NORWICH – Fall is upon us, and before we know it, Nov. 7 will be here. This year’s elections include a mayoral race to fill the vacancy left behind when Mayor Robert C. Raphael passed away in late May. Joseph P. Maiurano has been filling the position since then, but an election will be held to see who will finish out the final year of Raphael’s term. Running against Maiurano will be Democrat Michael Carnrike and Independent Vincent Anthony.

Maiurano is running on the Republican ticket to continue his term in office. Maiurano is a lifelong Norwich resident, who lives in the same home in which he grew up. He has taught and coached in this community, and he says he wants to help make the city a great place to live.

“The city belongs to the people. Officials are elected to represent the needs of the people, but they have to tell us what those needs are,” Maiurano said. He advocates the community’s involvement in city government and says he wants to be accessible to the public. “I want to be available to the public. No matter what your concern, I will make it my priority,” he said.