Opinion: What does Norwalk NEED in our Next Mayor

Norwalk had been led by Harry Rilling, our former Police Chief, for 12 years. Let that sink in. Has Harry led us well over the whole time? Have you and your family found this town and your home well-led? Have you felt that we needed a change for all or part of the last 12 years, but been unsure and not ready to vote for another candidate?  Probably yes on all counts. Yet, Harry Rilling is not on the ballot this time around.  Instead, we are faced with choosing a new leader. No more double-digit legacies.  

Although Nancy On Norwalk has presented our candidates, I would like to write about our choices in a more pro and con journalistic fashion, being fair. First, I will share my take on it, and feel free to read about each for your own perspective.  

For me, my thoughts are represented here, but feel free to read and make your own:  

What Norwalk needs for Mayor does not include any candidates, in my opinion, who are currently serving on the Common Council, as their qualifications are based on their bio. Because the only thing most  Norwalk residents can agree on is [that] we need change! If you have been a part of the formal approval process of what is, you need not apply!  

WE DO NOT NEED ANYONE who is responsible in any way for what we have, which is higher taxes on residential taxpayers to pay for excessive rental commercial growth we neither agreed to, nor support, and yet, are forced to pay for its infrastructure in OUR property taxes.  

Countless public hearings and speakers were censored and quelled from voicing and advocating  for their meaningful and viable thoughts prior to approval of the following lack of infrastructure  but filled with corrupt kickbacks, on the following allowed to be built with zoning variance  approval (the likes of which have never been approved in this town; likely were due to bribes):  

Mill River Apartments; East Norwalk 77 units (right up on the road with no setback on AE Flood  Zone)  

North Seven 1,303 units Merrit 7 former offices still under construction  

15 and 17 Chestnut St, 200 units underway  

370-394 West Ave (Old YMCA) 204 units still underway  

Waypoint 467 West Ave – 393 units constructed 2021, largely completed  

There are many more that could make this article a book; most were met with public questions and adjudication that was given 15 minutes aside of planned meeting time x 10 to drown out public outcry; which I will duly name censorship and failure of facilitation of “democracy” by guess who “Democrats in democratic blue cities” like Norwalk, Conn., not “Republicans” the party unrepresented in Norwalk, Conn.! 

So in essence, the takeover of Norwalk, Conn. and transition from town to Fas[c]ist City” as I call it, is largely a result of one party having gained control at the voting booth, and/or a corruption of governance due to a too long tenure of elected officials (ie Harry Rilling for 12 years). Building a greater town residence of renters via a base of commercial properties to overcome long-time residents of residential housing is creating a non-viable present situation that view the value of history and traditional town norms as a “heap of trash” to be silenced for the ideology of corrupt politicians whose pockets run deep, and care not about the livelihoods of the revenue base that funds their pockets to the detriment of their own livelihood.  

To those who wish to take issue with my take on the goings on of Norwalk, Conn., (of both Parties and also Independents as well) the place I put my own footprint and livelihood, where I raised children and paid taxes for over 25 years, take a step back and appreciate the truth that comes from wisdom before you judge me as something non-credible.  

Think [about] what I am outlining to you and advising you against in your future plans. Do you seek a  Norwalk, Conn., where only new-coming transients live, who will never seek a life here, where they will buy a home and create a taxbase and choose to raise children here for a lifetime? In so doing, it drives out the tax base that did just that, but can no longer afford to be here for the simple reason that your governance made it unaffordable for them as working-class folks?  

When a city grows too big for its own britches, it is challenged to determine the balance that will come from the outcome of these decisions. I am woefully unsure as to whether Norwalk, Conn. leadership even understands this truth the way I do, and you probably might? I am likely more certain I will end up a victim rather than an adjunct of a solution, how about you?  

So, as we Norwalk residents vote in November for a Mayor who will be capable of leading us, we must rise to the occasion in realization that leaders cannot lead that which they fail to understand the history of. A leader for Norwalk has to be someone who has lived here and made it in their own right, as a business owner and resident, not as a politician.  

