NEWS

Meet the candidates for mayor and City Council in Norwich's Nov. 2 election

The Bulletin

Prior to this year's Nov. 2 election, The Bulletin asked candidates for office to answer a pair of questions about important issues in the city, while also making their pitches for election.

All candidates running for the same seat were asked to answer the same two questions within a limit of 400 words.

More:Norwich mayoral candidates debate American Rescue Plan funds, city finances

More:Meet the Norwich Board of Education candidates

Mayor

The two candidates for mayor were asked:

1. From an economic development perspective, what is the biggest issue facing the city and how will you work to address it if you are elected?

2. What skills and/or qualities do you possess that separate you from your opponent and will make you a better mayor of the city of Norwich?

Peter Nystrom

Peter Nystrom

1. The cost of doing business and the cost to families who are residents here in the City of Norwich is the biggest issue. It’s too expensive. I place the needs of the taxpayers first, my opponent does not. The area where tax savings can be found resides in limiting the annual growth in spending and requests for new expenditures. My opponent passed the highest effective tax rate in the city’s history. Two years later I lowered his mill rate by reducing $6 million in new spending. The growth in the city’s budget annually must be limited. Allow the grand lists’ growth to overtake the fixed costs.

We achieved this success in 2017. The mill rate we passed in 2017 was lower than in 2015. With your vote on November 2 I will insist that a City Manager’s budget is challenged every year and that we keep in mind that Norwich families live within a budget and the city should also. As your mayor, I meet directly with existing businesses and coordinate all city resources for these meetings including NPU and city departments. Additionally new business opportunities are treated with the same dedication and effort. The only way to make Norwich more livable and encourage private investment is to make it more affordable. Here in Norwich we welcome and celebrate minority-owned small business development. Our emphasis on public/private partnerships must move forward.

2. My service as an Alderman, State Representative and Mayor have afforded me the opportunity to develop strong interpersonal skills. I approach my job with dedication and a purpose to succeed. That means listening, constant networking, spending time in the community daily, attending events and meetings, developing new opportunities like the former Downtown Bond Program, securing Opportunity Zone Designation, completing citywide brownfield assessments, and encouraging and collaborating groups of people to sustain and/or invest in our city.

I work full-time as the Mayor of Norwich. That’s what the people expect and deserve.  My attention is to the city. I’ve spent 34 years of civic life, learning and watching the city grow. I’ve maintained relationships with many people, including federal and state officials to address our needs. Two prime examples are of the rebuilding Rte. 2/32/Yantic lane highway, and securing money to clean up two polluted landfills. I have the strongest record of experience and commitment. Vote 1B.

Mark Bettencourt

Mark Bettencourt

1. The goal of economic development is to increase the grand list by increasing property values and business creation and expansion. Norwich faces many challenges here and addressing any one thing will not tip the scales. A multifaceted approach must be taken starting with changing perceptions people have of Norwich. Involvement of stakeholders at all levels, both in government and the public is key to finding effective solutions.

•    First, address blighted neighborhoods by funding enforcement staff in Planning and Neighborhood Services. The city has many absentee owners that neglect their properties. I would work to develop programs that minimize impacts to those that aren’t part of the problem. Even addressing one property will impact the property values and enhance a neighborhood.  

•    Clean up the city through investments in Public Works and contract services.  

•    Continue and expand support for small businesses particularly those small shops that add to the ambiance of a neighborhood. Our caucus has made that a priority.  

•    Address high profile properties at the gateways of the city, either through enforcement, or redevelopment initiatives or incentives.  

•    NCDC must be an effective partner in economic development. That means NCDC’s relationship with the community must be improved through better communications. Poor communications lead to poor perception. Also, we must make sure that funding gets the desired results, and it has to be documentable and regularly reported. NCDC is a necessary part of economic development as a non-profit pass-through for many types of economic assistance programs. Their involvement in the Ponemah project is an excellent example.  

•    Continue to support the creation of a new business park while minimizing neighborhood impacts.

