Registrars update Tuesday’s election results, correcting data

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20 responses to “Registrars update Tuesday’s election results, correcting data”

1. Jason Franklin

   November 9, 2023

   It seems like people want change yet put the same people back in office election after election. It’s like wanting your job and salary to change while staying in the same position year after year. I wonder how many people just vote a line without actually knowing what each candidate stands for. Voting blindly by party at the local level is what puts us in a sequel of the last movie we just watched for the prior two years. It seems no one in the administration wants to actually help or hear the concerns of Norwalk unless it comes attached with something to get their attention. Here’s to Harry Part 6… that is if we still have theaters around to see it in town and they aren’t turned into more apartments. 🥂

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2. Scott Vetare

   November 9, 2023

   Well said Jason! Thank you for taking the time to write what I’m thinking and what these people need to hear. But they don’t listen.
   Norwalk is in a world of you know what! These puppets who just got voted in will do everything they can to make Harry happy.
   To the people who didn’t get out and vote. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
   Prayers to the city that once was an enjoyable place to live.

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3. DIana Paladino

   November 9, 2023

   Just my two cents from a “republic-rat”. As someone who aligns with a political party but refuses to vote strictly along party lines, I find it crucial to address a few issues that have been evident in our local races.
   Firstly, it’s evident that the Republican strategy in our area needs a significant overhaul. While I appreciate the presence of third-party candidates, it’s clear that they don’t always contribute constructively to the political landscape of the overall goal-to garner some balance. The Republicans banked on the third party alignment for winning seats and as I suspected that did not assist. Perhaps a few more votes were picked up here and there. But a win is a win and a lose is a lose. And let’s face it, we lost. The people voting on the I line, likely would have voted on the R line-if not given the choice of the I line. So what was gained? I am told I do not get it. I do not understand the numbers blah blah blah. Well, the results of this election speak volumes.
   Moving forward, the Republicans must recognize that they now face competition not only from the Democrats but also from Independent candidates. For instance, in District C, a winnable seat was lost because votes that could have gone to the Republican candidate, Read, were split with Carl Cooke running as an Independent. Had Read accepted the endorsement of the Independents while keeping Carl on the ballot, they still would have shared those votes. People voting on the I line, were R voters regardless. I firmly believe that. As you can see it the case in the politcal fb group, Save Norwalk Neighborhoods. The Working Families (WF) line WORKS for the Democrats because the WF party does not run anyone against them, effectively extending their reach. While I’m not criticizing the Independent line’s existence (you have every right), it’s clear that Republicans need to adapt to this changing landscape and strategize accordingly because all we have now is an even further reach to achieve balance locally. What took place this last election cycle, gained nothing. In fact, we lost the one seat that we had. We teamed up with individuals who claim to want change and want to vote people and not party-yet it was “off with my head” because I have a Jenn McMurrer sign in my yard. You can not pretend to be something you are not? If you really want to vote people and not party-then do that. But own it.
   Secondly, Republican candidates must put in the effort to truly connect with their constituents. While some candidates work diligently, there are still many who fall short. Mere campaign materials like signs and palm cards won’t win elections. Connecting with voters requires meaningful engagement, such as door-knocking, phone banking, and actively participating in the community. Engaging only with an inner circle at an event or relying solely on campaign materials will not resonate with voters. Winning elections demands a deeper commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of the electorate.
   Lastly, Republican leadership needs to step up and demonstrate strength, focus, and strategic thinking. It’s essential to hold candidates accountable for their actions and ensure they conduct themselves professionally while out in the community. While embracing different ideas and perspectives is essential, party loyalty shouldn’t be about blindly adhering to one ideology. You do not have to align with another party line to be mindful of a true local approach of balance. It should be about inclusivity and the willingness to consider diverse viewpoints. Until local Republicans take responsibility for their shortcomings, put in the hard work, and become more accountable, it will be challenging to change anyone’s perceptions or win elections in our community.
   The local Republican party won nothing this Election cycle. Heather Dunn does appear to have won a seat and kudos to her for doing so. But she is an I candidate and garnered a substantial number of votes on the Republican line. Without those Republican votes, no chance was had. Great for her and the Independent party but the Republicans are not offering Norwalk a real choice at this point as a result. And as we see in the numbers, until the Republicans get it together and are strategic, Norwalk won;t be offered choices. We might get one here, one there but is that really enough to achieve balance?
   In conclusion, I advocate for a more strategic, hardworking, and accountable approach within the Republican party at the local level. I also implore those that represent the party and a granted an opportunity to run to be kind in the community. Especially when you are a candidate or member of the local party. It is an elected position and you are representing us as a whole. If you can not act professional, courteous and as you would in your work/office then you should kindly step aside. Because in a local community, people see what is happening and remember what takes place. Yes, there are so many that vote for the party lines. But I believe there is opportunity as many also vote for the person. We saw that with the exceptional mayoral candidate we had this go around. There are still challenges but respect goes a long way! I urge Republicans to adapt to the evolving political landscape and actively engage with voters, local Republicans can better position themselves to represent the diverse interests of our community effectively. And hopefully start to offer a bit of balance to Norwalk. Until then, the outcome will not change.

