NORWICH – In less than one month, election day will be upon us, and this year, in the City of Norwich two candidates will be vying for the position of mayor.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, city voters will have to choose between the Republican incumbent, Mayor Joseph Maiurano and the Democratic hopeful, Michael Carnrike.

Maiurano, who was elected to fill out the remainder of a one-year term last November, has said the city is making more and more progress every day. “We’re looking to the future and dealing with the everyday things that have piled up over the years,” Maiurano said.

The current mayor pointed out things he considered signs of success, such as the rental registration program, the sidewalk replacement program and the replacement of the bluestone strip on Broad Street. “We’re cleaning up our streets, and little by little we’re achieving our goals,” Maiurano said.

The mayor also discussed plans that will be seen in the future. A second year of the sidewalk replacement program has been set into place, which will allow selected city residents to replace their sidewalks while paying only 50 percent of the cost. A parking lot program is being examined to re-pave deteriorated lots in the city, and a five-year plan is being implemented, so the city can deal with current issues while planning for the future. The city is also planning for two large projects: Repairs to the wastewater treatment plant and the construction of a new water filtration plant.

The mayor added that the city is always looking at ways to bring new businesses to the area.

While Maiurano pointed out that many plans and programs are being implemented, it’s not going to happen overnight.