I’ve been and am a manager of people. While I was away from the City Council, I went back to school to sharpen my skills to backstop my employment. I evaluate job performance as part of my duties. I set performance standards and evaluate employees on that basis. This administration has failed to do that with our City Manager. When the Board of Education budgets ran over in the millions the Republican administration did nothing but pay the bill. Only when we came back in control of the council did we sit down and work on solutions with BOE members. We set expectations and worked together on successful solutions. I have and will continue to engage in responsible leadership for Norwich. Doing nothing is not an option. Good communication is key.

City Council

The 12 Norwich candidates for City Council were asked: 

1. In what areas or to what specific projects should the roughly $14.6 million in federal funding provided to the city of Norwich through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 be allocated next year?

2. What qualifications and/or skills do you possess which make you an ideal candidate for the Norwich City Council?

Stacy Gould

Stacy Gould

1. I would like to see the City of Norwich use our next round of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding to complete the Uncas Leap Heritage Park project. Finishing this historic site will increase the number of visitors to this major tourist attraction. Furthermore, in order to address the safety needs of our community, the radio communications project for our police and fire departments should be funded.

I also believe it is critical that we continue to provide economic assistance to small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic through our partnership with the Norwich Community Development Corp. Another area of funding I feel is necessary is our Human Services Department. Many individuals and families impacted by COVID-19 need our support in areas of food insecurity, access to affordable healthcare and mental health professionals, employment opportunities and utilities and rental assistance.

Additionally, if the partnership with Habitat for Humanity proves to be successful, I would support funding to make further homes available to families in need. I would also encourage more money be directed to the city’s rehabilitation program that makes homes safe for families.

I would encourage collaboration between the Norwich Board of Education and non-profit organizations to develop a plan to make space available for our children for after school activities in our buildings. Improvements to Mohegan Park and other Norwich recreational facilities are projects that I also believe in. We should also consider funding specifically geared towards recreation for our senior population. Finally, supporting arts and cultural programs that bring individuals or groups to Norwich will help to reinforce that our city is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

2. I am a lifelong resident and taxpayer of Norwich. I am dedicated to the citizens and I take great pride in serving my community as a member of the City Council. I have worked tirelessly over the past six years and I will continue to do so. As a local small business owner, I understand the challenges that face us on a daily basis. I am honest and fair and a good listener. I will continue to find ways to reduce our tax burden without sacrificing services, grow our grand list through smart and thoughtful economic development, make our schools ready to meet the educational needs of our children and make Norwich a great place to live, work and have fun.

Tracey Burto

Tracey Burto

1. American Rescue Plan (funds) should go to establishing a community center for our city youth, adults, and elders. Community centers bring communities together. It gives the youth and the elder a chance to get to know each other. It improves relationships between everyone in the community. It is important to me that the youth have a safe place to go after school for activities such as basketball, swimming, working on homework, and being mentored by members of the community. When kids take part in swimming, basketball, or any type of sport it teaches them team-building skills and how to work together which is an essential skill in life. It helps kids stay on the right track and teaches them how to give back. And it is a place where families can take part in activities together. Mentoring is important because it builds communication and leadership.

2. I am a hard worker and have over 18 years of leadership experience. My leadership position requires me to have good leadership and organizational skills. I also have problem-solving skills and the ability to defuse situations and work well with others. I am not afraid to communicate how I feel on any given subject or reach across the aisle to get stuff done. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Security Management and Administration through the University of Phoenix. I believe in honesty and integrity. I am a proponent of women's rights.

Swarnjit Singh

Swarnjit Singh

1. ARP money is a one-time opportunity that our city can use to improve the standard of living for our citizens.

I have many suggestions and I will strongly advocate for the following.

1) City should invest in public safety by installing plate reader cameras at city entrances and exits to combat crime and increased robberies.

2) City should invest in technology and make an app for Norwich through which it’s easy for citizens to navigate. The app can be connected to various departments to make it easy to apply for a home permit, report crime or incident, tell us where recreational activities can be done and where which event is going on. The app can also help people coming downtown to find where parking is available.

3) E-governance should be created to help citizens do small things from home instead of coming to city hall and paying for services.

4) Multilingual resources, translation services, and cultural competence training resources should be available for citizens and city employees.

