Eric Warren was appointed as City of Norwich Ward One Alderman at the common council meeting held on Tuesday, August 16. Warren is replacing former Ward One Alderman Matthew Caldwell, who resigned earlier this month to pursue a career opportunity. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — Newly appointed City of Norwich Ward One Alderman Eric Warren is two weeks into the job since replacing former Ward One Alderman Matthew Caldwell.

The City of Norwich Common Council had five residents apply for the position, and at the common council meeting held on August 16 voted to appoint warren to the position.

"This is a huge honor, and I know that they had some very qualified very good candidates that they had to look at, so I can’t imagine that was an easy choice for them. But I am very honored to have been selected," said Warren.

Warren has been a resident of Norwich for 31 years, and has worked in hospital leadership for many years, currently serving as Director of Sterile Processing and Co-Officer of Emergency Management for Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica. He has also served on the City of Norwich Traffic Commission both as a member and as chairperson.

In these roles, Warren said a large focus is placed on helping others, which was a driving factor behind his interest in applying for the open alderman position.

"It was something that I was thinking about and talking to Fred Gee about running previously, and then when it opened up it was just a good opportunity," said Warren. "I’ve spent most of my career helping people, helping them better their lives. I thought this was a good opportunity for all of my neighbors and constituents in the ward, addressing issues, helping people better their lives. Even if it’s something small. What seems minor to us isn’t always minor to somebody else."

Speaking to his forerunner Matthew Caldwell, he said, "He did leave some big shoes to fill because he's such a good guy, and because he pays attention. He doesn’t sugar coat everything and tell you that he’s going to get it fixed. He’s very up front, so I appreciate that about him. And hopefully I can do him justice."

Through his time in hospital settings, Warren said he's learned how to work with multifaceted committees, and make informed decisions based on data and knowledge to solve problems — something he thinks will transfer well to his new role as alderman.

Some of the current problems Norwich is facing are homelessness and drug use, but also smaller issues such as code violations and unmaintained sidewalks, said Warren.

"That’s just my opinion, and I represent a whole ward of constituents. So what I might say, they may not see as an issue and vice versa. I will say that I’ve witnessed a lot of the same things that everybody is seeing," he said.

In order to address and fix problems within the city, Warren said his approach involves not just analyzing how to address a problem, but also getting to the why behind it. For example, not just how to address drug use in the city, but also why individuals turn to drugs and what can be done to address that root cause.

"I think the why is just as important as the how. We can all sit in a room one day and say this is how we’re going to fix it, but if we don’t understand the why we’re not going to get to the correct solution," Warren explained. "I think it starts with that informed decision. Really understand what’s being asked, and then the why behind that what, and then what the impact of that is, and then realistically looking at how that impacts the city as a whole."

"I’m an avid researcher, so I have spent the last two weeks researching this issue in other cities. Ithaca at one point had the youngest mayor in the United States, and he was addressing the epidemic of drug use, and some of his things seemed very interesting. I’d like more information on how those worked," he continued. "Ultimately it’s about being a member of the team, so any solution that I would present, I would have to make sure that it is informed, that I’m working with the police chief, that I’m working with the council, that I’m working with the fire chief, that I’m really understanding the issue."

However, Warren said he doesn't want to just focus on the negative. Supporting local businesses is another area that's important to him, and he hopes during his time as alderman to help small Norwich businesses thrive.

Due to the uncommon nature of his appointment to the council, Warren's term as alderman will conclude in less than a year and a half, on December 31, 2023. While he's considering it, Warren said it's too soon to say if he'll run in next year's election.

"I want to make sure that it’s the right fit for me, and I’m the right fit for that role as well. Sometimes you enter into something and you think it’s going to be a good fit, and for one reason or another it doesn’t work out. So I always take those steps one day at a time," he said.

For now, Warren said he's looking forward to working with the council and he hopes to use this time to leave the city better than he found it.

"I have every confidence between that group of people, because we have some great council members, so between that group of individuals and myself we’ll be able to do what’s right for the city," he said. "I hope in that time period to just get to know my neighbors more, and I hope that no matter what happens after that, I can leave it better than I found it."

Constituents can reach Warren with any questions or concerns by phone at 607-371-1317, or via email at wardonealderman@norwichnewyork.net.

"I just want everybody to feel comfortable to approach me. I think in this political climate sometimes we do a good job of putting up fences and barriers and I’d just like everybody to know that those barriers don’t exist with me," he added. "I think I’m approachable, and if you have an issue, whether you see it as big or small, I’d like you to bring it to our attention so we can see if anything can be done about it. And really that’s it. That’s what I’m in it for."