Lavielle, Wilms & Wood Endorse Brinton In Norwalk Mayoral Bid

NORWALK, CT — Norwalk Mayoral hopeful Lisa Brinton, an unaffiliated candidate nominated by Republicans, has picked up endorsements from Norwalk Board of Estimate and Taxation Chair Fred Wilms, and state Reps. Gail Lavielle and Terrie Wood, Brinton's campaign announced.

"Lisa has the remarkable ability to have her finger on the pulse of Norwalk," said Wilms, a Republican, in a statement. "Starting in 2008 Lisa’s Red Apples became the leading force to turn around our school system. She worked tirelessly to get reform-minded Board of Ed candidates elected. In the face of significant opposition, she worked with the newBoard to achieve Dr. Adamowski becoming our new Superintendent.

"Starting in 2014 Lisa turned her energies toward reforming our outdated zoning code. When the charter revision did not include those needed zoning reforms, Lisa mobilized the community opposition to successfully defeat that charter reform.

"In 2017 and again this year Lisa has been running for Mayor. Her message about balanced growth increasingly resonates with those who do not want Norwalk to become a Stamford or a New Haven.

"Lisa has been my friend all these years, and I am happy to support her on Election Day."

In a joint statement, Lavielle and Wood, both Republicans, said the following:

"This year’s local elections are taking place against the backdrop of an increasing push from
the administration and legislative majority in Hartford to force more taxes, fees, and
mandates onto municipalities and residents as the solution to Connecticut’s financial woes.
Instead we should be looking for sustainable state government efficiencies, and policies that
allow and encourage municipalities to make the local decisions that will best serve their
residents. Correspondingly, local officials need to be active advocates for the interests of their
constituents by questioning the decisions of people in Hartford who do not represent them.

"Norwalkers deserve answers to many persistent questions, and Lisa Brinton has been asking
them. For example, is there a more cost-efficient and workable alternative for the Walk
Bridge? Why doesn’t Norwalk receive more equitable funding for its public schools? Why is
state approval for the Columbus School land swap taking so much time? Can the state DOE
help provide more resources for Norwalk’s ELL population? Why must the DOT complete so
many construction projects in and around Norwalk at the same time?

"One thing is certain: for these issues to be taken seriously in Hartford, Norwalk’s municipal
leadership must demonstrate its concern and willingness to spearhead the kinds of inquiries
and dialogue that will lead to the best solutions for Norwalk. Lisa is determined to do just that.
We are confident that she will, because she has been doing this kind of work for years.

"We feel strongly that Norwalk would benefit greatly from Lisa Brinton’s courage and determination in pushing back against Hartford’s heavy-handed governance, and we
enthusiastically support her candidacy for Mayor."