The Black Democratic Committee of New Britain hosted an interview with Democratic Mayor candidate Chris Anderson, led by Michael Briscoe.
The event was held online.
Anderson, the challenger in the mayoral election, says that he is running for mayor because of concerns about issues, like the large increases in property taxes under the incumbent and Republican candidate, Mayor Erin Stewart.
He said that many people have been hit by $1,000 tax increases. He added that wealthy developers of luxury buildings are getting huge tax breaks, while residents of the city are paying significantly more.
Anderson also said that, while education is the core of what the city should prioritize in the city budget, that part of the city budget has been underfunded by the current administration. He said that kids need to be able to learn in smaller class sizes, and that, he said, takes a funding commitment from the city.
Briscoe discussed a sense of disillusionment many people in the city have, as can be seen in the lower voter turnout in city elections. Anderson said that people in the city are struggling just to make ends meet and that politics, as they have been, does not offer much hope that things can be better.
Anderson says that he believes that low voter turnout reflects that many people do not think that city hall really represents what is important for them. He says that he hopes to lead a collaborative approach to decision-making in the city, and planning together for the betterment of the community.
Briscoe and Anderson discussed the problems of flooding that has been occurring in neighborhoods in the city. Anderson said that infrastructure improvements have not been made a priority.
Discussing the question of trust in the community about policing in the city, Anderson said that he would bring back the idea, which was defeated by Republicans two years ago, of having a strong community review board for city police.
Talking about infrastructure, education and good paying jobs for city residents, Anderson said it is important for, “government to work for every single resident of the city,” not just the, “wealthy and well-connected.”
Anderson said that the prosperity in the city must be prosperity for the people who live in New Britain, adding that, “The whole town has to succeed,” a point Briscoe also emphasized and repeated.
Anderson is currently the Chair of the New Britain Democratic Party and served as a member of the City Council from 2019 to 2021.
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