Earning a seat on the Norwich City Council has been a humbling experience. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of leaders who have given so much to make Norwich better.

With the support of family, friends and neighbors, the process of becoming a member of our council was enjoyable. We posted signs, handed out cards, attended meetings, greeted people in the rain and earned almost 2,800 votes. Most enjoyable was the daily experience of meeting a new neighbor or visiting a friend from the past.

I would like to give special thanks to my family: Neringa, Bob, Linda, Cathy, Joan, Dan, Sue, Adair, Kimi, Jay and Dave. Also, the campaign support and guidance from John, Bonnie, Brian, Al, Ed, Bill, Jackie, Peter, Omer, Bob, Ron, Les, Art and Ray was greatly appreciated.

To the residents, please write down 857-5762 and www.ChristopherCoutu.com. Feel free to call or e-mail me to let me know about your issues or ideas. Know I will listen and speak up about your concerns.

For all of you who believed in me and said thanks for running, I thank you.

CHRISTOPHER COUTU
Norwich

As Nov. 6 nears, please take the time to know your candidates. As the proud mom of Chris Coutu, I would like to take this time to list some of his accomplishments.

Chris’ experience as a founder of American Warrior established his ability to follow through on commitment to his fellow citizens. This allowed him a press conference with Gov. M. Jodi Rell, Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele, Rob Simmons, Maj. Gen. Thaddeus Martin, state Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz, Veterans Affairs co-chairmen state Sen. Andrew Maynard and state Rep. Ted Graziani, Sen. Edith Prague, Department of Transportation Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter. So we know he has the experience to work with government officials.

He served our country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and now serves in the Connecticut Air National Guard.

Chris is a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is on the Ethics Committee and also a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Also take into account his small business experience and Master’s Degree in business administration.

This is your opportunity to elect a candidate who will serve his community with integrity, listen to the community’s voice and represent Norwich to the best of his ability.

Please visit www.christophercoutu.com to find out more about Chris. More importantly, please vote.

LINDA FITZSIMMONS
Canterbury

 

On A Misson To View World War II Tribute

Letter to the Editor - The Day 6/20/07

I recently had the great opportunity to meet an extraordinary young man named Christopher Coutu, the founder of AmericanWarrior.us and the driving force behind the Connecticut Honor Flight.

The Honor Flight is an effort to bring World War II veterans to the World War II memorial on Sept. 15 of this year. The average age of a World War II veteran is 85 years old and because the monument was completed in 2004, many veterans have not had the chance to see.

The chartered flight is free for veterans and will be funded primarily through private and corporate sponsorship. “Guardians” will accompany the veterans and assist them as they tour this and other memorial sites, including the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln and Iwo Jima memorials.

This is a truly wonderful opportunity and a tremendous effort from a dedicated group to give something back to the men and women who risked their lives in service to their country. While not all of Connecticut's World War II veterans will be able to make the trip, those who are able will enjoy this emotional journey to our nation's Capitol and a chance to enjoy the memorial to their service.

There are still seats available for veterans and guardians who want to make the flight. Those interested can visit AmericanWarrior.us and download a mail-in application. For more information or to have an application mailed, contact my office at (860) 240-0584.

Editor's note: The writer is a Democratic state senator representing the 18th District. He is co-chairman of the General Assembly's select committee on veterans' affairs.

Please support Christopher Coutu for Norwich City Council.

Chris is a young man who has and will continue to make a difference within Norwich and the region. Since returning from Washington, he has motivated hundreds to support veterans and patriotism. After sending 100 World War II veterans to D.C. in September, he says, “We will send more,” and I suspect he will.

Along with supporting the veterans, Chris also has been speaking about patriotism, sacrifice and volunteering at schools, fraternal and senior organizations across the state. What finer example is there for our youth, students and community?

If Norwich is looking for a young leader who cares about the people, not politics, then Chris is your candidate. Nov. 6, vote for Coutu.

JOAN THOMAS
Norwich

Had enough? Every day, it seems, another story appears in the Norwich Bulletin concerning our City Council. It would be so refreshing to read something positive, but that is hardly ever the case. Join me in making a change this Nov. 6.

Energy, vision, integrity, honesty. These four words will again mean something for Norwich and surrounding towns. I ask that you please cast your vote for Christopher Coutu for City Council.

