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

We will be publishing their responses to those questions.

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

Marco Villa

131 Pendelton Rd.

Employer: New Britain Board of Education

Education: E.C Goodwin Tech, CCSU

Civic and Professional Organizations: New Britain High School Basketball Coach (from 1999 – 2007), Boys & Girls Club Athletic Director (9 years), AAU Basketball Coach

At-Large

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The most important challenge facing New Britain would be the consistent balance of lowering taxes & providing quality city services. In addition to this, we need to address the rising number of children living at or below the poverty level in our city.

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

I am running for Alderman because I believe in New Britain. I have lived here all my life and over the past 6 years I have seen more progress made on all levels of city government than I’ve seen in my lifetime here. Everyday I work with our city’s youth and speak with parents of our children, I know their concerns and problems, I can relate because I have children attending our schools as well. My qualifications are simple, As a longtime community leader, and parent, I know New Britain’s needs. I want to contribute to the positive things happening in New Britain under Mayor Stewart.

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

In these economic times, no one wants to raise taxes, however we need to look at other options for funding like federal and state grants if it can help provide for our citizens. I believe if we (the common council) work together, in a bi-partisan manner, we would be successful in our efforts to effectively balance our budget.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

Everyone wants to see downtown New Britain vibrant like it used to be, in order to get there we need to be more business friendly and appeal to companies who truly want to invest in our community. Working together toward progress in a bi-partisan manner in conjunction with the Mayor’s office needs to be a top priority.

Jason O. Gibson

38 Beaver St.

Employer: Boys and Girls Club of New Briatin

Education: Associates liberal arts Naugatuck Valley Community College; Bachelor’s in Social Work

Ward 3

What is the most important challenge facing in New Britain?

Personally, I do not believe that there is only a single most important challenge facing New Britain. Rather, I believe that economic development, affordable housing, and valuable healthcare are some of the challenges which we need to focus on.

Why are running? What are your qualifications for the office you seek?

My decision to run for alderman within this election is not about me, but rather our community. I plan to act as the voice of the New Britain residents, allowing us to work together as a team. Together, we can diminish the social ills that are affecting our neighborhoods and community. I have worked with various agencies within New Britain, collaborating with several community projects. I also regularly participate in community programs and activities. Most importantly, though, I plan to listen to the residents of ward three and all of New Britain, ensuring that their concerns receive a voice within our community.

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

The recession has demonstrated that we have to conserve our spending in order to balance our budget. Focusing on such unnecessary spending will inevitably allow us to achieve a balanced budget. Take a look at the budget and see where if possible we can reduce our spending.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

It is important that the downtown development process continue in the same progression, expanding as much as possible. Creating a downtown where both retail and family activities can co-exist would allow citizens to spend quality time within their own community, allowing them to enjoy the attractive surroundings.

However, I would honor the separation of powers between the legislative branch, and the executive branch. The Mayors office is responsible economic growth, the legislative branch is oversight on what comes from his office. I would work with the mayor to continue the progress being made downtown.

Lou Salvio

103 Russwin Rd., New Britain

Employer: Retired Educator

Military Service: U.S. Army

Civic and Professional Orgs. St. Maurice Church, Assn. of Retired Teachers Of Connecticut

At Large

What is the most important challenge facing in New Britain?

This is the 21st. Century. While it is nostalgic to remember NB as “the Hardware City of The World”, the moniker no longer fits. NB is a city in transition and must look to developing a new image. Our former hardware city factories are gone to parts nationwide and worldwide. The city must transform itself to deal with its current demographic reality. Higher education facilities, encouraging small businesses, becoming a fine arts and entertainment venue, a Sports venue and a Cultural Center are all avenues we must continue to explore.

Why are running? What are your qualifications for the office you seek?

I have sent to you my personal, professional and political resume. It is extensive. I suspect you will use whatever part of it you feel important.

I am a lifelong representative of the old and the transitional New Britain. The Salvio family has been in New Britain for 100 years. I am educated beyond high school and undergraduate college. I think for myself and I am totally dedicated to the people of New Britain, all of them! My foremost goal is to make life better fpr all NB residents. Regardless of political party affiliation.

