Taking Norwich in a new direction

The race for mayor in Norwich has produced three strong candidates, all currently members of the City Council. Unfortunately, that means the two losing council candidates will be out of city government, at least temporarily.

It is also a wide-open race, with no incumbent. Mayor Benjamin Lathrop decided not to seek re-election after completing one four-year term.

Mark M. Bettencourt, 49, is the Democratic nominee. Recently retired from his job with the Department of Correction, he is pragmatic in his approach to politics and government and feels true progress builds slowly. He warns that fiscal realities, including likely reductions in funding from the state, will limit the future mayor's options.

Peter Nystrom, 52, is the Republican candidate. The UPS driver served nine terms as a state representative before leaving that office in 2002 to make an unsuccessful bid for state Senate. His ability to keep winning elections in Norwich, a traditionally Democratic town, is a testament to his popularity with local voters.

Robert Zarnetske, 43, an attorney, is running under the banner of the Norwich for Change Party. A former Norwich city manager, serving from January 2006 to June 2007, Mr. Zarnetske has made the bold pledge to reduce taxes by 4 percent over the next four years.

Also running as a petitioning candidate is businessman Joseph J. Radecki Jr., 57. The Day did not consider endorsing Mr. Radecki because he and his business, C&J Septic Service, owe more than $4,500 in delinquent personal and motor vehicle property taxes to the city.

Good ideas

In meetings with The Day and in responding to its Voter Guide questions found on theday.com, all three council aldermen now seeking election to mayor provided good ideas, and we urge those not elected to stay involved.

Mr. Bettencourt recognizes the inherent conflict in having the Planning Department playing a lead role in the effort to generate economic development, as has been the case under the existing administration. Conflicts can arise between good planning and the desire for economic growth, said Mr. Bettencourt. In accordance with the charter, he sees his office playing the lead role in coordinating economic development efforts.

Mr. Bettencourt was a union official when working for the Department of Correction, and we have some concerns about his willingness to make the tough budget decisions that will be necessary. The council recently rejected on a 4-3 vote raises for unionized department heads of 6.25 percent, 3.5 percent and 3.5 percent over the next three years. Mr. Bettencourt voted in favor. He must recognize few in the private sector are seeing any raises, never mind such substantial hikes in pay.

Mr. Nystrom notes that Norwich has a wonderful asset in the city-owned Norwich Public Utilities. He would like to see it utilized to make Norwich a leader in renewable and alternative energy efforts. Mr. Nystrom pledges to be a strong voice for Norwich in fighting for state funding and said he will seek out regional partnerships to help controls costs.

Best choice

But we think Mr. Zarnetske holds out the greatest chance for dramatic change. During his first term on the council, this third-party candidate has proven to be a strong advocate for open government and public participation. This is welcomed in a city that has suffered in the past from accusations of too much backroom dealing. His efforts leading to the formation of an Ethics Commission were also noteworthy.

Mr. Zarnetske has no shortage of ideas. He sees the $22 million transportation center, soon to begin construction, as a hub for bus service to southeastern Connecticut, its casinos and tourism attractions from various points in the southern New England region. The challenge will then be to get these visitors to spend time frequenting downtown businesses, he said.

He promises to make attracting retail and restaurant outlets to the city, and particularly its downtown, a major priority. He wants to work with the growing Asian community to grow businesses that serve their needs while offering cultural diversity to the entire community.

Mr. Zarnetske advocates assessing parking fees to out-of-towners now utilizing Mohegan Park and other city parks for free, a reasonable proposal to supplement Norwich taxpayer support for these facilities. He proposes an aggressive campaign against blight, including tax incentives to improve properties and a volunteer corps to help clean up the city.

This candidate alone proposes evaluating city subsidies to determine which are producing results. And he said he will promote local-first spending.

Are all these ideas compatible with a tax-reduction pledge? Perhaps not, but we welcome the aggressive spirit. Business as usual has not served Norwich well. We recognize the potential dangers. Mr. Zarnetske's short time as city manager was rocky as he clashed with Mayor Lathrop. He rubs some the wrong way, but then again, sometimes a leader has to.

We are happy to endorse Robert Zarnetske for mayor of Norwich.