Council hopefuls reach out

By LIZ MUGAVERO

For the Norwich Bulletin

Norwich, Conn. -

When petitioning City Council candidate Tucker Braddock goes out canvassing as part of his campaigning process, the responses he gets are surprising.

“Some people tell me they don’t vote at all, some don’t care who I am and others get angry when I knock on their doors,” Braddock said. “They’ve been very interesting responses.”

While many of this year’s City Council candidates are relying on the usual tactics of signs, fliers and door-to-door campaigning, some newcomers are looking to reach as many voters as possible. Using apparel, pens and even YouTube and Myspace.com, candidates are looking to shore up what may turn out to be a surprising race.

Two years ago, the Republicans supported two candidates who were both guaranteed victory under minority representation rules. This year, with three Republicans and a petitioning candidate, only the top Republican vote getter is guaranteed, and no more than four Democrats could win seats.

The City Council has six aldermen who serve two-year terms and a mayor who serves a four-year term and who is not up for election this year.

Although candidates are focused on the numbers, they’re also focusing on the people.
Democratic candidate Bob Zarnetske, a former city manager, said he chose to focus his campaign on strategically building an enduring coalition of newcomers and longtime residents.

“I wanted to reach out to folks that haven’t felt like they’ve been invited in the past,” Zarnetske said. “I want to unite all communities into one city, and we’re all members. It’s what I’ve been trying to do since I got to the city.”

Using YouTube and Myspace.com, Zarnetske hopes to draw in as many young people as possible. By appearing on local Hispanic radio stations, he hopes to reach those proficient in other languages. And with his traditional grassroots signs, fliers and “Z” stickers, he said it’s his goal to ensure all voters come out.

“For many local politicians, it’s about popularity, not substance,” he said. “I’m hoping to provide substance.”

Old ways best
For newcomer Democratic candidate Pete Desaulniers, apparel and pens were a fun way to get his name out there. But the traditional campaigning is still his best way to reach people, he found.

“Going door to door, I’m finding out I’m at a disadvantage,” Desaulniers said. “I’ve been active in the city for almost 30 years and I’m still not recognized. It made me realize that for all these years, I’ve been involved behind the scenes. I have to get out more.”

Democratic candidate Jon Jacaruso and Republican candidate Bill Nash are relying on meeting people at events and introducing themselves, and attending as many city meetings as possible.

“Hitting the pavement, meeting with local groups, department heads and leaders to get acclimated is what I’m focusing on,” Jacaruso said. He also has appeared on cable community access shows.

Nash said between working about 90 hours each week, he’s still managing to get around town on the weekends.

“My signs will be done this week, kind of late,” he joked. “But I don’t think it will hurt me any.”

Republican candidate Christopher Coutu said he was keeping it simple.

“I’m just getting out there, meeting as many people as I can, getting my message out through public access and gatherings,” Coutu said.

Incumbents Mark Bettencourt, Larry Goldman, Jackie Caron and John Crooks are relying mainly on signs, debates, public events and proven track records in the weeks before the elections. Most said they will canvass.

“For me, it’s about advocacy,” Caron said. “I’m going door to door and reintroducing myself, letting people know I’m their advocate.”

About issues
But for the public, this election is about issues rather than campaign styles. Marterese Ferrari, member and spokeswoman for the active group the Norwich Neighborhoods Coalition, said people this year are paying attention to what many feel is the most important issue in years.

“This election is all about economic development. That’s how people will decide,” she said. “It’s about who we are as city and how we move forward. It’s a defining moment for Norwich.”

Ferrari, whose group is concerned with the potential Washington Street development, said her neighbors are selectively putting up yard signs.

“We have yards with multiple candidates,” she said. “Those signs are there because those are the candidates who support smart development in Norwich.”