I am a New Londoner. I chose to live here in 1991, and I've always held a vision of New London as a true renaissance city. I donated what I could to Mayor Finizio's campaign because I believe in his vision. I am not an out-of-towner with deep pockets. I drive a 25-year-old car every day.

Just the other night President Obama did something that Mayor Finizio had long wanted to see happen: He mentioned us in the same breath as West Point and Annapolis. Cadets can proudly say they graduated from New London. Our President knows where New London is, and I think that's due in part to the efforts of our mayor.

In November, all five referendum questions Mayor Finizio supported were overwhelmingly approved. The Coast Guard is committed to building a museum here. Our budget is balanced. Our fund balance no longer endangers our city's financial stability. Policy changes such as the executive order regarding immigrants are encouraging. I'm proud that this compassionate, humane order was enacted in my name.

As a member of the Democratic Town Committee, I hope that my party will unite behind our mayor so that he can finish the work he's started.