Kraft announces run for city mayor on Democrat ticket
NORWICH – Norwich resident and business owner Jill Osterhout Kraft filed her petition Monday to run for Mayor of the City of Norwich as a Democratic candidate.
The last time a Democratic candidate ran for mayor of the City of Norwich was in 2006. Kraft is using the slogan "Bring Norwich Together" and said her ultimate goal is to "renew, retain, and revitalize" the city.
Kraft was born and raised in Norwich and has owned and operated The Artists' Palette, a multi-faceted community arts center, since 2009. In 2017 she started the non-profit 501(c)(3) Creative Works, Inc., which focuses on working with people who otherwise would not have access to art.
"My mindset has always been centered around community," said Kraft. "Becoming mayor would be an extension of what I do every day; I try to bring out the good, showcase a job well done all the while concentrating on ways to address the growing concerns that are ever so apparent in our small city."
Through her work, Kraft said she has been involved with Chenango County Mental Health services, drug treatment court, area nursing homes, and other specialty groups. She has sat on the board of directors for Catholic Charities of Chenango County and Colorscape Chenango, and is currently the City of Norwich Youth Bureau Recreational Coordinator.
"I want to regain people's trust in the community because I think that's something that's just not happening," said Kraft. "It has nothing to do with anyone that's doing anything right now, except that the area seems like it's falling apart. There's this whole negative tone to it and it's sad to watch. Growing up here, this is not that city that I grew up in."
If elected Kraft said she hopes to establish a line of trust and communication with the community by encouraging collaboration between like-minded individuals and organizations working towards the same goal: revitalizing the city.
"I want to see the city retain not only its residents, but also large and small business alike," said Kraft. "Without retention our city will decline. And revitalization is essential for the growth of this city. There needs to be more projects, more innovation, and more attractions to work towards the goals I have."
On Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m., Kraft will host a campaign meeting for people interested in volunteering toward her efforts. The meeting will be held at The Artists' Palette.
In the meantime, Kraft said she is encouraging people to contact her via email to explain some of the things they love about the City of Norwich, areas it can improve, and what they want to see in the city's future. You can email Kraft at JillForMayor2019@gmail.com.
"I am looking forward to meeting people along the campaign and sharing with them what I want to do, but I am more excited about becoming mayor and showing people what I can do," said Kraft.
Thursday is the final day for prospective candidates to file their petition for office in the City of Norwich. So far there are three individuals including Kraft who have filed their petitions to run for mayor. Current Mayor Christine Carnrike and Republican candidate Shawn Sastri have also filed.
The last time a Democratic candidate ran for mayor of the City of Norwich was in 2006. Kraft is using the slogan "Bring Norwich Together" and said her ultimate goal is to "renew, retain, and revitalize" the city.
Kraft was born and raised in Norwich and has owned and operated The Artists' Palette, a multi-faceted community arts center, since 2009. In 2017 she started the non-profit 501(c)(3) Creative Works, Inc., which focuses on working with people who otherwise would not have access to art.
"My mindset has always been centered around community," said Kraft. "Becoming mayor would be an extension of what I do every day; I try to bring out the good, showcase a job well done all the while concentrating on ways to address the growing concerns that are ever so apparent in our small city."
Through her work, Kraft said she has been involved with Chenango County Mental Health services, drug treatment court, area nursing homes, and other specialty groups. She has sat on the board of directors for Catholic Charities of Chenango County and Colorscape Chenango, and is currently the City of Norwich Youth Bureau Recreational Coordinator.
"I want to regain people's trust in the community because I think that's something that's just not happening," said Kraft. "It has nothing to do with anyone that's doing anything right now, except that the area seems like it's falling apart. There's this whole negative tone to it and it's sad to watch. Growing up here, this is not that city that I grew up in."
If elected Kraft said she hopes to establish a line of trust and communication with the community by encouraging collaboration between like-minded individuals and organizations working towards the same goal: revitalizing the city.
"I want to see the city retain not only its residents, but also large and small business alike," said Kraft. "Without retention our city will decline. And revitalization is essential for the growth of this city. There needs to be more projects, more innovation, and more attractions to work towards the goals I have."
On Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m., Kraft will host a campaign meeting for people interested in volunteering toward her efforts. The meeting will be held at The Artists' Palette.
In the meantime, Kraft said she is encouraging people to contact her via email to explain some of the things they love about the City of Norwich, areas it can improve, and what they want to see in the city's future. You can email Kraft at JillForMayor2019@gmail.com.
"I am looking forward to meeting people along the campaign and sharing with them what I want to do, but I am more excited about becoming mayor and showing people what I can do," said Kraft.
Thursday is the final day for prospective candidates to file their petition for office in the City of Norwich. So far there are three individuals including Kraft who have filed their petitions to run for mayor. Current Mayor Christine Carnrike and Republican candidate Shawn Sastri have also filed.
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