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

This is not an either or question. An alderman/woman must do what is necessary to make government focused on people. Our bond rating agencies want to know that if all else fails, cities must raise taxes to meet their budget obligations. Under Mayor Stewart’s administration, NB has done this 6 years in a row despite the efforts of Council Democrats to obstruct progress. Deeds not words exemplify the worth of elected officials. Mayor Stewart has “walked the walk” and no amount of negative talk can dissolve that.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

Active, constructive questions and utmost cooperation. Don’t obstruct unless you have something better to offer. Don’t use innuendo and subterfuge; instead offer positive and realistic alternatives backed up by research and facts. Listen to your own feelings rather than to those of your political caucus. Be aware that the entire world has been affected by an economic downturn.

Julie Swan

78 Linden Street

Employer: New Britain Senior Center:

Education: Campbell Central High School, Community College of the Finger Lakes

Civic and Professional Organizations: Chair of the Eastside NRZ, Founding Member of the Eastside NRZ and Member of the planning Committee, Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer of the Police Substation, Founding Member and Volunteer of thee Anti-Graffitti Group, NBPD Volunteer Police Reserve Officer a.k.a. CSO ( Community Service Office), Fire Commissioner for the New Britain, Graduate of the FBI Citizens’ Academy, Volunteer for Rebuilding Together (Christmas in April, President of the New Britain Area Church Co-Ed Softball League, Member of the CPOA (Citizens’ Property Owner Association)

Ward 2

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

Finding the right balance between keeping taxes at a level that taxpayers can afford, providing necessary City services, and funding the Board of Education at the level parents expect.

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

I am very active in the community. I also attend many of the council meeting to be apprised of major issues. I want to bring this experience and my desire to serve to the Council. I believe in putting the best interests of the City first, not politics.

I also share Mayor Stewart’s vision of keeping taxes low by making New Britain more business friendly, and realize that this can only be accomplished if we work as a team.

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

Before raising taxes or cutting necessary services, I would look into bringing in other sources of revenue such as grants, increasing the grand list through business development etc. Certain City Departments such as Parks and Recreation do an excellent job of bringing additional revenue to the City, and the same example should be followed by others.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

The current process is hindered by the Council’s practice of sending virtually every item related to development in the City to the sub-committee level. As a result, a developer has to attend a minimum of three meetings instead of one. The City has dedicated and qualified Department heads, who are able to make these decisions. We should avoid micromanaging them, and trust their judgment.

Only those items that truly warrant the additional scrutiny and oversight should go to the sub-committee level.

Don Naples

11 Hazelmere Road, New Britain

Employer: Retired

Education: NBHS Graduate, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Golden Gate University (M.S. and M.B.A.)

Military Service: Career U.S. Coast Guard officer, 30 years service, retired as Captain

Civic and Professional Organizations: Vice-Chair, Zoning Board of Appeals, Secretary, Central CT Regional Planning Agency, representing New Britain, President, Trinity-on-Main Ltd, Board of Governors, Connecticut Society of Genealogists, Board Member and Past President, Hartford Chapter, Barbershop Harmony Society, Retired Senior Volunteer Program volunteer

naplesforalderman.com

Ward 4

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

We need to do all we can to attract more businesses, both small and large, to New Britain. This has the dual benefit of adding to our tax base and providing more local jobs for our residents.

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

I’m running to restore accountability and respect to public service in New Britain.

The two Aldermen who represent Ward 4 have consistently resisted the Mayor’s efforts to make New Britain a better place to live. One of them has been particularly condescending to business representatives considering moving to our City. That’s not the way to enhance our Property Grand List and hold the line on taxes. While walking door-to-door in the neighborhoods of Ward 4 for the past several weeks I have been listening to voters’ concerns. In addition to the usual tax, trash, pothole and blight issues, I’ve met a surprising number of people who are fed up with the partisan bickering on the Common Council during the past two years. As an experienced manager and fiscal conservative who knows the responsibilities of the City departments, I believe I can do a better job on the Common Council than the incumbent Ward 4 Aldermen have done for my home town.

