Well the debate was held and on a fabulous Sunday, the old town hall’s walls echoed with the debate and discussion of an old fashioned, entirely acoustic, debate. One of the downsides of accepting the challenge to “put on a show” in less than 7 days, is that you can’t organize and blog at the same time. So I’m not going to write what I thought about how it went, but will leave the comments to you to engage in that discussion. The media will run stories, undoubtedly, tomorrow as well. I hope that we all continue the energetic discussion of the future of Norwalk and how all these issues tie in to how we are going to get to that happy alien tourist destination that we heard about today.
A big round of thanks to all those who worked to make this show run flawlessly. A big round of thanks to the candidates; Doug Hempstead, Mike Geake, Carvin Hilliard, Laurel Lindstrom, Rick McQuaid, John Tobin, Gail Wall and Steve Serasis for providing well thought out answers to the burning issues of 2007 and more.
And we thank the academy … well I think you all get the idea.
I thought the debate went very well. I was not happy with the turn out but understand that this was put together quickly in less than 7 days and some of the candidates had other plans.So looking ahead how about having A town meeting once a mounth with all council members to talk to the public and find out what there issues are and what they as council can do to bring the issues forward and act on them not just talk about them. After all the people are the one`s that voted for them and they work for the people not the mayor.I think that the city goverment needs to talk to the people more and listen more and act more on what the people want, and one of things are more open talks with the public.If you really want more people to get out and vote than you as candidates need to get out more and listen and inform the people on whats going on ,and act on the issues that they bring to you.So all that being said I thank everyone that came to the debate and hope that there will be more of them soon.
Hi Al, The council does have an open forum with the public on Monday eveings once a month, I believe, before the council meeting that follows the next night. It’s a great idea to be able to bounce ideas around in an informal setting.
Two problems with the current effort: there are so many competing meetings on Mondays, and it is at City Hall. I’d much rather see it rotate around the five districts (and even around locations within each district).
Those caveats aside, I’ll participate whatever way it may be run.
Congrats to Turffie, MaryBeth, et al. You did the right thing, under difficult circumstances. Voters applaud you.
Also, my congratulations to the council candidates who came out to meet the public (sometimes under a lot of pressure from the “bosses”). You had your opportunity to present yourselves and were very smart to show up and meet your constituents. You all deserve to be elected next Tuesday.
#1 & 2- The mmeting is the 2nd Council night of the month just prior to the council on the 3rd Tuesday. That may change after next week when there will be a different slate of candidates. I think it should be continued.
Straniti and Hempstead hold “Coffee with Your Councilmen” regularly. According to The Hour, there’s one this evening from 7 -9 at Cranbury School focusing on the Master Plan.
#6 I understand Mike Wrinn from planning & zoning will be there to answer questions from the public.