The New Britain Herald has asked the candidates in the municipal elections questions on the issues facing our communities.

Today we present a question and answer session with Democratic candidates for the New Britain Alderman. The Republican candidates will be in tomorrow’s paper.

Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.

547 Slater Road

Education: Washington & Lee University, School of Commerce, Economics & Politics

Civic and Professional Organizations: Board of Directors Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc., Angelo Tomasso, Sr. Lodge Order Sons of Italy in America, New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Vice-President-New Britain Chapter UNICO National, Treasurer, New Britain Chapter UNICO Foundation, Inc., Former member, Board of Directors of Neighborhood Housing Services, Former member,St. Jerome Finance Committee, Past President/Treasurer, Angelo Tomasso, Sr. Lodge Order Sons of Italy Foundation, Inc., Past Connecticut State President -Order Sons of Italy in America.

Ward 5

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

Property taxes. The tax payers in New Britain pay one of the highest property taxes in the state. As a lifelong resident of New Britain, over the years, we have all seen the departure of some of the largest industries that contributed substantially to our Grand list and taxes, thus at the time, taking some of the tax burden off of homeowners. However, as the industries left, the burden shifted more and more on homeowners. The city needs to attract new businesses, developers and investors so as to add to our Grand List and shift some of the burden off of homeowners. We have a couple parcels of land left in New Britain, among them Pinnacle Heights. The city needs to work with the developer to make sure that the 60 plus acres of land is developed to its highest and best possible use, thus adding to our Grand List, provide tax dollars to the city, much needed jobs to its residents and a development which New Britain can be proud of for many years to come.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I was born and raised in New Britain and went to school at Gaffney, Slade Jr

High and graduated from New Britain High School. I have lived nearly my entire life in the 5th Ward and have been a lifelong member of St. Jerome Church. I feel I have a very good sense of the needs of my neighbors and the issues that matter the most to them. For over 25 years I have been active in the community and served as a city Commissioner under 4 Mayors both Democrat and Republican: Civil Service Commission, Chair — City Planning Commission, Chair — Building Dept Commission, Vice-Chair — Housing Board of Appeals. While I would be a new face on the Common Council, I feel I have a great deal of experience that will serve me well in getting things accomplished and I am committed to working for the best interests of the 5th Ward and the City. I believe in New Britain, am proud to be from New Britain and I believe that New Britain’s best days are still ahead.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

I do not support raising taxes. This question provides an either or situation to balance the budget. I believe that we need to do more to attract new businesses and developers thus adding to our Grand List and provide new tax dollars to our budget. If we generate new revenue sources and also look for areas in the budget where we can reduce expenses, we might end up in a position where we can actually lower taxes thus providing much needed tax relief to everyone.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

The City has been discussing the redevelopment of downtown for decades. When I was Chair of the City Planning Commission almost 20 years ago, we discussed working on a master plan for the redevelopment of downtown which incorporated a more pedestrian friendly area around Central Park and the need for people to live downtown. Unfortunately, the plan was never followed through and ended up in some filing cabinet. As a new face on the Common Council, I will work hard to develop plans to promote New Britain so that we can attract more quality restaurants and stores and businesses downtown. In order to get those businesses, you need people living downtown, who invest in downtown and who can support those businesses to create a vibrant downtown. The city has a great opportunity with the development of the new police station downtown. Retail on the street level must be a central part of that development. The Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown District have made some great strides in our downtown, but so much more can and needs to be done.

Michael W. Trueworthy

383 Monroe Street, New Britain

Employer: Self Employed Business Owner

Education: B.A., University of Connecticut, Storrs

Military Service: Graduate, OCS; United States Marine Corps (1998)

Civic and Professional Organizations: Elected Chair, Board of Assessment appeals 1999-2003; Alderman and Majority Leader; former Democratic Town committee member; League Women Voters, Member; AOH, Social Member; At-Large

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The unfair property tax system and the overreliance thereof to fund education.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I believe in public service and civic and community involvement. Individuals contribute to their community in any variety of ways. People volunteer at a soup kitchens, serve on committees of their local church, synagogue or other religious institutions, serve on City Boards or Commissions, Serve on the PTA and the list can go on forever. While I, too, engage in many of the above activities, my natural proclivity is to be involved in the decision making process of government.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

