Norwich council represents whom?
 

Editor:

Who exactly does the City Council represent? They certainly don't represent my views or the views of most of the people I know.

Two recent events have shown how cronyism and the interest of the individual council members drive the council, instead of what is best for the city as a whole.

The first is the college. How can any council member think it is in Norwich's best interest to lose the college? Three Rivers is one of the best things the city has going for it, and I have benefited from it. However, instead of risking the votes of their friends and neighbors who live nearby, our council opts to metaphorically give the governor the finger.

The other is the dog park. One would think an astute councilperson would wholeheartedly support a project which would benefit the city and cost it nothing. Anne Masterson repudiated every argument against it with facts and intelligence. Her thanks for the countless hours she spent trying to bring something better to the community: a closed door meeting where the council decided it would not even allow the option of Mohegan Park to be discussed.

Are we, as citizens, not allowed to voice our opinions in a public forum? Or do we allow seven people, who clearly have their own agenda, the unfettered right to pursue these special interests?

I, for one, plan to do something about it. This November, on Election Day, I will be casting my ballots for John Crooks, Anne Masterson and any other non-incumbent running.

They may be new to the political arena, but they certainly will be better than what we have.

JILL WILLIAMS

Norwich

Originally published Thursday, July 10, 2003
Go Back