NORWICH – Four years ago when A. Anthony Abraham first ran for Ward One Alderman, he promised that he would be open and honest with his constituents, and as his term draws to a close, Abraham is proud to say he has adhered to that policy.

“I am running on integrity and openness and welcome your support,” Abraham said during his 2003 campaign. “I’m happy to say that I adhered to what I said I’d do when I was running. I made decisions for the benefit of the tax payers and the citizens of Norwich. Abraham explained that he thought some of the things that were happening in the city government were being decided on in private meetings, and he didn’t feel that was right.

“One of my biggest gripes is that people in the city have seats on the republican committee,” Abraham said, explaining that there was the potential for city officials to discuss city matters at non-city meetings and form decisions prior to the regular city council meetings. “In the statement I released during my campaign, I said that I answer to no special interest groups or power brokers,” Abraham said.

When asked what he was most proud to have accomplished during his time in city government, Abraham mentioned several things, including the purchase of a piece of property located adjacent to the Chenango Reservoir. Abraham said due to his relationship with the owner of the property and his role as the Chairmen of the Public Works Committee, he helped the city to purchase a 37-acre parcel of land for future building.

The city is currently planning to build a new water filter plant on that plot of land. The original filter plant was built in 1903. Because of the location of the property, the filter plant will be able to be gravity fed, which will eliminate the need for at least three pumps. “It was a team effort, involving (Department of Public Works Superintendent) Carl Ivarson, (former Mayor) Bob Raphael, and myself,” Abraham said.