I feel the budget making process is too intricate and complex to be solved with only these two options. In general terms, however, I believe New Britain, and many other communities for that matter, has a revenue problem, not necessarily a spending problem. At the local level, grand list growth is one aspect to addressing this revenue problem while continuing to preserve city services that the citizenry require and pay for (police, fire, medical attention, garbage collection, roads, schooling, etc.). To increase the grand list: Vacant parcels, such as the former Pinnacle Heights property, should be sold. The process used to sell vacant properties should be fair, competitive, open and transparent to the public to the greatest extent possible, and efficient. Grand list growth also requires intelligent and proactive planning, thoughtful zoning requirements that are evenly and accurately enforced without hesitation, and timely and efficient dealings with business owners/developers. I will strongly continue to advocate for statewide property tax reform at the state level.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

In the same fashion of point #2 of the previous question: Intelligent and proactive planning, thoughtful zoning requirements that are evenly and accurately enforced without hesitation, and timely and efficient dealings with business owners/developers.

Eva Magnuszewski

95 Governor Street, New Britain

Employer: Account Executive, Beekley Corporation

Education: CCSU, communications

Civic and Professional Organizations: Member of the Democratic Town Committee At Large

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

Property Taxes: I believe a comprehensive Marketing Plan for the City to attract new businesses could solve the property tax issue. We need to begin with the end in mind. New Britain is a centrally located metropolis with a diverse demographic that would be attractive to many major retailers. New Haven has an Ikea, Manchester has a Christmas Tree Shops, two retailers who are doing well, despite the economy. Why doesn’t New Britain have one or both?

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I am running for Office because I care about New Britain. It is important to be involved in the community in which you live. I was born and raised here, I graduated from Sacred Heart School, the Polish School, St. Thomas Aquinas and later CCSU. I have seen many changes occur in the City over the past 3 decades, some good and some bad. I decided to try and affect change for the better by being involved in part the process in which decisions are made for the City. My qualifications include: I am bi lingual (I’m fluent in English and Polish), I have been on the Council for nearly two years, I have been a City resident for the majority of my life, I have volunteered on many campaigns over the last four years, speaking to many constituents, I know what issues are important to them . Oone of the most important thing I have learned over the last four years is this: The most important quality an elected official can possess is empathy so he or she can say “What does the world look like through my constituent’s eyes?” and know the answer.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

I do not support raising taxes. This is not the economic climate in which to raise taxes. Reducing spending and growing the Grand List through business development would be my solutions to balance the budget.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

While many downtowns struggle, many like West Hartford thrive. Having a clear vision of what the Downtown should look like in two years, five years, seven and 10 years etc. is crucial. We are making progress slowly, but its no secret that a great deal more work needs to be done before downtown New Britain becomes an increased mix of business, housing, commercial, and just plain fun . Empty storefronts and buildings create opportunities but having strong detailed plans for pretty facades in critical for downtown development. I believe a strong Marketing Plan for the City to attract new businesses for Downtown and all areas of the City is vital.

Paul D. Catanzaro

250 Hillhurst Ave.

Employer: City of New Britain

Education: Smalley, Nathan Hale and New Britain High School

Civic and Professional Organizations: Civil Defense Rescue Squad, Aux. Police.

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The most important challenge facing NB I think is to bring new Business into the city to relieve the home owners that have had the full tax burden on them for to long. And to dispel the notion that this is a bad and unsafe City.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I am running simple because I love this City, the place where I was born and raised. Where most of my large family still lives and have been part of this City weather as a Police Officer or a Politician or a private business owner for many proud years. I have lived in many parts of the City and have seen first hand the good and not so good places. I really believe we should give back and do are part to make this world a little better when we leave then when we got here. So my only qualifications are that I have a good heart and am a honest person and I love to help people and try to make this Truly The City for all People that I know it can be.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

It all depends on how much the budget is off by, the first choice is always to cut spending. But if you can’t cut enough with out hurting vital services you have no choice but to increase revenue.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

To continue to work with the developers for a true pubic private partnership and to do a better job is promoting are city and all the pluses it has such as access to many highways ,great infrastructure, excellent water and sewer system, low per sq ft price compared to other cities, CCSU, parks, museum and so on.