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4. Tysen Canevari

   November 9, 2023

   Kind of dissapointed that our state senator would make a public plea on facebook the day before the election to downgrade others and tell people to vote row a all the way across. All I can say is it is sad! Could you imagine the example it sets for our kids. We live in a democracy here and you should take the time to know who is running and what they stand for. I mean Howdy Doody could have been on line A and people would have still checked row A. Read your ballot people and be informed. He claimed the other two parties wont pave the roads or fix the schools blah blah. This is not Trump vs Biden. This is a local election. So down on what behavior I saw this week. It is embarrassing. How about a video just encouraging Norwalk to get out and vote! It’s your civic duty to do so my dad taught me. I appreciate the people that voted for me and the kind remarks. Vinny ran a great campaign and loves Norwalk for the right reasons. He mentioned at a debate that the current administration needs to remember who made Norwalk what it is today! Not what the state wants to make us. Congratulations to all the winners in the election and thank you Nancy for this platform of discussion.

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5. Scott Goodwin

   November 9, 2023

   Your concerns about the Independent line siphoning votes away from Republican candidates assumes that 100% of the Independent votes would have gone to the Republican candidates. But history hasn’t shown that to be true. And the stats shown in the results show that even if it were true, it *might* have impacted two of the dozens of open seats, where less than 100 votes separated winners from losers.

   In the majority, the 74% of registered voters who didn’t participate made the largest difference. Either they’re apathetic or didn’t connect with anyone the Democrats, Republicans or Independents put on the ballot. The rest of your post on the need to connect with them is spot-on.

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6. DIana Paladino

   November 9, 2023

   Scott I appreciate your stats. I just feel strongly that locally that is not the case here in Norwalk. Perhaps historically/ nationally it may be. But the impact locally here in Norwalk, CT at least today-it is not the case.
   Tyson, I agree sad to see that as well. We all can disagree but fear mongering is not okay and it was a very one sided approach and a little too forceful to a voter who may not have really been engaged in what was actually being said by some of the more quality moderate candidates on those issues. Norwalk def needs more positivity in their local elections and to turn a lot of the negative energy and personal attacks into solutions and activism with a huge dose of kindness. I really think it matters. Sounds corny. But Norwalk is a city but it truly has the small town feel. At the end of the day, I appreciate anyone who runs for public office and puts themselves out there. I just think if Norwalk truly desires balance then the Republicans need to stop pretending that the people making the decisions within the party are making good ones. The good ol boys club is tired and until they start listening to some fresh ideas instead of just pretending on the surface, it is not going to get better. Nothing comes easy, you actually have to want it and put in the work. Clearly, there is a big struggle and everything that has been tried in several years is a no go. Vinny was an incredible mayoral candidate who stuck by his message and did not let the influences of the less credible folks get in the way from his own side. He also exuberated respect and decency. That does a very long way. But he lacked a lot of support from within the RTC leadership and memebershop. It takes more than money and showing up for a drink at an event. Perhaps if it had been stronger, we could have done better. It is unfortunate. There is a lot to be said for a united front and collaboration for all and not just a chosen few.

