The Republican plan to challenge Bob Duff is simple, run on the issues that are impacting Norwalk the most. Thus, from the Hour:
Papadakos said more can be done to improve education and bring state aid to Norwalk. If elected, he said he will focus on crime, education, taxes and “fighting for more dollars for Norwalk from the state.”
The 25th District covers Norwalk and part of Darien.
Duff, a former state representative, has represented the district in the General Assembly since 2004. He defeated Republican Jeffrey M. Konspore for the seat in 2004 and Republican Fred Wilms for the seat in the 2006 election.
Although he hasn’t formally announced his candidacy for a fourth term, Duff said Saturday that he plans to run and welcomes the challenge from Papadakos.
“I think the voters deserve a choice, and I’m very proud to run on my record,” said Duff, who is the Senate Majority Whip. “I think I’ve had a very good, solid record of proactive leadership that encompasses not only voting on good pieces of legislation up in Hartford but also exceptional constituent services.”
Papadakos has served on the Fair Housing Advisory and chaired the Human Relations Commission until four year ago. In April 2004, citing frustration with the city’s pace in hiring a new human relations director, Papadakos announced that he would not seek reappointment to that commission.
He is currently a city constable. Papadakos said he has worked in hotel sales and finance during the past 20 years. Last fall, he opened Papadakos Realty where he works as a real estate broker.
Norwalk Republican Town Committee members will choose their candidates for the 25th District and other elected offices during their convention at City Hall on Tuesday night.
“We’ll find out Tuesday at the convention, if there are any others candidates considering it. But the seat will not go unchallenged,” said Art Scialabba, Republican Town Committee chairman.
Scialabba, who served with Papadakos on the Human Relations Commission, said Papadakos would be a “great candidate” and serve Norwalk “very well” if elected to represent the 25th District.
“He’s an independent business man, entrepreneur,” Scialabba said. “He has the time with a flexible work schedule, and has the qualifications needed to help out Norwalk, keeping state aid and limiting additional increases in state spending.”
source: The Hour, Papadakos seeks Republican nomination to challenge Duff, By RObert Koch, May 11, 2008