Shirley A. Black

301 Tremont Street Apartment 3

Employer: Retired Machinist

Education: high school graduate

Civic and Professional Organizations: Pres. Black Democratic Club, New Britain NAACP 2009 Community Service Awardee, Justice of the Peace, Dem. Town Committee; Machinists’ union (IAM 26) retirees and Senior In Action.

Ward 3

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The major challenge is keeping neighborhoods safe and addressing persistent problems of blight and disinvestment. Long term, the city needs more resources for community and neighborhood development to assist the problems identified by NRZ groups. Short term, the city administration needs to do a better job of enforcement than has been the case during my time on the Council. That includes regular, coordinated enforcement action between the building, health departments and the fire marshal’s office.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I am running to represent Ward 3 constituent interests on the city budget and policies. I want to be a part of efforts to improve neighborhoods that have included my support of making the new Willow Street Park a reality despite initial opposition of the city administration, re-establishment of the Building Commission and bringing sweat equity projects such as Habitat for Humanity to the area.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

I support a fiscal policy that provides for delivery of essential services and sustaining New Britain as a good place to live within a balanced budget. On a year to year basis that may mean raising taxes as a last resort and reducing spending in areas where we can do without.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

I would make the process more inclusive and more public by including representatives of neighborhoods throughout the city for consultation. Downtown is not an island separated from the rest of the city. It should be developed as one city neighborhood with a mix of residential, retail, service and transportation. We should also look for development opportunities in the Arch Street area in a comprehensive development strategy.

Lawrence “Larry” Hermanowski

19 Seneca Street

Employer: Gros-Ite Spindle Div. of EDAC Corp.

Education: Associates Degree Mechanical Engineering

Civic and Professional Organizations: VITA Tax Volunteer, Pulaski Club, PNA Lodge 2093, Polish Falcon’s of America Nest 88, Belvidere Neighborhood Association

Ward 4

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

Out of control budget growth funded by one time revenue sources, illusory, property / asset sales and frivolous spending. Deficits covered by non-payment of budgeted line items. The next mayor and Council will need to address the hidden deficits that have covered up over the past six (6) years.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

To give the taxpayers and all citizens a voice in their local government. Honest and Diligent in getting action completed. I have over 30 years of working experience in business management and applications engineering which enables me to analyze departmental operations and budgeting.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

See answers to question #1

How would you improve the downtown development process?

First, can the City afford the proposed improvements? The most important stake in rebuilding the entire downtown would have been to unite both sides of Main Street by placing the proposed Police Station on the former Greenfield’s property in the middle of Main Street and not on the south side of Main Street. We should also push the State to compensate the City by building a platform over the Highway that divided our downtown and which can be developed into a viable retail and business center

Adam Platosz

37 Olive Street

Employer: Formerly employed Anthem CT; 25 years in data processing

Education: E.C. Goodwin Technical High School graduate; Computer Data Institute

Civic and Professional Organizations: alderman at large 1989-1992; Democratic Town Committee, Justice of the Peace, Elks Lodge, 8th Ward Political Club; active in Ukrainian church and social organizations

Ward 2

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The escalating costs of local government matched against the citizens ability to pay for it is the most important challenge in the near future. The property tax is an antiquated and unfair way to pay for schools and important services. Until statewide reform of the property tax happens this will be the biggest challenge.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I have extensive experience serving the citizens of New Britain as a ward and at large alderman. I am familiar with the workings of city government and am proposing solutions for a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars. I have lived and raised a family in Ward 2 for close to 40 years and strive to be accessible to my neighbors needs on the Council.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

I would support reducing spending and have made proposals to do so that have been opposed by the Stewart administration. Two of the most significant cost increases in municipal budgeting involve health insurance premiums and utility/electricity costs. On health insurance, I favor adoption of the health care partnership that would allow New Britain (estimated savings of approximately $900,000 per year) to become part of a statewide pool in health care with similar or better coverage. On utility rates, the city can exercise a local option law to enter cooperative and pools that will lower rates considerably.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

I would favor the city seeking more partnerships with Central CT State University to bring more educational services and student housing to the central business district.

