Norwich votes for change

Norwich, Conn. -

In an almost clean sweep, voters demonstrated their desire for change by ousting all but one incumbent from the City Council.

Newcomer Jon Jacaruso garnered the most votes, followed closely by former City Manager Bob Zarnetske, Alderman Mark Bettencourt and newcomer Pete Desaulniers, all Democrats.

Republicans Christopher Coutu and Bill Nash defeated incumbent John Crooks.

Incumbent Democrats Jackie Caron and Larry Goldman, along with petitioning candidate Tucker Braddock, did not earn seats.

Jacaruso said he’s looking forward to working with a new team for the city.

“In the next two years the council will face difficult choices, and we look forward to including the public’s input,” he said.

Zarnetske said residents will see a change in attitude and a focus on open government.

“There is a consensus among those elected tonight to be a council that focuses on what people want done. They will see us moving forward, not backward,” he said at an after-election party.

Zarnetske said he has high expectations of working well with council members and Mayor Ben Lathrop, despite their tumultuous past.

Lathrop was not up for re-election this year. Reached by phone Tuesday night, he took the news in stride.

“Sweeping changes,” he said. “The citizens of Norwich spoke, and the Washington Street rezone was a critical issue resulting in the ousting of three incumbents.”

Crooks, Caron and Goldman all sponsored an application to rezone a portion of Washington Street to commercial. Caron said she respected the wishes of the voters.

Bettencourt said he was not completely surprised by the results.

“The public perception is a lack of confidence in the way the city does business,” he said. “The new council believes the city needs to fundamentally change that.”

Desaulniers said he was happy to be part of the new council.

“I think the people elected are going to work well together and have a successful two years,” he said. “There were big issues, and the people spoke.”

Coutu said he feels great.

“I’m looking forward to a productive two years and to making a difference in Norwich,” he said. “We have a lot to do.”

Nash said he was excited for the opportunity to represent the city.

“I’m glad people had the confidence to cast their votes for me,” he said. “I’ll do my best to make them not regret it.”

Residents who went to the polls did so with change in mind.

“I’m looking for people to do the right thing and take the city in the right direction,” said Doris Raymond, after casting her vote at the American Legion on Laurel Hill.

Marterese Ferrari, a strong opponent of the Washington Street proposal, said she was pleased.

“This election serves as a compelling reminder that we can directly change the course of our government through citizen action,” she said. “Our new council should be proud they’ve been chosen to lead our city into a new era.”