I believe New London has always been a city of big dreams and bold possibilities. The mayor of New London must have a strong belief in this city, a vision for a prosperous future, and a plan for getting us where we want to be in terms of economic growth and prosperity.

I am running for mayor because I have the leadership skills and the commitment to fulfill the promise of New London. I pledge to improve the quality of life, ensure sound fiscal management, champion education, ensure public safety, foster economic development, and create jobs.

This will require citywide collaboration and participation. It will also take a concerted effort — not only to overcome our challenges, but to fully take advantage of our opportunities. My years of experience in city government, whether as a career firefighter or elected official, have given me a keen understanding of when our government is working well and when significant improvements are needed.

The experience I've gained through three terms on the City Council will be invaluable in the role of mayor. While my opponent will need to spend valuable time learning city government via on-the-job training, I am positioned to hit the ground running. I have firsthand experience in working with the wide range of processes, issues, and projects that must be attended to from day one of the mayor's term.

I have been elected to three terms on the City Council and was the first council president elected by my council peers. I have served as chair of a number of City Council committees, including Public Welfare, Finance, and Economic Development, and I have provided leadership at critical times. Most recently, I was able to lead a unanimous City Council to end three straight years of back-breaking tax increases.

I also served as liaison to the Economic Development Commission. Working together with the commission, we were able to reinstitute a Blight Ordinance for the City of New London. This ordinance was badly needed since the former Neighborhood Interdiction Program & Inspection Team (NIP-IT) was discontinued in 2012 when its funding was cut from the city budget.

As a lifelong resident of New London, a 31-year member of the fire department, and a labor attorney who has been practicing for more than 20 years, I know what it means to serve New London. I am running for mayor because it is the right time for me to give back to the city I love. I am optimistic about our future and believe that, with professional management restored in city government, we can overcome any problem we face.

Throughout my campaign, I held forums to discuss the major issues facing New London and I sought the views of hundreds of citizens, businesses, and educators. These conversations and discussions have helped me expand my understanding of the problems and opportunities facing New London. I will continue involving all stakeholders throughout my term as mayor.

My first priorities as mayor will be to ensure qualified professionals are in place throughout the administration; to increase the economic development initiatives in Fort Trumbull and in all city business districts; oversee the planning and development of the nearly $200 million school construction projects; and assure that the voices of all geographic, economic, and ethnic segments of the community will be heard and their concerns addressed.

This is a bold agenda for a new mayor. However, I am optimistic about our future and believe that, with professional management restored in city government, we can overcome our challenges and begin to enjoy success as a united, prosperous community.

Michael Passero is the Democratic candidate for mayor of New London.