Norwich election results

Norwich -- With nine of the 10 city voting precincts in, Republican Alderman Peter Nystrom had a strong lead in the four-way mayoral race and declared victory at about 9:20 p.m., with the rousing help of Republican state Rep. Christopher Coutu.

"Let me introduce Mayor Nystrom!" Coutu shouted to a packed Chacer's Bar & Grill on Franklin Street.

Nystrom addressed the crowd of supporters 10 minutes later, thanking them for everything from posting signs to making calls and doing whatever was necessary.
He broke down briefly before saying "We have a lot of work to do. My city. My hometown ... We have so much work to do and we need to do it together, and not just with those in this room."

Alderman Robert Zarnetske, who ran on the Norwich for Change party line, finished second, and Democrat Mark Bettencourt third, with petitioning candidate Joseph Radecki a distant fourth.

Zarnetske and Bettencourt both called Nystrom a formidable opponent, a longtime favorite in this city dominated by Democrats and unaffiliated voters.

Newcomer Democrat Deberey Hinchey led the 12-candidate field for City Council, followed by Republican incumbent Alderman William Nash.