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

It’s easy to choose “reducing spending” but very difficult to achieve. With so many fixed costs and State-mandated programs in the City budget, there is little room for cuts in discretionary funds. I prefer to work within the existing budget to provide the services the City and its residents need, shifting funds between City departments when necessary. Any new programs or expansion of existing programs should not be presented without a way to pay for them, either through Federal or State funding, reduction of other programs or services, taking advantage of increased revenue through growth of the Property Grand List, or (as a last resort) some sort of limited user fee. Increasing taxes is never good because it stifles economic growth at all levels.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

The existing process for downtown development is good; however its implementation could be improved in three ways. First, the public needs to be more involved. Major decisions are being made by committees at public hearings where only a handful of people attend. More publicity in local media would stimulate more public interest. Second, the Common Council and its committees need to be friendlier to businesses to generate more interest in downtown development as well as the entire City of New Britain. Third, developers should be encouraged to provide more young-adult residential opportunities to help revitalize the downtown district.

Some of our elected officials have expressed their dissatisfaction with the length of time required to move downtown development projects forward. Anyone with experience in this area knows that these negotiations take many months and sometimes years to show notable progress, especially in a bad economic environment. The time spent to “get it right” is well worth the effort.

Dennis Bryant

28 Wellington St.

Employer: Hospital for Special Care

Education: NBHS, Various Industrial Schools (Bucknell University)

Military Service: Navy Veteran, Honorable Discharge

Civic and Professional Organizations: Elks Club

Ward 3

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The most important challenges are maintaining stable and affordable taxes while maintaining city services. We need a senior ear in government who will follow through to hear out complaints. Finally, we must aspire to higher education standards for our kids in the future.

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

It’s time to give something back to the community and help move New Britain forward instead of watching from the sidelines. It’s an obligation: Forty years ago when re-development came about they said in the next 20 years New Britain would be back to normal. That never happened. In the past six years with Mayor Stewart, I’ve seen more positive things happen for everybody -- not just for certain groups or individuals. I’d like to be a part of that. Honest government, where everybody, interest groups or individuals, deserve equal access to government. As a senior citizen, I want to see commitment from community leaders. My candidacy is not a stepping stone for me to further myself. I’m doing this because I believe in New Britain.

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

I would reduce spending. You must look at a problem and look for the most efficient ways to solve them. You can’t just spend money that you don’t have while trying to maintain city services. Some cutbacks are going to be necessary. Affordable taxes for everybody.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

I would search and pursue people who want to be part of New Britain. This city has a lot of potential. With some work, we can make downtown the heart of the community once again. First, we need to find people who want to start their businesses here and make it a place where they can prosper. You do this by electing business friendly community leaders who will make that commitment. That is what will lead to bringing downtown New Britain back.

Craig Diangelo

285 Carlton Street

Employer: Northeast Utilities – Senior Engineer

Education: St. Joseph College – Business Administration and Economics

Civic and Professional Organizations: Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society for Business Management, Vice Chairman of New Britain City Plan Commission, New Britain Representative on Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency, Town and Gown Committee, Council Member of First Lutheran Church New Britain, New Britain Republican Town Committee

4th Ward

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The most important challenge facing New Britain at this time is the effects of a Global Economic slowdown. This prolonged recession has had far more reaching consequences then most would have assumed. It’s a wake-up call to New Britain. For too long, we have relied on manufacturing making a comeback and regaining our status as the Hardware City of the World. The reality is that a manufacturing comeback will never happen. There are several factors preventing this – Global competition, a regressive corporate tax structure in the state of Connecticut that makes manufacturing an expensive endeavor on a global scale and the lack of a large tract of available vacant land in New Britain large enough to support a globally competitive factory environment.

The building blocks to New Britain’s economic revival are already in place. The service economy has now become our city’s largest employer. We have two hospitals within our boundaries, with the Hospital of Central Connecticut as our largest employer. We are also fortunate to be the home of Central Connecticut State University, another large employer. We have a large regional Courthouse that anchors one end of our downtown. That too adds to our service economy. There is no reason why the city cannot house medical research firms, Call Centers and IT professionals that would support those service sectors.

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

As a lifelong, 4th generation New Britain resident, I am running to bring a sense of civility and decorum to our Council chambers. For too long we have been witness to childish antics and behavior unbecoming of elected officials. I will work with Mayor Stewart to put New Britain first before politics.

