Mayor Richard Moccia moderates a Common Council meeting in January.
Photo credit: Nancy Guenther Chapman

NORWALK, Conn. – This is an open letter:

Dear Mayor Moccia and Common Council –

As someone who has been passionately committed to improving Norwalk's quality of life for nearly a decade, I am deeply disturbed by what I witnessed at last night's Common Council meeting. Out of respect for you and your time, I limit my number of public comment appearances to those issues about which I am most passionate, and while speaking I limit my comments to the allotted time in order to be respectful of the process.

Last night I was not afforded the same respect and was rudely interrupted by the mayor while trying to make a relevant point about the lack of public process in an important and highly visible grant application. Not only was I disrespected as a member of the public, I felt bullied. I chose to sit down rather than engage in unproductive arguing.

I left my family at home on Valentine's Day to come speak about something I cared deeply about, and was treated with complete disrespect.

When you wonder why more people don't get involved with the city and its processes, look no furthur than last night's meeting and your behavior. There were members of the public (including Boy Scouts) in the audience who were also appalled by the disrespect shown to the public - and each other. They said that their few occassions of witnessing our government in action has been a complete turn-off to their involvement. They (children and adults) mentioned too much rudeness, talking without listening and the occasional walk-out.

There are many capable and talented people in Norwalk who could offer a lot to this great city, but until our government shows that it values people's contributions and can disagree on a topic without being argumentative, they will remain on the sidelines.

I respect you for your committment to public service. Governing a city the size of ours – especially in tough economic times – is definitely a challenge. However, you are our elected officials and we expect more from you when it comes to treating the public and each other with respect.

Thank you for your time.

Maribeth Becker