New London Common Council election
By Robert Cloud
Two people have filed to run as write-in candidates for the District 3 seat on the New London Common Council.
Nobody filed papers in time to appear as District 3 candidates on the April 6 ballot.
Lori Dean, who has represented District 3, did not file for re-election.
Steve Groat and Vicki Mitchell filed to run as write-in candidates.
Following are the candidates’ responses to questions from the New London Press Star.
Why did you decide to run for the New London Common Council?
Mitchell: I fell in love with the city itself a few years ago when I came up for the invitational Bart Starr Commemorative Celebration. I’ve been coming to New London a lot since then and have since moved here so I could run for office. The people are great and I have made several friends. I want to see the city flourish, in the right way for the people that I love so much. I am their voice!
Groat: It was actually quite a few things. I want to see changes in the city, such as road improvements and opportunities for new business growth. I also want the community to be more involved with the processes that happen behind the scenes. I want there to be transparency between the city and the community. I am at a time in my life where I feel I can help our city grow.
What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the city council?
Groat: I hope to make the people of my district (District 3) feel that they have a voice within our community. I want to be a part of trying to bring in another grocery store so we have more options within our town. I would like to see our downtown businesses filled, and the downtown revitalized.
Mitchell: One of my major goals is working with the organizations within my district to set up a work study program for the upper classmen that reside at the Rawhide Boy’s Ranch. I know some people think of these kids as problems for the city but I see them as an opportunity for the city. Let’s show the world that we care about all the kids in our community and give them a chance at a better life for themselves – especially those that won’t go on to obtain a college education.
My second goal is to clean up our beautiful city. Ask for volunteers, maybe even get the boys at Rawhide to help pick up garbage or to help repair. That is a win-win for all. Afterall, these kids are the future. And they could be our future!
What do you see as the strengths or weaknesses of the current council?
Mitchell: I do believe the current council is working to improve what our city has to offer and is working diligently at helping it grow. I just don’t know if they are looking at how fast it could grow. If the city grows too fast we may not be ready to handle it.
Groat: I don’t really see any strengths or weakness within our current council. What I see is a lack of information for our community. I feel that our current council has done a fine job, I just feel like the community needs to be more informed.
How does your personal, professional and civic experience make you a better candidate for the New London Common Council?
Groat: I run a local parts store here in New London. As a manager, I am responsible for time and finances on a daily basis. I know what it takes to work with the community and to have a successful business. My military experience has given me a respect for the chain of command and how processes work and what it takes to get the job done. I am a write-in candidate for District 3. Please vote April 6.
Mitchell: I am a WCTC graduate where I obtained my associate’s of applied science, majoring in accounting. I graduated with Honors. I went on to obtain my bachelor’s degree in business management with an emphasis in accounting. I also graduated with honors, as well as with five Dean’s Listing certifications. I am now pursuing my MBA with a focus on change and leadership. On top of all of that, I have my child psychology certificate as well as my certificate in mental well-being in children.