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Council keeps 4-year term proposal on referendum after rejecting motion to strike it

5772690 · August 20, 2025

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Summary

After extended debate, the Common Council voted against removing the charter provision that would create four-year terms for mayor, council and town clerk and agreed to put the measure before voters.

The Norwalk Common Council rejected a motion to remove a provision that would establish four-year terms for the mayor, council and town clerk from the Charter Revision Commission's final report. Opponents of removal said the longer terms provide continuity for major projects; proponents of striking it cited concerns about public perception.

Council member Maciej (motion recorded on the floor as from Council member Wiggins in part of the debate) moved to strike sections 3-4(a)(1) and (2), which would implement four-year terms for the mayor and council on a staggered schedule (mayor and town clerk effective in 2029; council in 2031). Critics said the proposal risked being seen as a power grab and could jeopardize support for the broader charter changes. Council member Harris said she would not support the four-year term, citing the administration of local tax increases and the need to be responsive to constituents.

After debate, the motion to strike failed; five council members voted in favor of striking and ten opposed, leaving the four-year term proposal in the document. Later in the meeting the council approved placing a separate ballot question asking voters whether to adopt four-year terms; the question will appear on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot.

Supporters of longer terms argued they reduce the frequency of campaigns and give elected officials time to see larger projects through. "When you first get on council in your first year, you're just learning how the ropes are pulled," Council member Nijulski Eichner said in debate, arguing a longer term allows members to be effective.

Opponents raised political and timing concerns and urged caution. Council members instructed staff and the town clerk to prepare explanatory material for voters and to publish the full charter revision and explanatory text as required by statute.