My qualifications include a career working in private industry. As an IT professional for over 30 years, I have been called upon to give guest lectures on IT Storage Principles at Eastern and Central Connecticut State Universities. My civic qualifications include tenures as Chairperson of New Britain’s Zoning Board and as acting Vice-Chair of New Britain’s City Plan Commission. I serve as a liaison on New Britain’s Town and Gown Committee, which works on issues that affect relations between CCSU and the surrounding neighborhood. I was past President of the First Lutheran Church Council and also served for two terms as an Alderman.

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

I would emphatically say NO to raising taxes. In this current recession, this is not the time to talk about tax increases or increasing fees. The first thing that one learns by taking Economics 101 is that the quickest way to kill economic growth is to increase taxes! I would work with the Mayor and the Finance Department to look at ways that the budget could be reduced that does not have an adverse impact on the operating requirements of the city.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

As a member of New Britain’s City Plan Commission, our committee has worked with New Britain’s City Planner and Department of Municipal Development to update the zoning ordinances as they pertain to the Central Business District. There is now a comprehensive development plan with a designated developer that will revitalize our downtown into a thriving urban destination. New high-rise office towers and apartments will increase pedestrian traffic downtown. This in turn will have a ripple affect with new restaurants, shops and entertainment venues opening up. However, as this project moves forward, it will need the support of the Common Council to work with the developer in a non-combative mode. We do not want to discourage a developer that is willing to invest millions of their own dollars with rudeness and disparaging remarks. I will be an advocate of New Britain to finally see this development to its fruition!

Mark H. Bernacki

141 Oakwood Drive, New Britain

Employment: Owner, Sir Speedy Printing Center, New Britain

Education: University of Hartford, MBA ; CCSU, BS in Computer Science;

Civic & Professional Associations: National Federation of Independent Businesses, Leadership Council Vice Chairman, Warm the Children-Volunteer Coordinator, Pope John Paul II – school board member, New Britain EMS-board liaison, Elks Club of New Britain, Unico Club of New Britain, Kiwanis Club of Middletown, St Maurice Church-communicant, Community Foundation of Greater New Britain-Catalyst Fund member & scholarship committee, New Britain Chamber of Commerce, New Britain Business Network Group, Polish American Business Association

At large

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The biggest challenge facing New Britain is attracting and maintaining (1) a vibrant middle class and (2) small and medium sized businesses. We must continue to be a full service community offering the amenities the public wants. To that end we must work hard to lower our mill rate. Taxes are still too high. A lower tax rate will make it easier for residents on a fixed income to maintain their residence here and will attract young families and small businesses to our city. Businesses will find New Britain more attractive with lower tax bills on their buildings and equipment as well as a strong work force and a modernized infrastructure of transportation, water, sewer, and telecommunications.

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

I have the business & political experience to help solve the difficult issues facing our City. As a business owner, I bring a real world experience to the common council, making people accountable for our limited resources. I have worked hard in both business and public service; owning a downtown business for 20 years and serving on the city council for 16 years.

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

Government spending at the federal and state level is out of control. Ordinary people are beginning to protest the levels of spending and taxation and are genuinely concerned for our country and future. I have worked with Mayor Stewart to provide our residents and businesses with a stable mill rate for the last six years. Reduced spending, not increased taxes, should ALWAYS balance our budget, especially in a recession.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

Being business friendly and welcoming business investment shouldn’t be just buzzwords floated around because of an election. I am greatly concerned with the tone and comments from some democrats on the City Council. We don’t need to hear “where’s the beef” leveled at business people willing to spend $5 million in our community. A simple “thank you” and “when can you start” was in order. I need to see hard dollar, private sector investment. Period. The City has a tremendous opportunity to attract successful developers and I commit to make both downtown development and Pinnacle Heights vibrant, attractively developed sites. I also commit to work with Mayor Timothy Stewart in developing pro-active policies of property tax relief, economic development, continuation of city services and accountability of our elected officials.

Jamie Giantonio

185 Birchwood Dr

Employer: Travelers Insurance Company, Hartford

Education: New Britain schools K-12; NYU and Tunxis Community College

Web site: www.nbrtc.com

At large

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The most important challenge facing the City of New Britain is keeping the mill rate stable. We need to keep the grand list growing by attracting new businesses and development. If we can continue to grow the grand list and continue to control spending, we can ensure that no essential services are cut. One of the first things a prospective home buyer, businessman /woman or developer is going to look at when trying to pick a location is taxes. The lower and more stable the mill rate is, the more attractive the city becomes to people.

