Norwich — City Democrats unanimously endorsed slates of six candidates each for City Council and Board of Education on Thursday, as well as mayoral candidate Mark Bettencourt for the Nov. 2 election.
Rather than nominating individuals, the Democratic Town Committee chose to nominate slates of candidates in one vote, adding one council candidate after the slate was announced. Council candidates will run under the banner, “Responsible Leadership for Norwich, 2021,” and the school board candidates as the “Our Children, Our Future, 2021” slate.
Bettencourt said the major part of the Norwich mayor’s job is economic development. He said incumbent Republican Mayor Peter Nystrom, endorsed by his party Wednesday night, has focused on “big box projects.” Bettencourt said that type of development is needed in Norwich, including plans for a second business park in Occum. But he said the city really needs an investment and focus on neighborhoods to attack blight and improve residents’ lives.