Chris was born and raised in Norwich and understands how things are supposed to get done, or in the case of our present councilmen/women, not get done. Chris will answer to you, the voter. So if you’ve had enough, vote for Christopher Coutu. Norwich deserves better, much better, and with your support we can and must get the leadership so desperately needed.

ROBERT ERB
Taftville

Norwich, Conn. -

Development, taxes and open, honest government are the hot button issues driving voters to the polls this year to seat a new City Council.

With four incumbents and six newcomers, the potential is there for many new faces Tuesday, and voters say they are willing to do what it takes to ensure they’re getting the best candidates for their city.

Though the controversial Washington Street rezone project was withdrawn by developers last week, the issue will still be a prominent decision maker at the polls, Marterese Ferrari, a staunch opponent of the project, said.

“This election is a referendum on economic development. In the voter booth, people will be asking themselves, ‘who has supported planning by developer and who supports smart development?’” she said. “The Washington (Street) rezone was withdrawn because the people of Norwich made it clear that allowing developers to drive our planning process is no longer acceptable. It will be interesting to see how that translates in the election.”

Brad Marchand of Norwichtown said he hopes people representing honest government will be elected.

“We want the votes for those supporting responsible development and the residents’ concerns,” he said. “We need more of a dialogue about what residents want. That’s a change this city needs.”

Resident Kris Patrick shares that view.

“We want officials who are concerned about their citizens,” she said.
All 10 candidates have maintained their desire to advocate for the people while keeping the city’s best interests at heart throughout numerous forums and debates this election season.

The council has six aldermen who serve two-year terms and a mayor who serves a four-year term. Mayor Ben Lathrop is not up for election this year.

Two years ago, Republicans supported two candidates who both were guaranteed victory under minority representation rules. This year, with three Republicans and a petitioning candidate, two Republicans are guaranteed a seat and at least two Democrats will lose. If petitioning candidate Tucker Braddock receives enough votes, there is potential for a third Democrat to lose a seat.

Incumbents Jackie Caron, Larry Goldman, Mark Bettencourt and John Crooks will face off against Braddock, former City Manager Bob Zarnetske and newcomers Pete Desaulniers, Jon Jacaruso, Christopher Coutu and William Nash.

Resident Daniella Gelfond said her issue this year is the $40 million referendum question regarding the proposed Kelly Middle School renovate-as-new project.

“If approved, this would raise taxes substantially for each individual tax payer, and I think it’s a major issue,” Gelfond said. “Do we need an expansion? Is it nice to have an upgrade? Yes. Will it make kids learn better? Probably not.”
Gelfond said, as always, taxes are a factor. She said she will be considering not just issues, but the candidates as people, too.

“The welfare of the community is the most important factor,” she said. “You may like a person in office, but feel they aren’t progressive and we need a change. Whether it’s development or taxes, we need to decide what’s best for the town.”
Resident Ivan Martin said he wants candidates who aren’t “neighborhood busters.”

“We have to look at the new candidates. We can’t depend on some of the old ones,” Martin said. “This is a big topic at the polls this year.”
Resident Bill Kenny said he wants those elected to not only mean well, but do well for all residents.

“I don’t care about a person’s pedigree or history. I am interested only in ideas, ideals and the talent to implement them,” Kenny said. “Our elected officials should reflect, and represent, the change we want to see in ourselves, and in our city.”

I have never actively campaigned for anyone before, but Christopher Coutu has so impressed my husband and me, I had to join his team. He is informed on the issues we face, young and old alike, and he wants to make the government "ours," which is exactly what it should be.

Don't let his age fool you. He has more than 12 years of military service. He is articulate, ethical, a team player and has extraordinary skills in taking a vision and making it come to fruition.

He had a dream of sending 100 World War II veterans to the monument most of them would never see because it was only built after they were 80 or older. He worked tirelessly, forming a great team that Sept. 15, made that dream a reality for the 100 vets, 30 of them in wheelchairs, at no cost to them. He raised more than $38,000 to make this a day those veterans will never forget.

Please join us in voting for Chris Coutu for City Council and make Norwich a better place. It is time for some young and fresh ideas for our city.

SUSAN PONDER
Norwich
 

Norwich man has passion for his city

Oct 09, 2007 @ 11:36 PM

For the Norwich Bulletin