NORWALK, Conn. – Personal grudges, character assassination and vendettas have marked the last 13 years in the Norwalk Republican registrar’s office, according to a letter written by Norwalk Republican Town Committee Chairwoman Carol Andreoli.
Andreoli sent the letter to RTC District A members on May 17. She said Sunday that she wanted to share it with the public because she felt it had been mischaracterized by someone who called NancyOnNorwalk last week with an anonymous tip about RTC insider activity.
Andreoli was talking, in the letter, about Republican Registrar Karen Doyle Lyons, now serving her seventh term. The unnamed source said Andreoli and Doyle Lyons used to be best friends, which made the letter even more “shocking” to the informant.
Doyle Lyons lost the vote at Thursday’s RTC meeting, making John Federici the party’s endorsed candidate for registrar. She has promised to get the 423 signatures needed to force a primary on Aug. 12.
Andreoli’s letter, in its entirety:
Dear Fellow District A Members,
As Chairperson of District A, I feel it is my duty to explain why for the first time since becoming a member of the RTC over 35 years ago, I will not be supporting a District A member at the May 22nd convention. Let me begin by saying that it was a difficult decision but one that I feel had to be made.
The Registrar of Voter’s Office is an important part of the election process and as such should be run with the utmost decorum and professionalism. There is no room for personal grudges, character assassination, vendettas etc. Such behavior compromises both the efficiency and productivity of the office. Unfortunately, during the past 13 years this office has been subject to a great deal of this behavior. Therefore, I believe the office has been compromised and would be run more efficiently if done so in a professional manner.
In addition, since the Republican Registrar is a member of the RTC, nominated and endorsed by the by the RTC, he or she should be an asset to the party by developing new initiatives to help increase the Republican base. The Republican Registrar should also assist in the elections by providing our candidates with timely and accurate voter information. The Republican Party has seen little action by the Registrar’s office to foster growth in our base, and we often struggle to provide our candidates with the best voter information to help them get their message to the potential voters.
It is for the reasons stated above that I can’t support Karen Lyons in her bid for another term as Registrar of Voters. I sincerely regret having to make this decision but I feel, in all good conscience, I have no other choice. The intent of this letter is not to attack or discredit Karen, on a personal level, but to explain why I believe the office is in need of new management. While some of you may not agree with me I hope that you will understand and respect my decision just as I will respect yours.
Sincerely,
Carol Andreoli
District A Chairman
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