Norwalk : Strict Travel Policy Urged

Randell Economy, beginning his campaign early as a council candidate for the 1988 Norwalk city election, has called for a strict travel policy for the City Council. Economy is asking for a policy that would limit the city’s travel budget to $25,000 a year, eliminate paying for spouses and give notification to the public of all trip expenses.

The 26-year-old, who moved to Norwalk in July, managed Councilwoman Grace Napolitano’s successful bid in the April election. Napolitano repeatedly criticized the council for excessive travel expenses.

Economy said a recent trip by three council members to Puerto Rico amounted to “excessive spending.” Council members Cecil N. Green, Marcial (Rod) Rodriguez and Margaret (Peg) Nelson attended a four-day U.S. Mayors Conference in June, at a cost of almost $12,000.

“I think the whole thing is a slap in the face,” said Economy, who said he will put his comments in writing in a letter to Mayor Robert White.

Rodriguez maintained that the city benefits from sending council members to various conferences and seminars. “It’s a way of learning,” said Rodriguez.