Norwalk council keeps 15-member structure after vote to remove proposed two seats

The Norwalk Common Council voted to restore the city's current 15-member composition, rejecting proposed changes that would have added two members and altered their election mode. Council member Lopez moved to strike the sections that would have added two members and changed how they would be elected; the motion carried after debate. The vote means the council will remain 15 members, with five at-large seats.

The issue surfaced as part of the Charter Revision Commission's final report, which the council considered and amended at the Aug. 20 special meeting. Council member Lopez said the 1974 law that prompted the commission's proposal did not fit Norwalk's modern demographics and that extending its provisions could reduce voter choice. "Given the level of our population, the composition of our demographics ... implementing this law beyond boards and commission ... would jeopardize the progress that the city has made in its overall democracy," Lopez said.

Supporters of retaining the proposed expansion argued that voters who feel unrepresented should have more options. Council member Ayers told colleagues that the change had come up repeatedly in public comment and that giving voters the choice to elect more members could improve representation. "If this was to vote for it, they will vote for all 7 members," Ayers said, urging the council to let voters decide.

After discussion the council called the roll; the motion to strike the added seats passed 9-6, restoring the current structure. Council President and staff noted the action retains the status quo for council membership and the current at-large composition.

The change was one of several amendments made to the Charter Revision Commission's final report before the council approved the report for referendum placement. The council's decisions will be reflected in the version of the charter that goes to voters on Nov. 4, 2025, if approved through the referendum process.