'An honor' Norwalk mural pays tribute to city's history and outgoing mayor
The painting, done by artist Brian Sells, pays homage to Norwalk's history before 1955 back when the Wall Street area was the city's bustling downtown.
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Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling may be leaving office at the start of the new year, but the community will still see him around plenty—especially on Main Street. That’s where the Wall Street Neighborhood Association dedicated a new, massive mural to Rilling on Tuesday.
The painting, done by artist Brian Sells, pays homage to Norwalk's history before 1955 back when the Wall Street area was the city's bustling downtown. Look closer and you'll spot a familiar face or two—the mayor and his wife, Lucia.
“We’re impressed,” Rilling told News 12, as he looked up at the depiction.
“The mayor and first lady are now perched on the balcony looking good and looking over the neighborhood that the mayor grew up in,” said Jason Milligan, real estate broker and member of the Wall Street Neighborhood Association. “I thought it was fitting as he's leaving office to have him in the mural, and he has had a huge impact on the city.”
Rilling was born and raised in Norwalk and served the city for 53 years—the past 12 as mayor. In March, he announced his decision not to run for reelection.
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“You know, it's bittersweet. My wife, and I had a long discussion, and we felt it was time,” Rilling reiterated Tuesday. “I'm very blessed that the people of Norwalk put their trust in me. I hope I’ve served them well.”
Rilling began his career in the Navy, then became a police officer in his hometown, working his way up to the top job in the department.
“Forty-one years on the police department, 17 of those as chief and 12 years as mayor—wouldn’t change a thing,” he told News 12. “Do a job that you love, and you'll feel like you've never worked a day in your life.”
And though he's returning to private life, the mural ensures he'll still be visible to the community.
“To see something like that that's going to be there for a while—it’s an honor!” Rilling said.
Rilling's time as mayor officially comes to an end Jan. 2. That's when Democrat Barbara Smyth will be sworn into office. Smyth will be the second woman ever to hold the job.
MORE: 1-on-1 with Norwalk Mayor-elect Barbara Smyth, the 2nd woman to win the office