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7. John Levin

   November 9, 2023

   I too would like to share some thoughts.

   First: Thank you to Norwalk’s two Registrars of Voters and to their staffs, and to our Town Clerk, for organizing this election. Thank you also to the many poll workers and station moderators who worked through a very long day and in one place a very challenging and we know now tragic situation. Through your hard work and dedication you ensure that all voters are able to participate and that our elections are fair and effective, and can serve as a model for what makes our nation great.

   Second: Congratulations to the winners! I think the vast majority of candidates worked hard to engage with residents, analyze and discuss issues and answer voters’ questions. As a first time candidate, I have discovered that this is not easy to do, but it can be fun, and importantly, it is highly informative as people share their concerns and their stories.

   Last: turnout in Norwalk was only 26%? That compares to a statewide average this election of 33%. Of course I am aware that this is an “off year” election and that it is “only a municipal election”, but the turnout strikes me as quite low. Perhaps it’s a measure of voter apathy, but in reality, it means that less than 15% of voters get to decide who is elected in Norwalk. And they did. Subject to a recount in District D, it appears that zero republicans were elected in Norwalk on Tuesday. Zero. That’s a big number. Or, rather, it’s big in that it can’t get any lower. To better understand it, I think it is worth reviewing the party affiliation statistics of Norwalk’s registered voters. These figures may be dated, but in Norwalk only 16% of voters are registered as Republicans, while 40% are Democrats and 44% are Independent Party or Unaffiliated voters. If a significant portion of voters are voting on party lines then this election outcome should be easy to predict and the merits of individual candidates don’t matter much. A frequently heard refrain is that party affiliation should not matter for local elections, and that national party issues, shortcomings, and personalities are not relevant at the local level. I disagree. I think national issues, and politicians like former president Donald Trump, have an enormous impact on how people view the Republican Party in particular, and that has translated into the voter registration numbers, and the election results, in Norwalk at least, which are now evident. Though the candidates may claim otherwise, I think that influence of the national party and its recent history has made the job of Norwalk’s Democrats at election time much easier. Consequently, I think if Norwalk’s Republicans want to be an effective opposition party once again, which means participating as a relevant source of candidates and ideas, one place to start should be a meaningful discussion of how we view our national leadership, and what values and ideas are acceptable to us, which ones are not, and why. The democrats don’t have to do this. We do.

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8. John Levin

   November 9, 2023

   I too would like to share some thoughts.

   First: Thank you to Norwalk’s two Registrars of Voters and to their staffs, and to our Town Clerk, for organizing this election. Thank you also to the many poll workers and station moderators who worked through a very long day and in one place a very challenging and we know now tragic situation. Through your hard work and dedication you ensure that all voters are able to participate and that our elections are fair and effective, and can serve as a model for what makes our nation great.

   Second: Congratulations to the winners! I think the vast majority of candidates worked hard to engage with residents, analyze and discuss issues and answer voters’ questions. As a first time candidate, I have discovered that this is not easy to do, but it can be fun, and importantly, it is highly informative as people share their concerns and their stories.

