Peter Bondi: I've Got the Experience for Norwalk Town Clerk

Experience in the duties of the Norwalk Town Clerk—such as managing people, keeping records and handling various election activities—should count when citizens vote to elect a new clerk this November, says Peter Bondi.

Bondi, 45, says that's why he's running for the job as an independent, taking on both the Republican and Democratic candidates for the job that current Town Clerk Andrew S. Garfunkel is leaving, now that Garfunkel is running for mayor.

Bondi, chairman of the city and son of longtime Common Council Member Fred Bondi, says he is better suited for the job than either of the major-party candidates.

"I feel that I am the best qualified candidate for the job of town clerk not only based on my many years of business management, but I have also worked with the Town Clerk's Office and registrar during Election Day, performed duties as a justice of the peace, and currently [work] as a real estate agent," Bondi said in a written statement.

In an interview, he added, "I'm basing my campaign on the fact that I'm more qualified than my opponents."

Common Council President is the GOP candidate for the job. Common Council Member David Jaeger is the Democratic candidate.

"I don't expect to wear a suit" on the job, Bondi said. "I just expect to help people who come in and need to be helped."

Bondi said his work in the Registrar's Office came when his wife, Betty, was the Democratic Registrar of Voters. (Betty Bondi contributes information on real estate property transfers to Norwalk Patch's "Sold!" column.)

Peter Bondi has not been affiliated with any party, but he's starting up his own party for his candidacy for this year's town clerk race. He's calling it "A Better Choice Party."

No one else is expected to be running this year with an ABC Party endorsement, Bondi said. Bondi's father, Fred, was originally a Democratic member of the Common Council and a candidate for mayor who now sits on the council as a Republican.

Bondi was born and raised in Norwalk and attended Norwalk Community College. He opened his own business at age 19, a clothing and jewelry store, and now operates with his wife, Betty. The couple live in West Norwalk.

The candidate, who was still collecting petition signitures late last week, said his management experience comes from his own businesses, as well as managing people for various volunteer events and organizations.

He also was operations chairman for the 's and chairman of the Sheffield Island lighthouse restoration committee. He has also been a board member for Habitat for Humanity in Norwalk and a coordinator of historical re-enactments.

As chairman of the Norwalk Historical Commission, Bondi said, he has knowledge and experience regarding the keeping of archives and management of collections.

"All of my leadership roles within these positions have allowed me to properly prepare for the job of town clerk," he said. "I believe the citizens of Norwalk should have the opportunity to vote for a candidate who not ony has pride in what he does but is also the most qualified for the postion."