A question & answer with Norwich City Council candidate Pietro "Rocky" Camardella
Pietro “Rocky” Camardella (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 entered the political arena in March 2022 at 67, first running for state senate, now running for the city council. I strongly believe that we are not well represented by our elected officials. I decided that enough was enough. I am ready to stand for what I believe in. I am a Christian, conservative and a patriot. My core beliefs are “for God and Country!”
The fellow citizens of Norwich will have a strong and firm voice in the city council if they elect me. I promise my fellow citizens to bring a common sense approach to issues, especially with lowering taxes.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I came to Norwich from Naples, Italy, in Dec. 1982. I settled here with my wife Debbie. My four children were born at Backus Hospital. I also have seven grandchildren.
I have lived the American dream. I worked in a few different local jobs until August 1986, when I started my photography studio. As a self-employed small business owner for 37 years and now a senior citizen, I have experiences worthy of consideration for the public. I will be very frugal and communicate with the public at large, who are asked for more and more tax revenue, about the city’s financial decisions.
What do you think is the most important issue in the city and why?
The most important issues for the city are the cost of living , education, and public safety. We all know that many residents have left this beautiful city because it's one of the most expensive towns to live and do business in this part of the state. People could move a few miles away from Norwich and save on so many taxes and fees and more. Many people have left this town and the answer from our elected officials are more taxes, more expenses, and more projects. It's been going on for decades.
How would you address the issue?
Every item on the budget should be reviewed and revised, and every department should be asked to review its bottom lines to reduce waste whereever possible. Also, the public should be informed of this. We have seen officials embezzling money at different times, and our elected officials don’t want to bring any information up. This will change if I’m elected.
What change would you like to see in Norwich during your term, should you win?
Inform the public at large, and hold press conferences and public forums regularly to let the common folks share with us elected to the city council all their struggles and concerns. We should walk the streets of Norwich at different times of day and night and interact with the public, and not just during elections. I really believe the citizens should be well represented.
Anything else you would like to add?
With God's grace and your vote on the 7th of November, I, Pietro “Rocky” Camardella promise all the good folks on this great city that their voices, interests and concerns will be of the very highest priority. We will bring changes that will benefit the quality of living for all.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: A Q&A with Norwich City Council candidate Pietro "Rocky" Camardella