   Last: turnout in Norwalk was only 26%? That compares to a statewide average this election of 33%. Of course I am aware that this is an “off year” election and that it is “only a municipal election”, but the turnout strikes me as quite low. Perhaps it’s a measure of voter apathy, but in reality, it means that less than 15% of voters get to decide who is elected in Norwalk. And they did. Subject to a recount in District D, it appears that zero republicans were elected in Norwalk on Tuesday. Zero. That’s a big number. Or, rather, it’s big in that it can’t get any lower. To better understand it, I think it is worth reviewing the party affiliation statistics of Norwalk’s registered voters. These figures may be dated, but in Norwalk only 16% of voters are registered as Republicans, while 40% are Democrats and 44% are Independent Party or Unaffiliated voters. If a significant portion of voters are voting on party lines then this election outcome should be easy to predict and the merits of individual candidates don’t matter much. A frequently heard refrain is that party affiliation should not matter for local elections, and that national party issues, shortcomings, and personalities are not relevant at the local level. I disagree. I think national issues, and politicians like former president Donald Trump, have an enormous impact on how people view the Republican Party in particular, and that has translated into the voter registration numbers, and the election results, in Norwalk at least, which are now evident. Though the candidates may claim otherwise, I think that influence of the national party and its recent history has made the job of Norwalk’s Democrats at election time much easier. Consequently, I think if Norwalk’s Republicans want to be an effective opposition party once again, which means participating as a relevant source of candidates and ideas, one place to start should be a meaningful discussion of how we view our national leadership, and what values and ideas are acceptable to us, which ones are not, and why. The democrats don’t have to do this. We do.

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9. Bob Schumann

   November 9, 2023

   Each of the comments above have different “strawman” arguments with the common theme of all three being that the majority of Norwalkers don’t appreciate how the city has been governed by Mayor Rilling and the other incumbents but, are just too stupid to vote for the Republicans running against them. I could get into the “weeds” with each one of the commenters faulty conclusions but, for many reasons it would be a waste of my time.

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10. Tysen Canevari

    November 10, 2023

    People sometimes are like sheep Bob and they follow the leader. Look at the credentials of one of the victors for a council seat in district b and let me know how many Norwalkers know his background! My point is people should be educated on the ballot and it was shameful of a state senator to ridicule the other two parties when his party isn’t built with perfect citizens themselves. I hope Vinny runs again in 2 years. Reputable man, local entrepreneur, donates his time and money, and in it for all the right reasons.

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    1. Bob Schumann

       November 10, 2023

       That is the way it always is in local races like this, Tysen. It’s like that in most towns the size of ours and smaller. The ideal isn’t the reality and never will be so, people vote for “the team” from whatever party represents their values and philosophy. Sometimes they aren’t members of a party.
       They vote for the people or team that they decided is the closest to representing their values and philosophy. The majority of Norwalk’s voters appreciate what Mayor Rilling and, as he himself, describes them, “the team” has done for our city over the last decade. You and Jason Franklin and anyone else can make excuses for your party losing by insulting and demeaning the voters all you want but it doesn’t change the fact that they cared enough about who is elected to be part of the process and vote. Especially in an off year election like Tuesday’s was. That a lot of voters “vote the line” is true. That they do it across line A instead of B, C, D is not because they are too stupid or lazy. It’s because, as you say, they “follow the leader,” Mayor Rilling. They definitely know who he is and what he and his team has done for Norwalk. They voted for him and they voted his team. And as far as people saying we need new people to be elected. There are plenty of new people who got elected Tuesday who will have their input in the process of “making the sausage.”

       What you say about being “sheep” and voting a certain line cuts both ways, Tysen.

       One last thing, I live in District B. I don’t know how you define “background” but there was someone on the ballot whose politics and political history I do know and with that knowledge I didn’t nor would I ever vote for that person. It shouldn’t be hard for you to figure out who.

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11. Steve Mann

    November 10, 2023

    What an incredibly disappointing turnout. A result of a newly dominant renter voter base? Likely a major factor. Current officeholders are well aware of the benefits to them under this circumstance.

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12. Tysen Canevari

    November 10, 2023

    Bob, District B isnt Silvermine?

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    1. Bob Schumann

       November 11, 2023

       Yes, Tysen. My mistake. I meant D.

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13. Mike Mushak

    November 11, 2023

    Congratulations to all the candidates whether you won or lost, as you participated in the sacred American tradition of democracy that many have fought and died to protect, including most recently on 1/6/21.

    I hope this election puts to bed the ridiculous reactionary NIMBY position the Republicans and Independents are depending on to get votes, using fear of others especially renters to divide our community and demonize nearly half the city. It just ain’t working!