Politicians are corrupt and incompetent and are responsible for every woe we have now, and anyone who doesn’t see that, respectfully, is a fool and throws away a viable vote for change.  

The only way forward for Norwalk, CT would, in my opinion, be a vote for a non-politician and a vote for actual experience in building a successful business as their expertise.  

The only candidate running with that experience is Vinnie for the People, ie, Vinny Schiccitano.  He has my full and unconditional endorsement; I hope he has yours as well. I also hope you will walk or run through coals to get to the polls on November 5, 2025, to make your voice heard in  Norwalk, CT.  

Highlights for you, the voter, to decide for yourself are below:  

Our choices are:  

Barbara Smyth – Democrat 

A common council member for 8 years, whose major accomplishments likely are not known by most Norwalk residents and include (based on her own written bio), as published in her own words from Nancy On Norwalk, July 2025  

Common Council President twice, Majority Leader, and have chaired Community  Services, Public Works, and Land Use and Building Management Committees. I believe  I have a depth of knowledge of how the City operates and the unique qualifications to move Norwalk forward as a thriving coastal community for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.  

Regarding her vague answers in Nancy on Norwalk, I [c]ite the word “vague” in all her answers; and what has any Norwalk resident known about her or defines her as a leader for us?  

1. Continue investing in our public education system by assuring sustainable funding that supports our teachers and students, wrap-around services for our kids, and our school infrastructure.  

2. Continue growing our city at a responsible rate so that we can address the affordable housing crisis while keeping the cultural and historic feel of our neighborhoods.  

3. Improve infrastructure and flooding issues to assure a sustainable and resilient city for the future.  

What is your long-term vision for the city? Where do you want Norwalk to be in five or ten years?  

My vision for Norwalk is one of a vibrant, resilient shoreline community that we can all feel a part of. One where housing meets the needs of our seniors, young people, and families from all economic backgrounds. A city full of arts, culture, activities for young and old, safe streets, reduced traffic, and an activated waterfront. A city full of successful small businesses and larger businesses that serve our needs and increase our tax base.  

Vinnie Schiccitano – Republican (answers from Nancy on Norwalk)  

For the past 43 years, I have successfully owned and operated my own business. Unlike many politicians, I have spent decades making payroll and managing a budget, not the other way around. I know what it means to balance priorities and make tough decisions that keep a business running smoothly. This experience gives me a unique perspective on how to lead our city in a fiscally responsible way, without compromising on the services and programs that benefit our residents.  

As Mayor, my top priorities will be: 

1. Fiscal Responsibility: We must control spending and promote sustainable revenue through business development. I will focus on attracting companies that employ 50 or  more people— businesses that provide jobs and stability to our community, rather than  relying on residential property tax increases to fix the budget.  

2. Educational Excellence: Working closely with the Board of Education, I will ensure  that our schools are properly funded and that our children’s education is improved  through a bottom-up approach. This means listening to educators, parents, and  students, and ensuring every dollar spent is used wisely to elevate the quality of  education.  

3. Improving Traffic and Infrastructure: Norwalk’s traffic situation is a mess, and we  need to address it head-on. Whether it’s better planning for traffic flow, improving public  transportation, or expanding our infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing city, I will  focus on reducing congestion and making Norwalk more accessible for all.  

My long-term vision for Norwalk is to preserve what makes this city special while ensuring it thrives in the future. I don’t want to turn Norwalk into a version of Stamford.  Instead, I envision a community where families feel at home and can put down roots— one where we have a healthy mix of homeownership (targeting a ratio of 80%  homeowners to 20% renters) and vibrant local businesses that support our residents. A  city where people want to live, work, and raise their families.  

In five to ten years, I see Norwalk as a prosperous city, with a school system that is second to none. I believe that quality education is the foundation for prosperity, and that  will be one of my primary goals. We will ensure that Norwalk’s growth is driven by  opportunity, not just development for development’s sake.  

