NORWALK, Conn. – Two Democratic elected officials have endorsed unaffiliated voter Lisa Brinton in her drive to unseat Democratic incumbent Mayor Harry Rilling.
Brinton, who has the Republican Mayoral endorsement, announced Friday that State Rep. Travis Simms (D-140) and Common Council member Ernie Dumas (D-District B) are supporting her candidacy.
“I look forward to working with Lisa to amplify Norwalk’s voice and advocate as Norwalkers regardless of party affiliation… I believe Lisa understands the climate of what is happening here in Norwalk and I’m positive she would be a woman of her word and will champion everyone in our great city!” Simms is quoted as saying.
“Lisa has a long history of advocacy on behalf of South Norwalk,” Dumas is quoted as saying. “She understands the importance of education and job training for our young people. She is also committed to helping long-time South Norwalk residents stay in their neighborhood and improve their quality of life.”
Simms is a former Council member. In that role, he frequently expressed distrust and anger toward Rilling, former Norwalk Police chief. Dumas was appointed to the Council to fill a vacancy in the last term and is running unopposed for reelection.
“I have known Travis Simms and Ernie Dumas for many years, and they care deeply about Norwalk,” Brinton is quoted as saying. “I am humbled by their courage to look beyond party line and recognize who will serve all Norwalkers better. This is what my campaign has been about, Norwalkers uniting for a better future for our community.”
Rilling released a statement in response to the Simms-Dumas endorsement:
“I am proud to be endorsed by so many diverse organizations and community leaders in our city. A list of groups and individuals who have endorsed me this campaign are included for reference: CT AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Fairfield County Building Trades, Working Families Party, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Communications Workers of America, Carpenters Union, IBEW (Electrical Workers), AFSCME Council 4, Sheetmetal Workers, Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Painters Union, Norwalk Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Operating Engineers, Laborers, Elevator workers, Bricklayers and Masons, Roofers, Teamsters, Boilermakers, Painters, Sen. Blumenthal, Sen. Murphy, Rep. Himes, State Senator Bob Duff, Rep. Lucy Dathan and Rep. Chris Perone.
“Although I am blessed to receive this broad support, the most important endorsement comes from the voters on election day. I ask you, the residents of Norwalk for your support again – I hope you will believe in our city and believe in our progress under my leadership.”
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