Cut the Crap!

It has, so far, been a relatively quiet election season in Norwich, with about two weeks to go. I realize we're still transitioning from summer to autumn, so for a lot of people, it hasn't been the right time to think about elections or what comes after them (governance, or attempting it), but it's time to turn to the task at hand.

I have no idea what the format for any future candidates' forum will be if held (the one at NFA could have been better organized), but I'd hope there'll still be opportunities to meet the people who are offering to help out by holding elected office and if not really "get to know them" then perhaps, "get to know them a little bit." And for them to get to know us a little better. 

I used to attend a lot of City Council meetings (and now watch them on public excess television), so my interest in getting to know the candidates is perhaps (selfish and) based, in part, on my understanding of how our political dynamic here works (or doesn't, as I sometimes despair).

If there's a chance to discuss particular topics, I'm very interested in learning more about how the candidates feel about our city budget but what I really will listen for from each person is how he/she envisions working to build our municipal grand list so that my personal property taxes go down (and yours, too, if you live in Norwich, Connectciut). So far, all across social media is a lot of vitriol and vicious comments about others who are running for office. Lots of heat but no light.

I'm tired of office seekers telling me 'Norwich needs economic development.' Newsflash: I already know that. I want people who wish to be the Mayor or Alderpersons to tell me, in detail, how they will grow the Grand List, attract new business, and create additional revenue streams for our city government.

I have a box of cliches at home, under the bed: 'pull together', 'work as a team', 'check our egos at the door', 'work across party lines', so we can skip all of that and cut to the chase.

I'd like to hear the candidates' thoughts on how the Council could be more effective and efficient in the accomplishment of their duties (and come to think of it, maybe they can help me understand what exactly the City Council does, and what they think it should do). But to be honest, I'm not holding my breath as we continue to choose new brooms to sweep old dust and pretend it's progress.

-bill kenny