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Charter commission recommends repealing Norwalk’s elected sheriff position
Summary
The Charter Revision Commission recommended eliminating the office of the sheriff in the city charter; commission and council members said the office no longer serves a clear modern purpose, though details on timing and transition were discussed.
NORWALK, Conn. — The Charter Revision Commission recommended repealing the office of sheriff from the city charter, a proposal discussed at a July 2025 common council charter workshop.
Attorney Mednick explained that the commission concluded the office ‘‘really didn’t serve any purpose going forward’’ in the current governmental structure. He said the commission had previously considered eliminating constables but determined constables still play a role; by contrast the sheriff position was judged obsolete by the commission.
Council members asked procedural questions about timing and effect if an incumbent sheriff were up for reelection. Attorney Mednick said if the office were abolished by voters and the sheriff happened to be elected that year, the sheriff would serve the full term then be the last elected sheriff under the charter change.
No formal vote was taken. Council members indicated they would review the recommended repeal further as part of the larger charter package and seek clarification where needed.
Why it matters: Removing an elected office alters the city’s constitutional structure and could move certain responsibilities to other offices or to professional staff. The council and commission must determine transition details and whether voters will be asked to approve the change.
What’s next: Council will continue reviewing the charter commission’s recommendations and, if it advances, the repeal would go back to the charter commission and then to the voters according to the charter’s timeline.