Marie C. Lausch

51 Colt St.

Employer: City of New Britain, as a 911 Dispatcher

Education: NBHS grad, plus 2 years college

Civic and Professional Organizations: Local President as well as Nat’l Exec board member of United Electrical Radio & Machine Workers of America

Ward 1

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

I think the most important challenge facing New Britain is economic stability, a tough goal, especially during the current financial downturn. I think New Britain needs to make long-term goals for community viability, and not be swayed by the quick buck. The cultivation of “green” jobs could not only help our environment, but also utilize our current resources. We have housing, we have space, and we have a trainable workforce. Perhaps we should stop looking at our past, and now become the “GREENWARE Capitol of the World”

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I am running because I love my City and want to be part of the process to improve her. As a 911 Dispatcher, I hear the voice of New Britain’s citizens every day, and feel I have a good understanding of their needs. I have been a community advocate, and a school volunteer for years. As President of my 2000+ municipal workers’ Union (UE Local 222) I have made great strides for workers rights, becoming involved both on a State as well as a National level to improve the lives of working Americans.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

I think a mix of both needs to be evaluated. The typical New Britain taxpayer is burdened enough. We need to give our seniors that have built this community breaks that keep up with their ever-decreasing spendable incomes. Belts need to be tightened, as they are with each New Britain family during hard economic times, and solutions should be sought by broad coalitions of community members. Buying large ticket items such as gas guzzling vehicles is not prudent.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

I think the downtown development is off to a good start. Events at the Hole in the Wall Theater, Trinity on Main, the New Britain Art Museum as well as our new artist collaborative, the High School and CCSU Campus need to be supported and promoted Statewide. We need to find a way to link the vibrant Broad Street area with the downtown at large, and reach out to businesses that enhance the downtown.

Carlos E. Piña Jr.

66 South Mountain Drive

Employer: Retired State of Connecticut

Education: Meriden Public School System

Ward 1

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The most important challenge facing New Britain is permitting and promoting economic development. Where possible “smart growth” options should be considered. We need to utilize abandoned sites, clean-up environmental issues, and seek economic growth that neighborhoods will welcome. We need to become aware of and then utilize all state and federal resources that may prove to be available. Increasing business tax revenues and job opportunities is our job #1. A working New Britain is a successful New Britain! These business help offset the residential tax burden, occupy vacant buildings, and add jobs and business opportunities to our community. Many of these businesses also partner with the city to provide economic leadership, beautification partnerships, and community event support.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I am seeking this position because I believe we need a political climate where the leaders actively listen, positively engage our citizenry and then respond with new creative, effective policy that can make a difference. We need to work together with our schools, community and civic organizations, our religious institutions, and our neighborhoods. Our success depends on our ability to unify our efforts to do what is best for the City of New Britain. Our focus should be on projects that add to the quality of life for all our residents. I care about this city and its direction. I can provide this leadership. I am a New Britain resident and father of four daughters. As a former DCF employee, coach, and community volunteer I have demonstrated my concern and my abilities. I look forward to addressing the challenges and opportunities this position presents. You have my word that I will listen and provide honest leadership and common sense solutions.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

Intelligent budgeting does not lend itself to either-or propositions. It requires a comprehensive fiscal approach where attention is given to all options. All expenditures must be examined, defended and justified, while always looking for effective economies of scale. Difficult decisions must sometimes be made, but never at the expense of our public safety and the quality of our education. Raising taxes must not be the best option to counter expenditures. Increased business revenue needs to be a specific, measureable and attainable objective. Strong communities balance the tax burden on business and residential properties. Our homeowners can not carry the whole burden, nor should they be asked to.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

Wherever possible we need to simplify the economic development process for potential business investors. They need “one-stop shopping”, where all permit processing such as fire-marshal, planning, building inspections, can be coordinated in a single place. Simplified means expedited. The sooner the doors of these businesses open, the sooner we add a new tax paying entity to the city. We need more aggressive efforts to recruit new business capital and we need to be consistently positive about the opportunities here in New Britain. Our central location, easy highway access, and higher education opportunities present unique opportunities. It is time for us to take advantage of that! We need testimonies of success from existing enterprises and have documented and detailed plans for the recruitment of new ventures. We need to be up-to-date on all successful proven methodologies and effectively utilize modern technology in our efforts.

