Former Police Chief Running For Mayor

In a hotel conference room dense with supporters Sunday, former Police Chief Harry W. Rilling announced he’s running to be mayor Norwalk.

“I promise you a government that is transparent, inclusive, accessible and civil,” Rilling said at the Hilton Garden Inn on Main Avenue.

Presenting himself to the throng of Democrats who came to hear his
announcement, Rilling spoke of growing up in Norwalk in a lower, middle-class family with parents who were “salt of the earth,” struggling to raise four children.

"They instilled in us their values of hard work, honesty and integrity, and perhaps most importantly, a love for all people," Rilling said.

Rilling spoke at length about the state of the city’s schools, saying it wasn’t so long ago people used to come to Norwalk to educate their children in its school system.

Contrary to what some may say, Rilling said, we really do have a very good school system, with dedicated and highly competent teachers.

Rilling said the city's schools must be funded at an “appropriate level” that’s designed to bring them the latest technology and improve their infrastructure.

Rilling promised to support and fully implement the proposed K-through-12 Core Curriculum Program because, “Our children are entitled to an education that will prepare them for life’s challenges. It is our responsibility to make sure they get it.”

As for workforce housing, Rilling said he wants city employees to be able to afford to live in Norwalk.

City employees living in the city will shop here, send their children to our
schools, visit our recreational facilities and attractions, and hopefully will
be able to save enough to buy a home here, Rilling said.

On crime, Rilling said the city is blessed with a wonderful Police Department composed of “professional, dedicated women and men."

“I was proud to be part of their team for 41 years. I am proud of them and you should be, too,” he said.

Rilling said the vast majority of crime is committed by people between the ages of 13 and 23, and everyone knows “you cannot arrest your way out of a crime problem.” All research shows “the most effective way of dealing with a crime problem is providing opportunities for young people,” he said.

Rilling said his first priority as mayor would be to hold “Mayor’s night out,” where he and department heads would not only listen to public, but actually hear what is being said.”

Rilling concluded by saying it is time to look forward, not back, and get Norwalk moving once again.

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