Email: Rilling poised to enter Norwalk mayoral race

NORWALK, Conn. – Former Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling has decided to run for mayor, an email sent to District B Democrats said Sunday.

The email, from SONO Alliance Chairwoman Corrine Weston, says Rilling will announce his intention next Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn on Main Avenue.

The former chief, who retired in June, has been expressing an interest in running for mayor for months. Rilling, who was appointed to the Zoning Commission by Republican incumbent Mayor Richard Moccia, switched his political party from unaffiliated to Democrat in October, shortly after he voted against allowing Spinnaker Partners LLC to move affordable housing out of its proposed development at 20 North Water St., a move Republicans supported.

The former chief had been a Democrat before leading the police department, but said last fall he changed his registration to unaffiliated so as not to politicize the chief’s position.

He will be the fourth Democrat trying to get his party’s nomination to run against Moccia this fall. Former Town Clerk Andy Garfunkel and Vinny Mangiacopra have already announced and Common Councilman Matt Miklave has formed an exploratory committee and has begun issuing statements.

It’s clear Rilling has support in District B. “We need someone with the management and personal skills to lead the city while championing our South Norwalk issues,” the SONO Alliance chairwoman’s email said.

It was signed by District B Democratic Committee Chairman Bob Burgess, Weston, Mimi Burgess and District B Democratic Committee Vice Chairman Joe Newell.