Silvia Cruz

228 Glen Street, New Britain

Education: High School Diploma, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Organizations: Board Member CCAG, President-Latino Community for Progress, North-Oak NRZ-Chair of Economic Development.

Ward 3

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

I believe New Britain has many positives; however, there are still major challenges such as a lack of jobs, the low scores of our schools, and the continued housing blight. Unfortunately, it is difficult to turn these challenges around quickly and, of course, the current economic situation does not help.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I am running because although New Britain has many tough challenges, I believe that because of my and others efforts, we will begin to see a turnaround. For example, I was very involved in creating the Willow Street Park. It is currently under construction and will celebrate its opening on October 29th. This park has revitalized a whole block along with the Habitat for Humanity Houses. I want to continue to serve the people of ward 3 so I can help to continue to revitalize neighborhoods and be their voice at the city level.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

I support doing what needs to be done to balance the budget. I believe, however, that important and vital services need to stay in place in order to sustain or improve the health, safety, education, and quality of life of all New Britain residents.

How would you improve the downtown development process

I am very excited about the downtown development. I support and feel that the new police station will be a major improvement to the downtown area. What I would like to see happen is much more publicity about the exciting plans or ideas for the downtown along with coordinated efforts to engage more people in the process. This is a wonderful opportunity to get all people energized and involved in the future vision of our city

Laura Woodie

26 Logan Street

Employer: advocate for low-income families and families with disabilities in various communities

Education: BS from Pay Bath College, Long Meadow, MA

At Large

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

Redevelopment and affordable housing

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I believe that I can help New Britain be a better place for all. I have been an advocate for disabled and low income families for years in various locations. I currently spend my spare time working with property owners to develop and modify properties so that they are accessible

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

I am unable to answer that question without reviewing the budget on a line by line basis. Generally, raising the property tax should be a last resort. Our children and the quality of their education, however, should not be held hostage by the tax system.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

I would work with the other members to bring business, and entertainment for all ages to our area. Music and cultural events are a good way to bring people and business back to downtown

Juan Verdu

19 Pond View Road

Employer: Human Resource Agency of New Britain – Eviction and Foreclosure Mediator/Coordinator

Education: Tunxis Community College Certificate in accounting; School of Modern Photography; continuing education in mediation services over 12 years

Civic and Professional Organizations: two-term Board of Education member and past President, finance and negotiating committees; steward and negotiating committee in UAW Local 133; past Treasurer of Spanish American Cultural Club; youth soccer coach and commissioner; serve on Arch St. Improvement committee, Broad St. NRZ, CT Fair Housing Assoc., and served on Governor’s Blue Ribbon Comm to Study Affordable Housing.

What are your qualifications for the office you seek?

First, I have been a homeowner and taxpayer in the city for close to 40 years and understand the economic pressures that many of our fellow citizens face in meeting their tax obligations. Formally, I obtained a certificate in accounting from Tunxis Community College and have obtained certifications as a mediator. I have served in public office on the board of education for two, four-year terms as my children made their way through and graduated from the school system. As an elected official and BOE President I strove to work with all constituencies fairly and openly and will take the same approach as Tax Collector.

What technological changes would you like to see in this office?

The office should implement and maintain state of the art, user-friendly technology. Upon taking office I would review the use of information technology in the office and make improvements that would enhance tax collections and bring ease of use to the taxpayer within budget limits. In addition to offering online payment options, information technology can also make the tax system more transparent and accessible to the public.

What is the role of the Tax Collector?

The duties of the tax collector are fully enumerated in Article VI of the City Charter to “collect all taxes and assessments as provided for in the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, this Charter and the code of Ordinances.” It is incumbent for the tax collector to stay current with current tax laws, share information with colleagues in other towns and fully participate in seminars and certifications available through the state Tax Collector’s association.

Why do you want to be the Tax Collector?

