Fiscal Innovation and Fairness

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Currently, Concord relies too heavily on property taxes, which places the greatest pressure on families, seniors, and homeowners. Many residents tell me that their property tax bill increases every year, but their wages or retirement checks do not. This is unfair, and it is unsustainable. I believe Concord must stop relying on homeowners and instead create new streams of revenue to fund the city. That means competing harder for state and federal grants, money that already exists and can help us build better roads, expand housing, or invest in green projects without raising local taxes. It also means building partnerships with businesses and nonprofits so that large development projects not only cost taxpayers money but also return value to the city. For example, if we modernize city buildings with energy-saving technology, we spend once, but we save on energy bills every single year moving forward. This is how fiscal responsibility should work: protecting residents today while investing in savings for tomorrow.

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Housing and Affordability as a Right, Not a Privilege

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Housing in Concord is reaching a crisis point. Rents continue to rise, families struggle to find affordable homes, and too many young people leave because they cannot afford to stay. I believe housing should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy; it must be accessible to working people, seniors, and young families. That means reforming zoning laws so that new housing can actually be built where it is needed. It means allowing more mixed-use and multi-family housing close to schools, jobs, and public transit. It also means using empty or underused buildings instead of letting them sit abandoned. For example, an unused office building can be turned into apartments with affordable units for teachers, nurses, and city workers. Affordable housing is not just about buildings; it is about providing families with stability, employers with a reliable workforce, and seniors with the ability to live in the community they built. Without action, costs will continue to climb and push people out. With action, Concord can remain a city where every generation has a place to call home.

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Public Safety Through Prevention and Trust

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Concord is still a safe city, but safety is not something we can take for granted. Families are increasingly worried about drug use, speeding cars, homelessness, and the struggles many young people face with mental health. Police officers play an important role, but they cannot solve all of these issues by themselves. Real safety comes from prevention. That means investing in after-school programs so kids have safe places to learn and grow, expanding mental health services so people get help before they reach a crisis, and strengthening recovery programs so those struggling with addiction can find dignity and support. Community policing is also important; officers must build relationships with residents, know their neighborhoods, and work with the community rather than just enforcing laws. A modern police station and fire station are necessary, but they must come with investments in prevention. Safety should not just be measured in lower crime rates, but in whether every resident feels a sense of trust, belonging, and dignity in their own neighborhood.

 

A Downtown and Heights That Work for Everyone

 

Downtown is the heart of Concord, and it must feel alive every day, not just on event days. Main Street looks beautiful, but too many storefronts are still empty, and many young families feel priced out of living nearby. I want a downtown that is people-centered, affordable, and welcoming, where small businesses can thrive, families can gather, and seniors feel included.

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I will make it easier for local entrepreneurs to open and grow downtown. That means simpler and faster. I want to expand small business support with start-up assistance, pop-up shop programs to fill empty spaces quickly, and targeted grants that help new cafés, bookstores, art studios, and restaurants open their doors with confidence. When a storefront is full, the whole block feels safe and alive.

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Housing must be within walking distance of shops, parks, schools, and transit, so downtown is not just a place to visit, but a place to live. I support mixed-income housing, responsible upper-story residential conversions, and adaptive reuse of underused buildings so teachers, nurses, service workers, and young families can afford to live near where they work. When people live downtown, they support local businesses, keep the streets active, and build community pride.

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Public space is the stage where downtown community life happens. I want more outdoor seating, street trees, lighting that makes evenings feel safe, and benches where grandparents can rest while kids enjoy the day. I will support small, frequent events, such as family movie nights, youth art shows, food and music weekends, and seasonal markets, so that something simple and joyful is always happening. These do not need to be expensive; they need to be consistent and welcoming.

Walking and biking must feel safe and easy. I will push for better crosswalks, slower speeds on key blocks, curb extensions where it makes sense, and clear wayfinding signs so visitors know where to park, shop, and explore. Sidewalks should be smooth and accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and individuals with mobility impairments, including seniors. When people can move comfortably, they stay longer and spend locally.

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Dining and culture are the heart of a thriving center. I will support outdoor dining zones, simple rules for sidewalk cafés, and clear, fair guidelines for street vendors and musicians that add life without creating conflict. I want our food, art, and music to reflect the full diversity of Concord, so every resident feels seen and every visitor feels welcomed.

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Parking should work with, not against, vibrancy. I support smarter parking management that keeps convenient short-term spaces turning over for shoppers while guiding long-term parking to the right places. Clear signs and simple payment options reduce stress and help customers focus on enjoying downtown.

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City services must match downtown’s ambitions. Trash pickup, snow removal, street cleaning, and maintenance should be timely and reliable so storefronts look cared for year-round. When we keep the basics strong, businesses can focus on serving customers, and families can enjoy their city without issues.

