Norwalk State Reps Bid Farewell to NEON's Joseph Mann

Norwalk state legislators say they wish the head of a local anti-poverty agency well following his departure amid accusations that $400,000 in federal funding had been misused under his watch.

According to The Hour, Joseph Mann, president and CEO of or “NEON,” has faced questions since a government audit cited the misused funds for Head Start, a cornerstone of federally funded early childhood education initiatives for the poor.

“The change in leadership at Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now is an unfortunate, but necessary step that will allow the anti-poverty agency to more effectively serve the community,” according to a joint statement released Thursday night by and state Reps. Larry Cafero Jr., Bruce Morris, Chris Perone, Terrie Wood and .

“Transition is never easy, but we believe it was the appropriate decision for Joseph Mann to step down as president and CEO of NEON,” the delegation said. “We wish him well and thank him for his public service. His departure removes a difficult distraction and allows NEON to continue carrying out its mission of helping to improve the quality of life for low-income families living in our area.”

According to The Hour, more than 600 people involved NEON signed a petition calling for Mann and the agency’s board to step down.

The delegation to Hartford said it was confident that newly appointed interim NEON President Patricia Wilson-Coker “will serve as a unifying figure and strong leader as NEON turns this page and refocuses its energy and resources on helping children and families.”

“Hopefully, this decision also eases the minds of parents with children enrolled in Head Start and those who are clients of the city's anti-poverty agency,” the state delegation said.