A question & answer with Norwich City Council candidate Bill Nash

Bill Nash (R) is running for Norwich City Council. For Norwich, The Bulletin sent questionnaires to all candidates in the City Council and Board of Education elections. The answers here have been edited for conciseness and clarity.

Why are you running for city council?

I love this city, and though I moved here in the early 80s and raised a family, this is the city where I will be living until the end. I truly believe I have a vision of how we can achieve success for our city, and I want to help. I’ve always worked successfully with other alders during my time on past councils, keeping Norwich’s best interest in mind. That will never change.

I will continue to be the voice of all the citizens of Norwich. I will always advocate with a strong civic pride for our city.

What makes you stand out from other candidates?

I believe I am genuine, authentic, straightforward, a good listener and an effective communicator. I’ve served our city for pretty much my entire adult life, whether coaching local sports programs, serving as one of the Norwich Police Department's DARE Officers or serving in the US Army Reserves. I take all criticism personally because this city means that much to me.

City leaders do not have to be politically skilled, but one does need to be socially astute and have honest to-goodness sincerity. Also, it helps to obtain facts, weigh the options and think before speaking.

What do you think is the most important issue in the city and why? 

Taxes are just too high and we need to build our grand list, while being more financially responsible in order to alleviate the burden on our already struggling taxpayers.

How would you address the issue? 

We need to work to grow the grand list by increasing our efforts to attract more businesses of all sizes. We need to advertise Norwich nationally by featuring our geographic location between major highways and large cities like Providence, Hartford, New York and Boston.

What change would you like to see in Norwich during your term, should you win? 

I will continue my efforts to see our city grow. I have spent many years working to put Norwich in the best position possible to succeed. This growth will help the citizens, Norwich Fire Department, Norwich Police Department, schools, infrastructure, youth and more. There is so much more that needs to be done, we do have a ways to go, but we can get there.

Anything else you would like to add? 

Please consider voting for me, Bill Nash, on Tuesday, Nov. 7. I know I can continue to guide Norwich into a prosperous future. Thank you.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: A Q&A with Norwich City Council candidate Bill Nash