Mayoral Candidates Mayor Christine Carnrike, Shawn Sastri, and Jill Kraft at the Chenango Links organized meet the candidates forum held on Monday night in the Bohemian Moon. (Zachary Meseck photo)

NORWICH – Three City of Norwich mayoral candidates, Christine Carnrike, Shawn Sastri, and Jill Kraft met with potential voters at a local eatery, the Bohemian Moon, on Monday to discuss the upcoming election and their visions for the future of Norwich.

The event at the Bohemian Moon was held by Chenango Links, a grassroots organization dedicated on spreading information and ensuring transparency in government.

Carnrike and Sastri are running under the Republican ballot, and Kraft is running under the Democratic ballot.

City of Norwich Ward One Alderman Matthew Caldwell was selected to moderate the forum. Fellow mayoral candidate Joseph P. Maiurano wasn't present at the event.

According to Carnrike, she and Sastri are both vying for the Republican Party's backing in the upcoming primary, and on June 25 voters will decide who will represent them going into the mayoral election this fall.

She said that if she were to win the mayoral election this would be her last term, as she initially promised when she first ran for the mayor position. She added that she would endeavor to make this transition the smoothest the city has ever had, when she leaves office.

"There will be a full, complete, and smooth transition when I leave office," said Carnrike. "That is for the best interest of this city."

She said when she began as mayor in the City of Norwich, the city was in financial duress, but after her two terms, the city now has three million dollars in its savings account. She added that she would also work to reduce property taxes, which she said she believes are still too high.

Kraft said she would try to encourage people to live, work, and learn in the area by establishing affordable daycare in the City of Norwich.