Norwalk : Former Manager Censured

An international association of local government administrators has publicly censured William Kraus, the former Norwalk city administrator who last year pleaded guilty to a federal mail fraud charge stemming from his personal real estate dealings.

Citing Kraus’ guilty plea, the executive board of the International City Management Assn. (ICMA) found that Kraus had violated the organization’s code of ethics. Kraus dropped out of the professional association four years ago, after resigning the Norwalk city administrator’s post, and the censure bars him from becoming a member in the future, ICMA Associate Director Elizabeth Kellar said.

Kraus, who is awaiting sentencing on the mail fraud charge, says the association’s action was a political move initiated by members who do not like him. Although he declined to elaborate, Kraus also said his criminal case was not settled because it was possible he will withdraw his guilty plea.

Kraus, who lives in Norwalk and manages nonprofit associations on a contract basis, was one of eight men indicted in 1985 for their alleged roles in a land fraud scheme involving scores of investors.