Balancing Growth with Quality of Life  

We can grow and develop while maintaining the unique character that makes Norwalk so special. I will ensure that all development decisions prioritize the residents’ interests first. I will ask every commission and board appointee, “Does this decision benefit the people of Norwalk?” Our waterfront and maritime history must be preserved, not hidden behind towering apartment buildings. I will reinvigorate our neighborhood associations and give them a stronger voice in shaping the future of their communities.  

Growth should be smart and purposeful—focusing on sustainable development that balances the needs of our residents with our desire for progress. Together, we will create a city that honors its past while looking forward to a bright future.  

I am ready to lead Norwalk with a commitment to fiscal responsibility, educational excellence, and smart growth. Together, we can make our city the place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. 

Darlene Young – Independent ( from Nancy on Norwalk, although Darlene Young’s  answers and dedication to print were much longer than the Rep and Dem candidates, I dedicate sthe ame to the questions posed here)  

After my long career in Norwalk government, I know how to get things done. Regardless of who we are or where we are in our lives, we are all struggling with affordability in today’s economy. We all want to see more value and quality of life for our hard-earned  dollars. I love the people here, and I want to use my extensive experience and deep  relationships to improve the lives of my community in collaboration with all the other  committed residents who make Norwalk great.

Vision and Priorities  

What are your top three priorities for Norwalk if elected?  

As a mayor, I will foster a culture of collaboration and inclusive conversation, where residents have a voice and an opportunity to participate in the decisions that affect their community. I would reinstitute the Community Liaison position within the Mayor’s office to help advocate for Norwalk’s needs with various groups within the city and around the state. I will also reinstate Brown Bag Lunches with the Mayor to ensure I remain accessible to those who want to share their ideas.  

We must stop generating plans and then putting them on a shelf. Residents spent many hours contributing their voices to extensive community talks that led to the Plan of  Conservation and Development (POCD), which outlined a ten-year vision for the city.  The city also conducted an efficiency study, which yielded several significant findings.  These two documents should be our future guide. We have already invested time and resources to gather the information; it’s time to implement these plans with transparency and efficiency. Growth and future development are balanced by listening to the voices of the people and collaborating on a future that feels right for all of us.  

The top priorities I will work on immediately after taking office are:  

1. Address affordability – Norwalkers, like the rest of the nation, are struggling with high prices in housing, groceries, and transportation. We must address  these issues immediately and focus on reducing costs in the short term and the  long term. As your Mayor, I will assume the role of your Advocate-in-Chief to work with state officials and local advocates on innovative solutions to bring costs down while diversifying our tax revenue stream.  

2. Resolve our budget process challenges through collaboration, transparency,  and civic engagement. As your Mayor, I will serve as the advocate, both within the city and around the state, for funding and flexibility to close budget gaps while transparently reporting on our progress. I will maintain strong relationships with 

our state delegation to address shortfalls and with our Board of Education to discuss realistic efficiencies as early as possible. I will invite parents and the  education community to conversations in October or November to plan in  advance of the budget recommendations release in January. I will report on any  anticipated surpluses early and encourage community conversations to discuss  the reallocation of these funds as they become available.  

3. Strengthen blight enforcement – Addressing blight is essential for maintaining vibrant neighborhoods and a strong sense of community pride. I will work to  strengthen and enforce blight regulations, ensuring the neglected properties are  revitalized and that every resident lives in a clean, safe, and welcoming  environment. By tackling blight head-on, we can create a city that reflects the pride and care of its residents.  

Liz Conti  

Norwalk, CT  

Norwalk Republican Town Committee 

Editor’s Note: This piece is an opinion column and reflects the personal views of the author. It has not been independently fact-checked and does not necessarily represent the views of Nancy on Norwalk. Readers are encouraged to explore all candidates and issues before voting.