NORWICH – Having been picked by the City of Norwich Common Council to fill the seat left vacant by retired Ward Five Alderman Paul Laughlin last month, Kecia Funaro-Burton is throwing her hat in the ring to appear on the general election ballot in November.

Funaro-Burton will be officially appointed to fill the rest of former Alderman Laughlin’s term by council members at their regular monthly meeting next Tuesday. However, with only five months of Laughlin’s four-year term remaining, Funaro-Burton said she hopes to fill her role in more of a long-term capacity come the start of a new term in January.

“I decided it’s something I want to continue,” said Funaro-Burton, also mentioning that she has already petitioned in the city’s fifth ward and submitted signatures to the Board of Elections. “My whole desire for getting involved has definitely been the importance of this community to me. It’s the place I grew up, the place I live, and the place I’m raising my family; so being able to give something back is important.”

While currently acting as interim director of the youth organization The Place in Norwich, Funaro-Burton carries a professional background in marketing, communications and public relations, having worked for large area corporations including NBT Bank, Preferred Mutual, and Chobani. She said she intends to utilize her skills to broaden the city’s appeal to potential businesses and hopefully fill vacant storefronts in the city’s commercial district.