'Beginning of a new chapter.' Barbara Smyth declares victory in Norwalk mayoral race
Barbara Smyth would be Norwalk's second female mayor and its first in 50 years.
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Democrat Barbara Smyth declared victory Tuesday night in the Norwalk mayoral race, becoming the city's first new mayor elected in 12 years and the second woman ever to win the job. Smyth said she was honored to make history and follow Jennie Cave, who was elected 50 years ago.
Final numbers posted Wednesday show Smyth with 55% of the vote in the four-way race. Republican Vinny Schicchitano got 37% of the vote, unaffiliated candidate John Kydes received 7.6% while the other unaffiliated candidate, Erik Vitaglione, notched less than 1% of all ballots cast.
Smyth will succeed Mayor Harry Rilling, a fellow Democrat, who announced earlier this year his intent to retire to spend more time with family.
In Smyth's victory speech, she told supporters, "Tonight marks a new chapter for our city of Norwalk. As your mayor-elect, I promise to lead every Norwalker, regardless of neighborhood, background, party. I will listen. I will engage. I will work every day to bring out community together."
Smyth touted her political and professional experience during her campaign. Smyth has been elected to the Common Council four times, where she's served as president twice, including currently. She's also a retired Norwalk Public Schools teacher, who taught English at Ponus Ridge Middle School and Norwalk High School.
Smyth said her top priorities will be stronger schools, updating Norwalk's aging infrastructure, building the city's taxbase responsibly and keeping the city affordable for everyone. She plans to hold a "Mayor's Night Out" quarterly so she can hear directly from residents.