    The truth is single family homes cost us more in services than they pay in taxes, and are being subsidized by the apartment buildings who pay more in taxes per square foot and use less city services, as they have less kids in school and don’t need all that expensive road repair and plowing along miles of suburban streets. This isn’t my opinion. It’s the truth, supported by years of studies and evidence.

    Also, the big lie about the sewage treatment plant pushed by vocal instigators like Common Council candidate Bryan Meek (who lost) simply didn’t hold up to scrutiny. The plant has decades of capacity left, and the rare overflows of partially treated effluent during historic rain events due to climate change will be controlled with new investment recently announced. The lie that the overflows were due to new development, and that our infrastructure was failing to keep up with development was pushed hard by R/I candidates but anyone who could read facts knew that was a bogus position.

    When you have to lie to try to win elections, our highly-educated population takes notice!

    The truth is the majority of young folks and retirees and empty nesters don’t want to live in expensive single family houses that are also expensive to maintain. The entire market has shifted, and the new apartment buildings have just as many local folks living in them as new residents who are moving in from elsewhere like NYC.

    When you demonize anyone who rents an apartment as a threat, they take notice and you lose their vote. Period. And I made sure every renter I know, which is a lot, knew that most R/I candidates were out there insisting that single family homeowners were somehow more “valuable” to Norwalk then they are, when the truth is it’s the apartment dwellers subsidizing the single family homes who are real burden on our city’s economy!

    If I had a penny for every time an R/I candidate demonized renters, I’d be rich. You can’t win elections by demonizing half the city! It’s insane and yet there they are yet again like they do every election season, spreading blatant lies about tax breaks and infrastructure as the city grows better and safer and more vibrant and more fun and our schools improve with every passing year.

    Finally, you can’t separate national and local politics anymore, when the Republican Party has been taken over by openly racist fascists who want to overthrow democracy. The official Republican platform is anti-women, anti-gay, anti-environment, anti-healthcare, anti-gun safety, anti-voting rights, and basically anti-American.

    As a gay man, I see the Republican Party as an existential threat to me and my family, as do so many of my friends both gay and straight. They even want to ban gay marriage again! That’s why I would never vote for a Republican even for dog catcher, except for my friend Town Clerk Rick McQuaid who has an R after his name but clearly isn’t a MAGA nutcase! (Full disclosure: Rick signed my marriage license in 2016 in City Hall, when I got married to my husband David Westmoreland in our church St Paul’s on the Green down the street, and he did it with a hug and a blessing!)

    Basically, do you really want your young daughter to grow up and be forced to have an unwanted baby under threat of arrest for both her and her doctors and nurses? Really? That’s exactly what the Republican Party wants in their national ban on abortion. No thanks!

    Republicans turned to the abortion issue in the 1970’s to energize their base after their support of racist segregation became too polarizing, so they needed another hot button emotional issue to gain political power. It helped Reagan get elected in 1980, and since then they made abortion and controlling women’s bodies the central issue to their medieval backwards philosophy. They made their bed and now they have to sleep in it, losing elections even in red states.

    I saw plenty of women on Election Day at the SoNo School in District B, as I stood for 15 hours without a break to greet voters and discuss issues. Most of the women I greeted said things like “don’t worry, no support here for Republicans ever!”

    Vinny would have done much better if he had strongly repudiated Trump and his MAGA policies in our highly-educated and beautifully diverse city, but no Republican candidate wants to do that these days in the face of threats and intimidation from members of their own party.

    Combining the backwards extremist national GOP platform with this bizarre obsession by local Republicans and Independents for demonizing renters as a threat, and you have a formula for electoral failure in Norwalk and anywhere people care deeply about personal freedom and democracy, including protecting the rights of women, minorities, immigrants, gay folks like me, and everyone who all deserve to live freely in a pluralistic society where we all deserve a chance to succeed and be happy.

