NORWICH – A month after the city’s First Ward alderman seat was left vacant, the Norwich Common Council revealed its pick.
Newly-appointed Alderman Bryan McCracken, 26, was sworn into the position during Tuesday’s meeting. His appointment follows the departure of former Alderman Robert Carey, who tendered his resignation in July.
McCracken, a two-year city resident, has also served on the Norwich Planning Commission since 2011. He has played a role in making recommendations regarding a recent zone change and in the pending development of an affordable housing complex in the State Street neighborhood. He currently has a hand in updating the city’s comprehension plan.
While still a political newcomer, McCracken’s background in planning – which includes a master’s degree in historic preservation planning from Cornell University and experience in working with the historic preservation planning board in the City of Ithaca – brings ample experience and ideas to the council, said Mayor Joseph Maiurano.
“We were looking for a little more diversity and I think he’s going to bring that to the council,” the mayor said. “I have been very impressed by him and the work he’s done. He has good experience in planning and other areas that will help us ... it’s good to get someone young on the council who has that type of experience.”
Said McCracken, “This is a great opportunity. I know I can do the job and do the job well ... I like being involved and when the (council) vacancy came up, I saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community,” he added. “I want to be more involved and use my background in historical preservation and use it in a positive way.”
McCracken went on to say that although he’s still getting his feet wet in the political arena, he looks forward to working with other members of the council. “I think collaboration will be good between more seasoned veterans on the council and myself,” he said. “I look forward to learning from them. I think they have a lot to offer, but I also look forward to contributing myself,” he added. “I’m younger, but feel that I have a lot to offer.”
As a new appointee, McCracken, who is an Independent, will appear on the ballot in the general elections in November for the four-year term.
Also vying for a seat on the council will be incumbent Ward Six Alderman Thomas LoPiccolo, who is being challenged by long-time sixth ward resident Daniel Palmer. The two candidates square off in the Republican primary election in September. Like McCracken, LoPiccolo was also appointed to the council this year to fill the vacant seat left by former Alderman Robert Jeffrey, who was elected City of Norwich Supervisor.
“I think we put together a good team this year,” said Mayor Maiurano. “We work well as a team and I’m excited to be able to keep that team together.”