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

I am running for office simply because I believe in New Britain. As a lifelong city resident, I have chosen to buy a house and raise a family here. I want to make New Britain the best place it can be. I feel we are definitely on the right track, and I hope to get the chance to make sure we stay on that track. As for qualifications: I have served on the Parks and Recreation Commission since 2004, during that time I have made many tough decisions and been involved in the budget process. I also have project management, facilitation and budgeting experience which will be invaluable to the Common Council should I be elected. Most of all, as a taxpayer, with a young family I am committed to New Britain, and to doing what is in the best interest of all New Britain residents.

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

To me reducing spending and raising taxes are plans B and C. Plan A needs to be to aggressively market New Britain to new businesses and developers in an effort to grow the grand list. We also need to be sure to retain the businesses we have. We need to continue on a path of economic growth in New Britain. If we do that, we should not have to reduce spending or raise taxes. In the event that growing the grand list is not enough I would have to say I would cut non essential spending before raising taxes. Any increase in taxes should be a last resort to balance the budget.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

I would like to see not only the downtown development, but all development processes made simpler. We need to make New Britain a business friendly environment. I would like to see a place where all the processes are well outlined easily followed and streamlined. I would like to see an environment where permits, approvals, zoning appeals and any other hurdles can be tackled in a timely fashion, while not sacrificing the scrutiny applied to such approvals. I want New Britain to have a reputation in the business world as a fair and easy place to establish a business.

Alphonse Wright

70 Greenwood Street

Employer: Retired, works part time as a Mortgage Broker

Education: Boston University: BLA

Military Service: USAF: 1959 – 1963, Honorable Discharge

thewrightalderman.org

Ward 2

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The major issue challenging New Britain is a Common Council that seems to be contrary just for the sake of being contrary. There does not appear to be any inclination towards disinterested discussion to ascertain the merits of issues. Regardless of the issue introduced by the minority party, the majority party seems to go off on a tangent with impertinent discussion in an attempt to cloud, and/or, discredit the validity of the issue rather than have an earnest dialogue to discover its merits.

This type of behavior by the majority party seems to be a major problem to progress on the important issues facing New Britain. As Stephen Covey states in his book, Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, “You can’t talk your way out of a problem you behave your way into.” You have to behave your way out of a problem you behave you way into. There needs to be some behavioral change in the majority party around “discussion of issues” on the Common Council to have earnest dialogue on issues to move important issues for New Britain forward.

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

I recently retired from Mortgage Services, Inc. in Waterbury, CT. I have a proven background in sales and in corporate business. In addition to fourteen years as a mortgage broker, I did commercial real estate, financial planning for individuals and small businesses, marketed benefits to small businesses as well as marketed management development programs to fortune 500 companies. On the corporate side, I have over 20 years experience in Human Resources with a specialty in Organizational Development. I have served on a number of inner city boards as well as the Connecticut State Board of Education and received the Outstanding Board Leadership Award from the Ralphola Taylor Community Center (YMCA) in Bridgeport. In Norwalk, I was Board Chairman of Excel, an organization to help at-risk students graduate from high school. I am chairman of the New Britain Commission on Community Neighborhood and Development, treasurer of the Connecticut State African American Affairs Commission and a Trustee of McCullough Temple CME Church as well as Chairman of its Building Committee.

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

Mayor Stewart has shown great leadership and responsibility in holding the line on taxes for the last six years while consistently producing a balanced budget for New Britain. I have supported the mayor from day one in this endeavor and I shall continue to support Mayor Stewart in his fiscal accountability to hold the line on taxes and to produce a balanced budget.

Wilfredo Pabon

205 Birchwood Dr.

Employer: Owner of New Britain Fence Co., LLC

Education: High School Diploma

Military Service: National Guard

Civic and Professional Organizations: New Britain Police Commissioner, Sergeant of Arms for Police Commissioner Assoc. of CT, Member FBI Citizen Academy of New Haven, New Britain Community Service Officer, Member of Board of Director for HRA, Member of Policy Council for HRA, Member of Housing Committee, Parishioner of St. Joseph Church, Past Member of the Hartford Evening Lions Club, Past Member of the Berlin Lions Club, Past Member of Pathway Senderos, Past Member of CW Resources, Former Vice President of Assoc of Hispanic Entrepreneurs of New Britain, Former Member of the Board of Directors for Spanish American Merchant Assoc.