5) All age groups should be accommodated by creating indoor and outdoor safe spaces for their gathering and recreational activities.

2. I am a candidate who is fully vested and fully invested in Norwich.

I am a small business owner and understand the struggles of small businesses and look forward to helping them.

I am a father of 5-year-old and understand how important it is for us as a city to not ignore education and create more indoor and outdoor recreational spaces.

Being from a minority community, I understand the struggles of immigrants and other minority communities and I look forward to helping them.

Being a homeowner, I fully understand we cannot afford more property taxes and we must invest in our infrastructure to justify our existing property taxes.

I am currently serving my community as a Board of Education Member and representing residents of our city in various commissions and boards for many years.

I look forward to making our city governance better and more humane.

I have been serving the people of Norwich since 2010 through various civic and nonprofit organizations and I have experience, intention, and potential to help my community through the city council platform.

I look forward to your vote on 3A in Ballot on Nov. 2, 2021.

Let's make this city a better place to live in for everyone.

Derell Wilson

Derell Wilson

1. I believe the allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act for next year should be devoted to projects and ideas that benefit many residents here in the City of Norwich. I believe more should go to opportunities to enhance the amenities and attractions in the community. I would like to see either a community center or an aquatic center or a combination built through this second-round funding. I believe some infrastructure upgrades must occur such as our storm drains as we have seen major issues with flooding occur over these last few months. I believe taking care of some additional recreational projects to renovate and upgrade our fields for our kids and families is important. I would like to see an amount of money no less than $500,000, put aside to help our small businesses as they navigate through changes caused by this pandemic.  I would like to see money placed aside to help our seniors on fixed income. Some additional funding should be set aside for recreational program opportunities that are geared toward families, adults, and seniors. An additional allocation should be given to arts and culture, as this is one of many areas that has lacked funding for years and deserves a boost as this area suffered greatly during the pandemic. I believe we must see what other community needs and ideas are out there as well. As I have stated numerous times, it is mandatory that residents have enough opportunities to weigh in on how the money is allocated.

2. As a lifelong resident here in the City of Norwich, I have served on committees, boards, and most recently as a member of the City Council. I have stepped out of my comfort zone to understand the various aspects of city government such as riding along for the police department, learning what youth programs are in this community, or even lending a helping hand in the city clerk's office. Over the past two years I have been an advocate for all in this city. I am willing to volunteer in any way I can to help the community, whether it be through coaching, mentoring, or just listening to our residents. I am straightforward and transparent about city business. I have been accessible in providing information to residents in multiple ways. I believe I help bring a younger mindset to the table which has sparked some amazing ideas these last few years.

Ella Myles

1. Funds should continue to be allocated towards community investment. This includes investing in our youth with skill and employment programs, bolstering small businesses and blight enforcement. As our community is still struggling with the effects of the pandemic, offering community mental health workshops for all ages would also be beneficial for the community. Addressing the panhandling and homeless crisis should also be addressed.

2. I have an advanced degree in criminal justice and criminal justice administration. I am currently pursuing my doctoral degree in business administration. I have lengthy experience with grants, grant administration, historic preservation, budgets, and federal contracts. I can have a calm conversation without becoming overwhelmed with emotion and I am an active listener. As a Native American female, I can identify with many issues other minority citizens face daily. I would like to think I represent the level of diversity the city of Norwich has.

Robert Bell

Robert Bell

1. I would recommend the funds go into infrastructure to help out the neighborhoods who constantly flood due to inadequate storm drainage.

Some of the funds should go towards implementing at least three of our public schools to be open later in the evening and all summer to provide theatres, courts, and classrooms for community-based activities.

Our fire and police have had to take their own personal sick days when catching COVID on emergency calls. They should be reimbursed.

2. I am a 15-year Norwich native that has made his home here for me and my daughter. I provide jobs and give generously to local organizations that do great things for our community.

Being a successful business owner, I know what it takes to make the hard decisions to balance a budget, and to delegate responsibilities. I am involved in many charity and community groups from many diversities. I have what it takes to serve the citizens of Norwich.

