As a former Republican Groton City councilor I believe that Aundré Bumgardner is our best choice for mayor. Why? Because he won the Democratic primary and, if elected, will be transparent, accessible, accountable, and bring a fresh truth to City Hall.

How can he do that? Simply because he has no ties to failed policies or financial missteps of the city's past and he is not beholden to the city committee. Honesty is paramount to good governance. Aundré will listen and address short-term rental concerns of Eastern Point neighbors, clean up blight on Thames Street and mini junk yards in our city by enforcing existing regulations.

He will ask for input on economic development from adjacent neighbors at five corners and Thames Street. He will be brutally honest after meetings with the finance director where city money is coming from and where it is spent, using that money in the most fiscally responsible way for the betterment of city taxpayers and residents, not hiding finances from the public with high-priced lawyers.

I want Groton City to thrive. Let’s do this together and break the stranglehold of city insiders. On Monday, vote Aundré for mayor!

Jay Dempsey

Groton