What We Believe In
We believe that it is important as the New Britain Democratic Party to voice our underlying mission and values in an effort to help people understand what we hope to accomplish in this city. We believe that our values are the same values that a majority of the people in New Britain hold and what makes us all so proud to live here.
We work as an organization to elect Democrats because we know that there is real change that needs to happen here in New Britain. It is in the effort to see these principles realized that we dedicate our time to elect local, state, and federal leaders.
Equity
New Britain is an incredibly diverse city and it is clear that significantly more needs to be done to address the inequities that exist here. Inequality in New Britain, like much of Connecticut, and the United States, transcends all aspects of our society. We are the product of a long history, and we need to begin demanding change today to create a better tomorrow.
That is why we advocate for:
More diverse representation on local boards and commissions.
Expanding affordable housing and the stricter enforcement of laws and heightened accountability for landlords.
Investing in youth services that provides not only activities for our young people but access to counselling and other mental health support.
Increased funds for education at all levels.
Training and accountability measures for the police department, including the establishment of a Civilian Review Board.
Healthcare Access for All
This has been an issue that should really need no explanation, especially in light of what the world experienced during COVID-19. Like many health crises before, it really pulled back the curtain on who gets to live and die when resources are scarce. It is critical that we continue to hold people in power accountable and call for them to address this long overdue issue in our country.
Our state is taking steps in the right direction, with the introduction of legislation that would provide a public option for Connecticut families, nonprofits, and small businesses. However, this bill did not pass due to severe opposition in the legislature. We support this bill as a great first step in moving New Britain, and our state to a future where everyone can have access to affordable healthcare.
Protect our Environment and Address Climate Change
In 2018, our city passed a “Resolution Endorsing the Declaration of a Climate Emergency.” The language for that resolution can be found here. Since that time, the Mayor, and the city, has done essentially nothing to actually enact any policies or practices to reduce the city’s carbon footprint or dramatically decrease our impact on the environment. We know that dramatic steps are needed to protect our environment and we need to get started now.
That is why we support:
The creation of an Environment Protection Task Force that can partner city officials with citizens in an effort to find how to make our city more eco-friendly.
Creating better lines of communication and understanding between the mayor’s office, city departments, and commissions that deal with environmental issues.
Establishing a program for incoming and current businesses that will work with the companies to help educate them on ways to improve their environmental impact.
Working with the planning and zoning commission to ensure that we are doing everything we can to adhere to strict conservation policy and not building on areas that will negatively impact our environment or open spaces.
Sustainable Economic Development
Like so many cities across Connecticut, New Britain prospered when manufacturing was driving our local and state economy. Since manufacturing disappeared, New Britain has struggled to offer good jobs and to provide the services our residents deserve. We are still in the midst of the resulting financial crisis of high taxes and underfunded services.
The reality is that these businesses are not coming back. We need to attract emerging industries to provide good jobs for everyone who lives here. But New Britain should be a great place to live regardless of who does business here. When we look to the future, we need to partner with our neighboring towns and the state to share resources to reduce the cost of doing business and build an economic future that will benefit everyone.