NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk Town Clerk Rick McQuaid said Wednesday that he uncovered the irregularities in bookkeeping that lead to a Norwalk Police investigation of an employee in his office. Former Town Clerk Andy Garfunkel, who would like to be the Democratic nominee for mayor, said he knew nothing of it until the investigation became public knowledge Tuesday, and that he trusts McQuaid to handle the matter correctly.
According to a source, the investigation involves missing money. McQuaid confirmed Tuesday that an employee had been placed on leave, but said he could provide no further details. Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik confirmed Wednesday that there is a police investigation under way. He could provide no further details.
On Wednesday, McQuaid said he had discovered irregularities while he was still in “the period of learning.” He said that was in November 2012, less than a year after he was elected.
“We’re putting in different systems and ways of doing business,” he said. “We were on that road. The changes we were making brought it to light. Things have to be done differently.”
He has done nothing wrong, he said.
“If I thought that I did anything wrong or I let down my staff by doing something wrong I would leave,” he said. “I was elected to do a job and I’m doing my job.”
Garfunkel said he understood the investigation is in the “fact-finding” phase, but that all of his information came from McQuaid on Tuesday.
“I have not had any notice of any investigation in the office until all of this came to light,” he said. “I talked to Rick, but there isn’t much he can tell me while it is going on.”
Garfunkel said he had noticed during recent visits to the town clerk’s office that a certain employee was missing, but “only recently started questioning why.”
He wasn’t expecting this. “I’m surprised, I’m shocked, there some disappointment if the accusations are substantiated. … There’s betrayal in there,” he said.
Garfunkel did not run for re-election as town clerk in 2011; instead he ran for mayor against incumbent Mayor Richard Moccia.
On Wednesday, he said he will propose “term limits across the board” as part of his mayoral campaign this year.
“Sometimes you need a new person to come in, a new set of eyes,” he said. “It often improves the level of service … That’s part of why I left. I knew it was time to step down. I had reached my capacity. I know when it’s time to move on.”
Being in office too long leads to “a stagnation of ideas, thoughts and process,” he said.
He has full faith in McQuaid, he said.
“Rick McQuaid’s a good guy, he’s a good man,” he said. “I’ve known him most of my life. I trust his judgment.”
It’s a trying time for the newest town clerk, he acknowledged.
“I believe Rick is handling it as best as he can under the circumstances, from what I am told,” he said. “… I will support him 100 percent if what is being found is substantiated, and it will be unfortunate.”
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