Seen and Heard in Norwalk: Campaign mailers, pols tweeting

NORWALK, Conn. – Here are some items of interest that were seen or heard recently in Norwalk:

Was Miklave a maid in another life?

With a broom on one flier and a vacuum cleaner on another, we hear that people have been wondering what cleaning equipment Matt Miklave will come up with next to illustrate his desire to clean out the Democratic party.

“What’s next? A Rumba?” one person asked.

No, not a rumba. A blonde woman screaming.

Charges of negative campaigning are being leveled by the Mangiacopra campaign, as one worker is offended by Miklave’s “negative and false” mailers.

Miklave’s latest said:

“If Harry Rilling and Vinny Mangiacopra get their way, property taxes will skyrocket and political insiders will stay in charge of the Democratic party.

“So far in this campaign, Rilling & Mangiacopra have promised to fund universal pre-K, fully fund Head Start, fully fund the Board of Education, fund after school programs to fight crime, hire more police officers, devote more funds for non-profits and build more soccer fields.

“2 PROBLEMS

“ONE, they can’t pay for their promises without raising taxes

“And TWO, they’re both part of the political insider crowd.

“A vote for Rilling or Mangiacopra is a vote for HIGHER TAXES and POLITICS AS USUAL”

Is Miklave sounding like a Republican?

For the record: We have listened to comments made at the South Norwalk Community Center and we don’t hear Mangiacopra or Rilling say they will build more soccer fields.

Also, Rilling talked about tax assessments at the recent NEON mayoral forum, in reference to paying for programs. (See story here)

Duff, Moccia tweet Oyster Festival mishap

Just two days after Mangiacopra levied criticisms at Mayor Richard Moccia and state Sen. Bob Duff for a lack of communication as Cranbury Elementary School was in lockdown, the two pols were busy keeping Twitter followers informed of an accident at the Oyster Festival.

At 2:48 Duff retweeted a NPD post:

“Oyster Fest Ride Injury Update: A ‘swing’ ride in the Kids Cove apparently lost power causing the children on the ride to forcefully fall to the ground. There were multiple injuries as a result. Police, Fire and EMS responded along with mutual aid to transport the injured to Norwalk Hospital. The area is being secured pending inspection and investigation by Connecticut state inspectors. The other rides have closed.”

At 3:05 p.m. Moccia tweeted:

“Waiting on report of injuries from kids hurt today at Oyster Fest when ride abruptly stops. State officials responding to investigate.”

Also at 3:05 p.m., Moccia tweeted:

“Our prayers go out for the children and their families.”

At 3:35 p.m., Moccia tweeted:

“Some children from Oyster Fest ride accident have been treated and released. Awaiting further word about others.”

At 4:13 p.m. Duff tweeted:

“Those who need to be are on top of situation at the Oyster Fest. Thnx @NorwalkCtPD, Norwalk FF & state investigators. Continued prayers.”

At 4:44 p.m. Duff tweeted:

“The Connecticut State Police Fire and Emergency Investigative Unit is onsite and has authorized Stewart Amusements to reopen the other rides for the remainder of the evening. Stewart has also reinspected all of the other rides. Our concerns remain for the wellbeing of those involved and their families. We are continuing to cooperate with the authorities. Any further questions should be directed to them. – from the Norwalk Seaport Assn.”

At 7:13 p.m. Moccia tweeted:

Happy to report that all but one person who suffered injuries today at the Oyster Fest have been treated and released from area hospitals.

At 8:24 p.m., Moccia tweeted:

To all NPD, NFD personnel handling today’s incident at the Oyster Fest. You did a great job today.Thank you for your dedication and service.

At 9:06 p.m. Duff tweeted:

The following was written by Officer Chris Holmes who runs the Norwalk Police Explorers program.

This is our youth and why we know we’re in good hands. Great job to the adults who are helping them learn and understand service to others.

Please read:

Fred Rogers said that when he was little and he watched the news he became afraid because of all the tragic events. His mother told him to always look for the care givers. To watch for the heroes and to see all of the good people helping.

Today, a very scary incident happened at the Norwalk Oyster Festival. Norwalk Police Explorers witnessed a carnival ride break down and injure 17 children and 1 adult (which sent 13 to the hospital). Without thought of self, these Explorers (and all others who responded) rushed to the scene and performed first aid, calmed the public, translated for arriving medics and firemen, performed crowd control, and assisted paramedics in triage.

Today, Post 1913 were heroes. You were the care givers that Fred Rogers spoke of. I cannot be any more proud of you than I am right now. You brought light into the darkness. Good job, Explorers.

OK, Duff is always good at Tweeting. He’s become known as much in Norwalk for his updates on Twitter as he is for being a popular legislator. If he decides to leave the state house, maybe whoever the mayor is at the time can make him Tweeter in Chief.