NORWICH – Christine Carnrike, a long-time area resident, has formally announced her candidacy for office of Mayor of Norwich.
“As Mayor, I intend a return to respected values and traditions,” Carnrike said. “For too long, Norwich has suffered from a crumbling quality-of-life and lost opportunity. We react to changing events and deteriorating demographics, rather than anticipating the reasons for such and planning for a better future. Our young people have to go elsewhere to make a good living. We must make Norwich a place to live, not a place to leave.”
Carnrike, the youngest of eight children, is no stranger to the importance of the political process. Her father, George Carnrike, was mayor of Norwich from 1969-1973; and from an early age, the role of family, community and government was a topic in her home and discussed across the kitchen table with her siblings.
Carnrike said she developed her common sense ideals and understanding of local government through an extensive employment history in Broome County health and information technology departments, including eight-plus years with the Defense Logistics Agency of the federal government, located in Syracuse, NY, working in a contract management capacity. She maintains her current position as office manager of a prominent and locally owned business with responsibility for the financial and operational health of the organization.
Carnrike’s campaign says she is noted for straight talk and strength to stand for what is right, often in the face of what may be considered the politically popular position.
“I will serve everyone, regardless of affiliation. I believe we all want educated and engaged citizens, living in safe neighborhoods, with good jobs and sustainable prosperity. We must embrace progress, but never abandon the qualities that made Norwich a great place to raise a family.”
The two-year term for mayor starts January 1, 2016, and Carnrike says she has a blueprint to restore Norwich to a former and higher standard of living. Beyond the efficient delivery of city services, she believes reversing the apparent neglect and condition of many of Norwich’s once proud neighborhoods is of vital importance to reinvigorate the community. Carnrike indicates she will work closely with city, county and state leaders to decrease the flow of illegal drugs into our city and strengthen the provision and access to services that address addiction and the damage it inflicts on families and the greater community. She plans an open, honest and civil campaign, and has respectfully notified the current mayoral administration and local party leadership of her intent to run on the Republican ballot line.
The Carnrike “Restore Our Norwich Community” campaign will be headquartered at 15 S. Broad St. on the second floor of the Renaissance Building. Visit http://carnrikeformayor.com/ to get to know Christine in greater detail, or send a message to christinecarnrike@hotmail.com with questions and comments.