From left, then-Norwalk Republican Town Committee Chairman Carl Dickens and RTC District D Chairman John Romano, at the West Rocks poll in November. (File photo)
NORWALK, Conn. — Norwalk Republicans, battered badly in the last three municipal elections, are energetically retooling their efforts ahead of an uncertain attempt to unseat Democratic Mayor Harry Rilling and regain a voice in City government.
One major change was involuntary – Carl Dickens has stepped down from the Republican Town Committee leadership role due to health concerns and former State Rep. Fred Wilms is now acting Chairman. Changes to the bylaws were proactive and intentional, with former Board of Education Chairman Mike Lyons drafting the revisions, including a lengthy statement of principles, before moving to South Carolina recently. Isabelle Hargrove has written a game plan and an organization change will allow Republicans to act in a “nimble” way, she said.