Norwalk's Zoning Commission will hold an important public hearing Wednesday night to discuss the proposed expansion of the Stepping Stones Childrens Museum.

The non profit museum, which leases space off West Avenue within Lockwood Mathews Park, wants to expand by 22,000 square feet, adding exhibit and office space as well as additional parking.

Citizens questioning the proposal, including the Norwalk League of Women Voters, cite parking as a primary concern, saying additional spaces may encroach on the park's green area. The city has a clause in the proposed deal that says the parking spaces could be relocated at a later date.

Zoning officials say they are looking at all the documents provided to them by the museum and want the public's input before a final vote. The meeting is at 7:30 PM in the third floor Common Council chambers at Norwalk City Hall.

State officials are predicting a $6 billion deficit over the next two years, but how exactly did they arrive at that number?  Some local lawmakers will have the answer after a meeting today in Hartford.  Members of the Governor's Budget Office are holding a hearing with members of the Appropriations and Finance Committees to discuss what factors went into that estimate.  Fairfield County is well-represented, with Weston Representative John Stripp, Stamford Representative Christel Truglia, and Norwalk Senator Bob Duff all members of the Appropriations Committee.  Today's hearing is all discussion but next week is a special legislative session to take action on the budget shortfall.  According to Governor Jodi Rell, tax hikes are off the table.

"We have to exhaust everything and that means every cut possible," Rell says.  "We have been going through the budget and in some areas you can find duplications of services."

Today's meeting of the three groups is also expected to touch on how federal aid could possibly be changed under the Obama administration.

The Lifetime network this past weekend aired "The Two Mr. Kissels" about murdered Greenwich real estate developer Andrew Kissel and his brother Robert.  The televison movie centered mostly on the brothers' decadent lifestyles but did touch on their brutal deaths.  Robert Kissel's wife Nancy is currently serving a life sentence for killing her husband in what's become known as the "milkshake murder" but the two men accused of murdering Andrew Kissel are still awaiting trial.  Stamford-based attorney Mark Sherman, who represents one of the two suspects, is concerned about a possible influence the film could have on the jury even though his client, Leonard Trujillo, was not mentioned in the film.

"He's charged with conspiring with the co-defendant who was represented in the movie so I'm not happy that it taints the jury pool," Sherman says.

Prosecutors allege Carlos Trujillo, Kissel's chauffeur, hired his cousin Leonard to carry out the murder.

The Greenwich Democrat who unseated Republican Chris Shays in this month's election is in Washington this week for an orientation of newly-elected Congressmen.  Jim Himes this week is getting to know other freshmen lawmakers as well as the experienced ones. 

"Orientation is largely about making sure we know what exits and entrances to use and where the bathrooms are," Himes jokes.

The House Speaker traditionally hosts a dinner the first night strictly for members of his or her own party.  However this year Democrat Nancy Pelosi chose to also include newly-elected Republicans.  Himes believes it's an ideal way to set the tone for what many are hoping will be a bipartisan Congress.

"It's just a great way to kick off this new Congress," Himes says.  "It symbolizes the fact that we're really going to need to come together if we want to solve the very challenging problems we have."

The freshmen Congressmen Friday will draw lots for office space.

Stamford Police Lieutenant Sean Cooney says it is important that you remember not to display large amounts of cash, as you make your way through the stores this holiday season. He says women should always make sure handbags are closed, while men should carry their wallets in front pockets. Cooney says never leave packages visible inside your car. Cooney adds, while walking back to your car in the parking area, always be aware of your surroundings.  

Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy is applauding an agreement between the Stamford Fire & Rescue and the Long Ridge Fire Departments.  The paid and volunteer departments signed what's being called a "mutual aid agreement," spelling out specific guidelines for response and assistance.  Essentially, the compromise says Fire & Rescue will send out engines and staff to assist Long Ridge when Long Ridge responds to a call.  The partnership was already in place up until the summer when Fire & Rescue was asked not to provide assistance.

"I asked them in a letter to re-instate it, it took them a couple weeks but we were able to hammer out a new agreement.  We're back to making sure people in North Stamford are going to be safe," Malloy says.

The city is also working with a consultant to see what other steps can be taken in terms of Stamford fire service.