Mark Adams

Mark Adams

1. I would like The ARP Act allocated in several areas I feel would benefit our city. Specifically in the area of new economical development, and support in aiding our existing small businesses who were impacted by the pandemic and managed to stay open. Another area I'd like to see the money allocated would be towards our infrastructure, road reconstruction, fixing our city's flooding issues and providing citywide broadband internet service. I'd also like to see funds go to our public health services specifically in the area of mental health with attention-focused on our adolescents.

Additional resources should be allocated to our public safety departments and first responders who worked tirelessly through the pandemic and put themselves at risk everyday. And funds should go to implementation of community centers for our city youth.

2. What I'd like our voters to know about me is that I don't have a personal agenda other than to represent the people of our city with honesty and integrity. To be someone who will work hard to usher in a new era, a new life and new energy to Norwich. I will make the Rose City bloom again!

Grant Neuendorf

Grant Neuendorf

1. I believe full-heartedly that this money should go to the youth of Norwich and providing them with safe, clean, entertaining and family-friendly areas to play, grow and develop. The reason I believe children should be at the front of receiving this money is because our youth is the group in society and especially in our community that suffers the most. This is a sad moment because I know that this community can give more for youth.

One reason we need to focus on our youth is because right now they are becoming one of the unhealthiest groups of people in our society. These problems were not caused by COVID-19 but the hysteria that was created only amplified it. Children are becoming less active and more over weight. Glued to technology and have all different types of mental health issues. Lastly, COVID caused social separation from peers which has just amplified the problems significantly. These three issues all taking place at once would make anyone depressed. Luckily there is a balance to this wide growing problem, sports youth sports and recreations.  

That’s right, I believe it is time to rescue the Norwich Rec Department.

2. I would say my biggest qualification is that I love this city. Norwich is the only place I have ever called home; I owe a lot to this city and the people of Norwich. When I began working in child care my boss always referred to this simple saying but extremely powerful when you give it deep thought. When we would be championing one of the children he would say “it takes a village.” So in child care when we say it takes a village what we mean it takes a community, it takes a wide range of people from teachers, coaches, interactions at the grocery store that help build that individual's understanding of the world around them. For me my village was the best, between going to St. Patrick’s and Norwich Free Academy. As well as having good interaction at the gym and stores around town to playing pick-up basketball at the rec or football on the Norwich town green. …. I recently left the child care world and am now an intervention specialist at Norwich Free Academy; I also coach the freshmen soccer team here at NFA as well. I volunteer and give my time to the Norwich youth soccer club where I am the vice president and run the youth soccer program on Saturday morning.

Joseph DeLucia

Joseph DeLucia

1. My Democratic caucus has started directing this money to kid-centered programs; student support and recreation activities in our schools, improving neighborhood playgrounds, increasing the ways we support children as we emerge from the pandemic. We have set aside some money for infrastructure, for economic development, and for human services. With the round-2 money, I will lobby for the upgrade of our recreation facilities and playground programs city-wide, and seek better ways to engage and get input from the community. What I refuse to do is to pour more money into supposed "economic development" programs that cannot show tangible data of their success. We have this once-in-a-generation chance to change the face of Norwich with money that taxpayers could never provide. I will not watch it be squandered on more of the same old strategies. We need new ideas, a new vision, and new priorities.

2. My voting record clearly demonstrates that my focus is on people before politics. Unlike my opponents, the best interests of the city come before the best interests of my voter base. My most important attribute is that I do not wilt in front of the long-standing fortified fiefdoms in this city. I challenged the Board of Commissioners at NPU to adopt better bylaws after "Derbygate," and they did. I challenged the way the NPU contribution to the city budget is allocated, and we changed it. I challenged the adversarial relationship between the Council and the BOE over their budget, and now we have harmony via the School Budget Ad hoc Committee that I chair. Which helped lead us to a $1.2 million school budget surplus. Now I am challenging the way we provide public safety in this community. I am asking hard questions and challenging the answers when they just don't make sense. And if your votes allow me to continue this work, I will lead us to a safer, more effective, more efficient public safety system for all of Norwich.