Three contested races in New London
By Robert Cloud
Three seats on the New London Common Council are contested in the April 6 election.
Incumbent Robert Besaw and challenger Kenneth Bentzler will appear on the ballot for District 1.
Seeking to represent District 2 are incumbent Tom O’Connell and challenger Billie Olson.
No names will appear as candidates to represent District 3.
However, two candidates, Vicki Mitchell and Steve Groat, have filed to run as write-in candidates.
The New London Press Star contacted all registered candidates, but was unable to reach Kenneth Bentzler.
Why did you decide to run for the New London Common Council?
Besaw: I am the incumbent seeking re-election to this position, which I have held for seven years now.
O’Connell: I want to be involved with local government decision-making to help the people in New London.
Olson: I’m passionate about my community and I think I can be part of making positive changes to our great city.
What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the city council? If you are an incumbent, what do you believe you have accomplished?
O’Connell: As an incumbent I feel I have helped the city get the best quality for the money spent.
Olson: I want to see local businesses thrive and help New London grow economically. As a small business owner, I want our city to become economically viable and a place that people want to bring in their businesses and families.
Besaw: I have helped improve the boat launches in the City, which has gotten a lot of positive feedback from the community. I have also helped the veterans memorial group set up a 501(C)3 account to make improvements to their veteran’s memorial. Additionally I have worked on obtaining funding and improvements to the Newton-Blackmoor trail extension.
Also, I am currently working on three major road improvements within the city. The first being the downtown area streets. The second being the needed improvements to Oshkosh Street. Finally, there are several streets within the 5th Ward that I am working to fund improvements for as well as several smaller sections of Pearl and Shawano Streets.
What do you see as the strengths or weaknesses of the current council?
Olson: I see a strong desire in our current council to serve our community. An area of growth needed in council is a lack of fresh voices.
Besaw: I believe the current council has worked well together during the time I’ve been an alderman.
O’Connell: Communication is a strength the current council has.
How does your personal, professional and civic experience make you a better candidate for the New London Common Council?
Besaw: I think I am a good candidate because of my lifelong roots living within the city of New London, my experience as an alderman and my ability to work with others in order to get things done.
O’Connell: I was a partner in a real estate company, owned my own auto dealership and I am a U.S. veteran. I was commander in the American Legion. My experience in those areas have provided leadership skills and business knowledge.
Olson: I’ve been a Chamber Ambassador for four years in New London and an active member of the board for the New London Girls Youth Softball Association for five years. My passion to better our community continues to grow.