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I want a downtown where everyone belongs. That means family-friendly restrooms, accessible entries, translation access for city information, and outreach that welcomes immigrant-owned and minority-owned businesses into the core of our local economy. A downtown that works for everyone is more than just nice buildings; it is a daily invitation to gather, create, and grow together.

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Finally, I support and am willing to explore the idea that, while our focus is downtown, we should also consider connecting downtown with the Heights, so our city feels more united. I am open to a community-driven plan that makes parts of the Heights more people-centered, with safe crossings, good and quiet traffic, and spaces where families can sit outside for tea, coffee, and food without worrying about cars rushing by. If residents and businesses want it, I will work to study it, engage the community, and seek funding to make it a reality, because a city that connects its neighborhoods builds unity, diversity, and shared opportunities.

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Ending Homelessness with Compassion and Strategy

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Homelessness touches every part of our city. It affects public safety, local businesses, and our shared sense of community. Some want to push people away or pretend the problem does not exist, but I believe that is neither moral nor effective. The right approach is compassion combined with strategy. That starts with transitional housing, so people have a stable place to stay while rebuilding their lives. It also means mental health services, addiction recovery, and job training to give people a real pathway forward. Shelters are important for emergencies, but the long-term answer is permanent, affordable housing and partnerships with local employers. For example, a program that provides both housing and training can help someone transition from the streets to the workforce, where they can become independent again. By reducing homelessness, we also reduce pressure on emergency rooms, police, and social services. When we treat people with dignity and invest in their future, we protect both our values and our neighborhoods.

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Youth, Families, and Community Wellbeing

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The strength of Concord’s future depends on how well we support our young people, families, and seniors today. Too many parents struggle to find affordable childcare, too many teens have nowhere safe to go after school, and too many seniors feel left behind. I will fight to expand affordable childcare options, create more mentorship and leadership programs for young people, and improve recreational opportunities like parks, pools, and youth centers. Concord’s six pools and splash pad are not just about summer fun; they are about safe, healthy spaces for children and families to connect. Seniors deserve programs that help them stay active, connected, and valued in civic life. When we invest in people’s wellbeing at every stage of life, we create a stronger, safer, and more united city. Healthy communities prevent crime, strengthen schools, and attract businesses. That is why youth, families, and seniors must remain at the center of city priorities.

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Green Infrastructure and Sustainability

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The environment is not a separate issue; it affects our health, our economy, and our children’s future. Concord must lead in sustainability by investing in green infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and clean transportation options. That means energy-efficient city buildings that lower taxpayer costs, solar panels that provide long-term savings, and better waste management that is fair to families. The Merrimack River Greenway Trail is an example of how environmental investment improves health, recreation, and tourism all at once. Ending the purple bag trash program and moving to a fairer system is another step toward equity and sustainability. Every city project should be judged not only on cost but also on its environmental impact. When we reduce pollution, lower our bills, and protect our natural resources, we build a healthier Concord that is better prepared for the future.

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Transportation, Connectivity, and Access

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Transportation in Concord must work for everyone, not just those who own cars. Today, many residents struggle because bus routes are too limited, sidewalks are broken or unsafe, and bike lanes do not connect across neighborhoods. A strong public transportation system like the CAT is essential for seniors, students, and workers who rely on it every day. By expanding routes, increasing reliability, and keeping fares affordable, we make sure that opportunity is not limited by mobility. Building safer sidewalks and connected bike lanes not only encourages healthier living but also reduces traffic and pollution. For example, a worker who can safely bike to work or take the bus is saving money, protecting the environment, and staying connected to the city. Transportation is about fairness, making sure every resident can get to work, school, or healthcare safely and affordably.

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Economic Growth with Local Roots

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Concord’s economy cannot depend only on outside developers or large corporations. True strength comes from small businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers who are already here. Too often, local business owners face too much red tape and too many delays when they try to open or expand. I will fight to make city permitting faster, clearer, and fairer, so City Hall becomes a partner, not an obstacle. By promoting local restaurants, family-owned shops, cultural industries, clean energy firms, and technology companies, we create an economy that is diverse and future-proof. When a small business succeeds, it creates jobs, strengthens neighborhoods, and contributes to Concord's unique identity. Economic growth must not be growth for growth’s sake; it must reflect our values, our multiculturalism, provide good and inclusive jobs, and foster civic pride.

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A Government That Listens and Delivers

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Local government must be the level of government that feels closest to the people. But too often, residents feel their voices do not matter. I believe in leadership that listens first, explains decisions clearly, and delivers results that residents can see in their daily lives. That means more community forums, more transparency on how money is spent, and more accountability when promises are made. Leadership is not about titles or age; it is about service, vision, and courage. I have built coalitions, led organizations, and turned my lived experience into action for families across Concord. My promise is to lead with integrity and always to put people before politics. Concord deserves a council that does not wait for problems to get worse but solves them with smart and practical solutions.