I appreciate this nomination and the opportunity to serve residents. The tax collector office is one of the most visible and frequently used at City Hall and I would like the opportunity to lead it by ensuring services are high-touch, friendly and transparent to all. I will be an advocate for property tax reform to reduce reliance on this regressive tax better suited to the 18th century. I believe I have the experience and judgment to maintain the office providing equal application of the law, firmness and fairness to all residents. I would seek to emulate the service of former Tax Collector Fred Menditto who served for 14 consecutive terms – putting the office above partisanship instilling confidence of citizens in their city government.

Ryan Hurlburt

3 Ellis St

Employer: United Health Group

Education: BA Finance

Civic and Professional Organizations: HYPE (Hartford Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals)

At Large

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

There are many challenges facing New Britain. One of the biggest is the burden in the increase in taxes that we now have to bear. The local and state tax system is stacked against cities such as New Britain and the over reliance on property taxes will continue to put pressure on the Mayor and City Council to make difficult choices in balancing taxes and spending.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

As a current resident of New Britain. I attended and graduated from Central Connecticut State University with Bachelor’s degree in Finance. I have chosen to make my home here and want an opportunity to serve the city and its people. As an accomplished Analyst for one of the world’s top insurance companies (Fortune 21) I have the ability to analyze problems from multiple angles in order to come up with the best possible solution.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

I would support rebalancing the budget. Going through it line item by line item and looking at the items that are over spending and under spending and adjust accordingly. Across the board cuts are election-year gimmicks that ultimately cost more money. As a city councilor identifying sensible cuts and ways to run government more efficiently will be my highest priority.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

Public transportation should play an even bigger part in plans for downtown development. That includes the delayed bus way into Hartford as well as rail linkages from the city which is halfway between Boston and New York. The two are not mutually exclusive and can be a catalyst to new economic development. I also favor exploring more ways that my alma mater can expand educational opportunities for students and residents in downtown locations.

Phil Sherwood

420 Commonwealth Avenue, New Britain

Employer: Connecticut Citizen Action Group (CCAG)

Education: BA in American Studies and Jazz Performance, Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford

Civic and Professional Organizations: Member of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Board member New Britain Area League of Women Voters, Justice of the Peace.

Ward 4

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The major challenge facing our city is the lack of good paying jobs. The significant amount of jobs lost in New Britain, particularly in manufacturing, makes it more difficult for families to make ends meet and leaves our city with a dwindling tax base. This pushes the costs of city services and education too much onto the individual property tax payer. Also, the inability for the city to address urban blight issues such as abandoned buildings, graffiti, and a spike in negligent absentee landlords fosters an environment that is challenging to attract small business and new homeowners to our city.

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I was elected two years ago as a new face and am running for re-election because I want New Britain to become a city where families once again can prosper. I worry about what the future holds for my 4 year old son as he grows older.

My 10 years experience working as a citizen advocate for the states oldest and largest public interest group has enabled me to develop the skills necessary to advocate for my constituents in the 4th ward. In my first term I successfully led the council to pass ordinances that makes it easier for taxpayers to access public information and strengthened the cities ethics code to require financial disclosure be provided for public officials that have conflicts of interests.

Would you support raising taxes or reducing spending to balance the budget?

Raising taxes should be the last resort after first looking for increased efficiencies in city services and cutting spending where it is not needed. It’s vital that spending is prioritized, as some spending, such as preventative infrastructure work, can actually save tax dollars over the long term and certain cuts can cost more money in the long run. I will continue to advocate strongly for an independent internal city auditor to help identify savings, waste and redundancies in city spending.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

If we are to redevelop downtown in a successful way it must first feel safe. Too many people have told me they do not feel safe going downtown. The city can have a great plan that includes independent investors, but in the end, if people do not feel safe and the area is not pedestrian friendly, they may think twice before coming downtown.

Downtown should be developed as a safe city neighborhood calling for residential, storefront retail, and accessible transportation. It’s important that the city be more proactive at cleaning up the blighted properties within and surrounding the neighborhoods in downtown to be more inviting. I believe our downtown has enormous potential, with some wonderful businesses and a rich history that we need to utilize.