are shot and killed and hundreds more are wounded. This is a public health crisis that demands urgent action.”
“Every time we turn around, we have another act of gun violence,” Mayor Harry Rilling is quoted as saying. “Malls, movie theaters, festivals – these are places where happy memories are supposed to be made, not the locations of mass shootings. When will we, as a country, stand up and say ‘enough is enough?’ I applaud the efforts of Moms Demand Action and other grassroots groups who are pushing for comprehensive gun reform legislation to help keep communities safe.”
Cranbury bunkhouse ‘wonderful for hosting intimate special events’
A NancyOnNorwalk commenter suggested recently that the Cranbury Park bunkhouse hasn’t seen much use since being renovated and offered to the public as a rental.
Here’s what Norwalk Director of Recreation and Parks Nick Roberts had to say when queried about that and the use of Gallaher Mansion:
“The bunk house was renovated in FY 15-16 at a cost of approximately $300K. It has a gorgeous, functioning stone fireplace, is air conditioned and is wonderful for hosting intimate special events. The skilled Recreation & Parks staff handled much of the work, which kept costs lower than if we hired outside contractors for the entire renovation. This was also the case in renovating the bathrooms in the Mansion last winter as well.
“The building not only serves as space to host events but the renovation preserves the space which had been used as the servants’ quarters for those who were employed by the owners of the Mansion. It has an air of history and memories for those who worked tirelessly for the Gallaher’s. Revenues for both the Bunk House and Mansion over the past three years are as follows:
“Cranbury Park Bunk house rental revenues:
- FY 16-17 – $5,750 (13 rentals)
- FY 17-18 – $10,190 (16 rentals)
- FY 18-19 – $ 7,975 (12 rentals)
“Gallaher Mansion rental revenues
- FY 16-17 – $92,407 (65 rentals)
- FY 17-18 – $94,290 (51 rentals)
- FY 18-19 – $108,485 (40 rentals)
“Despite the upward trend in revenue there are limitations with the space which includes the lack of a full kitchen facility, limited Wi-Fi signal, and interior room capacities under 100 which makes it difficult to accommodate larger parties and events. Residents may also not be aware of the great amenities available to them, however over the next year we hope to address this issue by offering several free community events at various sites throughout the parks system as well as updating the City’s webpage to better highlight all of the Department’s programs and facilities.”
District A Dem took first step toward primary
Don’t count your chickens – there’s a slim chance that Norwalk will pay for a primary this summer, even if the Republican Mayoral contest appears settled.
Jermaine Nash obtained paperwork to contest the Democratic Town Committee-endorsed District A Common Council candidates, Democratic Registrar Stuart Wells said.
Nash has until 4 p.m. Wednesday to submit the necessary signatures.
“I always encourage petitioning candidates to turn in pages as they complete them so that we can check those pages and tell the candidates how they are doing, but I have not heard from Mr. Nash since he got the petition forms two weeks ago,” Wells wrote Tuesday. “Anyway, the deadline to turn in the pages is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4:00 p.m. so we will know then.”
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