    That is the polar opposite of the extremist MAGA movement, which is why that brand will never sell here in our great city of Norwalk. And please stop lying about tax breaks, the sewage plant, and renters! The results on Tuesday stated loud and clear that we’ve had enough of that reactionary nonsense.

    Norwalk has been developing smartly for years growing jobs and much-needed housing, and we will continue to do that, just as every successful and growing city is doing across the nation.

    And bad projects will continue to be rejected, like the stupid giant 650-student private school at Dolce in West Norwalk supported by Republicans that would have crippled those narrow back roads with 400 speeding cars twice a day. Thank goodness level heads prevailed on that one!

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    1. Bob Schumann

       November 11, 2023

       “Vinny would have done much better if he had strongly repudiated Trump and his MAGA policies in our highly-educated and beautifully diverse city, but no Republican candidate wants to do that these days in the face of threats and intimidation from members of their own party.”

       Mike, that was a great post you made. I wish I could post as succinctly and articulately as you always do. I do differ from one of your conclusions which I reposted above.

       You are assuming Vinnie and the rest of the Republican slate want to “repudiate Trump and his MAGA policies.” They aren’t members of the Republican party for nothing. Last week I made a similar comment regarding why I wouldn’t vote for anyone locally whose judgement and values made them choose to be Republicans. In reaponse I was accused of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome” by a candidate for Common Council in my district. Now, while I wouldn’t describe it as a “derangement syndrome,” I do plead guilty to what he considers “derangement” according to his judgment and values.

       Again Mike, an excellent post.

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14. Bob Schumann

    November 11, 2023

    One other thing. I didn’t comment on your problem with Senator Duff’s video because I had never looked at it. I looked at it last night. I don’t get what the kurfuffle was all about. He was direct, composed and spoke to the issues. Everything he said is true. Especially regarding the new Norwalk High School. As far as his making the video at all, the election is happening in his district. He is extremely popular. People trust him. His campaigning is an asset to the Democrats running for local office in his district. There was nothing unusual about him putting out that video to his constituency the day before the election. It’s “Retail Politics.”

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    1. Bob Schumann

       November 11, 2023

       In case there is any misunderstanding, the post this one is attached to is in response to Tysen’s.

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15. Tysen Canevari

    November 11, 2023

    Bob. If you watched the video he said he spoke to people around town and they said republicans or Independents wont pave the roads or fix schools. Please narrow in on who said that. Those two parties are asking to be a little more fiscally responsible in regards to these projects. If we get 60 million for a school that costs 90 who pays the rest? Those are old numbers but the donation is the same. We havent paid off the science wing we added yet. Apparently the voters listened and will pay the tax hike to start covering all these expenses. It is what it is Bob. I wouldnt expect Senator Duff to present that logic at a school lecture for political science.

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    1. Bob Schumann

       November 12, 2023

       Tysen, as I said, I saw the video last night.

       Apparently, you didn’t listen to what Sen. Duff actually said. He didn’t say, “he spoke to people around town and they said republicans or Independents wont pave the roads or fix schools.” Sen. Duff said in regard to infrastructure . . .

       “I fear that if some of these candidates get into office some of that money will be halted and again, that’s not what the City residents want. At least the ones that I’ve talked to.”

       You say, “If we get 60 million for a school that costs 90 who pays the rest?” Sen. Duff said, in regard to “… our new Norwalk High School with 80% of the cost paid for by the state of Connecticut . . . If that project does not go through, then the City will have to put in at least 20 to 30 million dollars just for maintenance on what is now a 50 year old building.” He then continued, “I’ve heard candidates on both the Common Council and the Board of Education on the Republican and Independent side they want to halt our school construction which I know is not in line with what the residents of our city want.”

       Now, for an analogy, let’s say you are given a choice between buying a $90,000 “state of the art” car where you only have to pay for 20% of it, $18,000 or you have to pay at least $20,000 to $30,000 to keep the old jalopy you already own running. That’s the choice Senator Duff was laying out in his video between the Democratics and the Republican/”Independents.”

       The people made their choice, a logical, wise, common sense choice I might add, this past Tuesday.

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