Update, 4:30 a.m., complete story.
NORWALK, Conn. – Protesters outside the South Norwalk Community Center (SoNoCC) Monday evening called for the ouster of Warren Peña as chairman of the board and the return of recently terminated volunteer Marina Forero-Ferrandino, the former executive director who had become a service provider for the Latino community.
About 250 people, including mothers of children enrolled in programs at SoNoCC, signed a petition that was turned in at the protest by people – many of them Spanish speakers – bearing signs saying “Peña must go” and “Bring back Marina.” Children played saxophones and recorders as protesters chanted “We want Marina back!” and “Peña, shame on you!”
Forero-Ferrandino’s services were terminated by Peña and the board June 25, leaving participants without several programs. An email sent by Peña to board members accused Forero-Ferrandino of ruining his reputation. Forero-Ferrandino’s husband and former deputy director, Pat Ferrandino, took over as director when Forero-Ferrandino left and became a service provider. Both have been volunteers.
Peña, the former at-large Common Councilman, is currently running against incumbent fellow Democrat state Rep. Bruce Morris to represent Norwalk’s 140th District in the General Assembly. There currently is no Republican candidate. The primary election is set for Aug. 12.
Many of those participating in the protest said they did not know who Peña is. That included Lorena Gallago, who said she had been in the center every day for months.
“We need Marina back,” Gloria Ochoa said.
The children playing music as adults chanted “Shame on Warren Peña” were in the recorder class organized by Forero-Ferrandino. After about 20 minutes, Forero-Ferrandino appeared, collecting hugs as she held back tears.
“These kids didn’t know how to play one note in November when we started the classes,” she said.
She said she didn’t know there was going to be a protest. “I know the moms were very angry and frightened when I said that I had to leave. I just feel for the community,” she said.
She said she didn’t know why the center’s board of directors had voted to end its relationship with her.
“Maybe because I did too much for the community. Warren is saying he only wants programs that bring money to the center,” she said.
The music class is free, she said. The teachers are volunteers and the mothers raise money to buy the children instruments, she said.
“I say shame on Warren Peña,” Forero-Ferrandino said. “He should leave us alone. He should leave the board. He is poison to this organization. He doesn’t care for the community. He is not the leader of the Hispanic community, they don’t even know who he is.”
Norwalk Republican politician Victor Cavallo, who stopped to see what was going on, called the protest “amazing” and speculated that it had been organized by Morris supporters.
Two protesters said they didn’t know who Bruce Morris is.
Carlos Amaya said he did not know Morris but did know Peña. “We don’t like him,” he said.
Ana Cecilia Mavila said the protest was not political.
“We are here for her,” she said of Forero-Ferrandino. “Because she brought life to the community center, for the community, our children are here … Everything is about her and the community. We need all these programs because the center was absolutely dead. It was no programs that were helping our children. But now, they are here now. Even they are here right now. They are practicing what they have learned here. That’s beautiful for the community.”
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