Ward 1

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The most important challenge facing New Britain is the Board of Education. The Board of Education needs to deal with the issues concerning both the high school and elementary schools. The high school currently has over 3000 students and the elementary school classes are at grievance level. We need to work together to create a solution to accommodate this large population of students in order to provide our students with the education they deserve.

Parents have voiced their concerns over the number of students in their child’s classes. They believe that due to the large numbers in the classroom, it is not possible for teachers to accommodate the needs of all students and therefore their children are not receiving the education that is afforded them. We are doing an injustice to our students and setting them up for failure when we do not provide them with the basic tools for learning.

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

I am seeking the office of alderman in order to be a voice for our community within our city government. I am also invested in working together with the Mayor in order to attain set goals and establish new goals for the future. I am ready and willing to continue the work that needs to be done in order to keep our community moving forward.

I have many qualifications that I believe make me a viable candidate for the office of alderman. I have been a resident of New Britain for 30 years. I am very involved with our community in both civic and professional organizations. I am a New Britain Police Commissioner. I was a Vice President of Association of Hispanic Entrepreneurs of New Britain and a Former Member of the Board of Directors for Spanish American Merchant Association. I am also a small business owner and have been for the past 26 years. I will bring my business knowledge and experiences to this position if elected.

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

I would try to reduce spending by bringing in more economic development in New Britain, which would increase the Grand List. This would bring in more revenue, and lessen the burden felt by individual property owners and existing businesses. I do not believe taxpayers can afford any more increases given this recession.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

As a business owner and entrepreneur, I have experienced first hand the hardships facing businesses when trying to expand. I would like to see the zoning and permitting process consolidated, and make going to City Hall a “one stop shopping” experience. Doing so would allow developers to focus on the more important aspects of development such as securing their finances and developing their business plan.

We need to bring downtown New Britain back to the booming era it once was.

Businesses need to fill store fronts. The restoration of two main street buildings has increased the population of workers in our downtown area. The population will also increase with the construction of the new police station in downtown New Britain. This new population offers us an opportunity to rejuvenate our cities businesses. We can start to provide services and products to a whole new clientele in New Britain. Working together we can begin to bring in unique businesses and services that will provide products and services to meet the needs of the employees of the Board of Education and City Hall. Workers will be able to leave their offices and do all their shopping in downtown New Britain, saving them a trip to the mall and bringing revenue into our city.

Mary Marrocco

41 Reservoir Rd.

Employer: Retired

Education: Registered Nurse

Ward One

What is the most important challenge facing New Britain?

The most important challenge facing New Britain is to continue to stabilize the mill rate and at the same time provide quality education for our students and maintain services for our residents. In order to stabilize the mill rate we must increase our tax base by encouraging new business development. This is a positive for New Britain. Not only will our tax base increase, but also we would be providing jobs for our residents. This is important because we are faced with reduced support from state funds due to the financial conditions in Connecticut. Creating new jobs would also help solve the high employment rate.

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

I am running for the position of Alderman because I want to help the City of New Britain be a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Over the past few years I have seen needless arguments and accusations by members of the council. I feel that this has delayed progress and I want to represent the citizens of New Britain in a fair and responsible manner. I am a life-long resident of New Britain. I have been employed at the Hospital of Central Connecticut for forty years. I began my career as staff nurse and ended my career in Nursing Administration. I have always been a team player.

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

My first option to balance the budget would be to reduce unnecessary spending without reducing vital and essential services or programs. Each department or area of spending should be evaluated to determine possible budget savings.

How would you improve the downtown development process?

To improve the downtown area, I think the Mayor, the Council and the Chamber of Commerce should work more closely to develop the downtown area. For many years old vacant buildings have been deteriorating, we should work with the owners or possible developers to restore these properties. We have seen the restoration the Jasco Company has done to the Andrew’s building. Small businesses, Chamber of Commerce and the city government should work together to increase the business growth in the downtown area. We need to go forward to restore the beauty of the downtown area.