According to the city clerk, more incumbents have taken out papers to run for city councilor.
Ward 3 Councilor Jan McClure has taken out papers to run. Ward 10 Councilor Fred Keach has also decided to run for another term.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Anonymous commenting ...
Note to readers: I allow anonymous commenting on OurConcord.com but I will not allow postings that I know are factually wrong or insinuate something that I can't prove.
Recently, a reader posted some comments about the spouse of an elected official that insinuated inappropriate professional behavior that I can't prove. They also made comments about another candidate that I can't prove but I am currently looking into the issue.
Please, in the future, if you drop a dime on someone, email me first [ourconcord-at-yahoo.com]. Let me hear the story you are claiming first. Please don't make anonymous comments and allegations because I won't post them. Please interact with me via email about the claims so I can get more information and look into them. Thanks!
Recently, a reader posted some comments about the spouse of an elected official that insinuated inappropriate professional behavior that I can't prove. They also made comments about another candidate that I can't prove but I am currently looking into the issue.
Please, in the future, if you drop a dime on someone, email me first [ourconcord-at-yahoo.com]. Let me hear the story you are claiming first. Please don't make anonymous comments and allegations because I won't post them. Please interact with me via email about the claims so I can get more information and look into them. Thanks!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Fireworks or something else?
Shira Schoenberg of the Monitor talks a bit about the School District Charter Commission here: ["Let the fireworks begin!"].
I don't know if there will be many fireworks. There might be. Who knows? But it seems with clear slant towards the school system [see my analysis here: "Controversial charter commission starting to come together ... but is the fix in?"], few, if any, changes will come out of this commission. That means we'll all be back at square one next year. Sigh.
Either way, the community needs to be plugged into this process. So do show up on Wednesday night for the first meeting and we can see what happens.
I don't know if there will be many fireworks. There might be. Who knows? But it seems with clear slant towards the school system [see my analysis here: "Controversial charter commission starting to come together ... but is the fix in?"], few, if any, changes will come out of this commission. That means we'll all be back at square one next year. Sigh.
Either way, the community needs to be plugged into this process. So do show up on Wednesday night for the first meeting and we can see what happens.
Audi 150th season
From the inbox:
THE 105TH SEASON AT CONCORD CITY AUDITORIUM OPENS WITH A GALA CELEBRATION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
The Concord City Auditorium opens its 105th year as the heART of the capital area with a GALA celebration on Sept. 13, previewing over 105 public events planned for the 2009-2010 season.
The Season-Opening event is GALA IXX – the 19th Annual -- presented by The Friends of the Audi as a “preview of coming attractions”. Here’s the program:
At 6pm – The AUDI pARTy and ARTS FAIR, held outside – and under a Taylor Tent if the weather is cranky -- features displays of area arts organizations to let the public know what’s coming to town this season and how to join in the excitement of the area’s growing “Creative Economy”. It’s free and open to all, as a gift to the community.
ARNIE’S ICE CREAM SOCIAL is a traditional part of the Fair, as Tom and
Tootie Arnold generously serve their delicious homemade ice cream to the crowd. Favorite local musicians serenade the fairgoers at this old-time down-home event..
Special guests at the Fair include THE CONCORD COACH, as the city’s famous stagecoach drives up Prince Street to the city’s historic stage, thanks to the Concord Coach Society. The GALA offers a rare chance for the public to be close to a coach and greet costumed drivers and passengers re-enacting the city’s past.
A favored part of the Fair is the GALA RAFFLE, which offers 10 prizes -- jumbo mugs filled with over $3,000 worth of restaurant certificates and show tickets. Result:
Everybody wants to be a winner!
Then, at 7pm – the action moves inside the theatre for GALA VARIETY SHOW – a fast-paced dazzling revue of the music-dance-film-lectures-comedy coming to the Audi stage in 2009-2010. Allwynne Fine, the show’s director, invited all the groups booked in the theatre this season to present a three to eight minute sample of their coming attractions…and what a line-up she has listed, including – The kick-off show for the Walker Fund’s 113th season: THE 1944 BIG BAND COMEDY CANTEEN.
Scenes from upcoming shows: GODSPELL, Steve Martin’s THE UNDERPANTS, ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER – Children’s Theatre, JUDY’S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, BIG – The Musical, A DICKENS CHRISTMAS, Dance for this “Dancing Town”: Concord Dance Academy’s Holiday Spectacular, Miss Gen’s National Championship performers, The Rhythm of the Night, A Musical Sampler: The Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire, Concord’s 50th Annual Barbershop Festival, The NH Opera Idol, and The 9/11 “Singing Policeman.”
Plus the start of the Auditorium’s FLYSPACE PROJECT, which will bring our hemp fly system house into the 21st century . The Audi’s call to “Come Fly With Us” will be highlighted by the Cindy Flanagan’s dynamic dancers and extraordinary harmonies of THE FOUR GRIPS – created by Martha and Robert Kuepper.
The community’s A&E will be introduced by a community Emcee -- STATE SENATOR SYLVIA LARSEN. A large company of volunteers is working behind the scenes to produce the event, led by David Murdo heading the Gala Variety Show, Candy Brehm organizing the Arts Festival, and Sharon Sweet as Stage Manager.
Tickets for the GALA – which is a friend-raiser rather than a fund-raiser – are just $5, and are on sale now at Ballard’s Novelty Shop on Broadway and Gibson’s Bookstore on South Main Street, or by mail order to Audi Friends, PO Box 652, Concord, 03302.
For information, please call 225-7474 or visit www.theaudi.org
For further information, please contact: Director – Allwynne Fine, 225-6497; allwynne@aol.com; Producer – David Murdo, 225-7474, nhdm40@comcast.net.
THE 105TH SEASON AT CONCORD CITY AUDITORIUM OPENS WITH A GALA CELEBRATION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
The Concord City Auditorium opens its 105th year as the heART of the capital area with a GALA celebration on Sept. 13, previewing over 105 public events planned for the 2009-2010 season.
The Season-Opening event is GALA IXX – the 19th Annual -- presented by The Friends of the Audi as a “preview of coming attractions”. Here’s the program:
At 6pm – The AUDI pARTy and ARTS FAIR, held outside – and under a Taylor Tent if the weather is cranky -- features displays of area arts organizations to let the public know what’s coming to town this season and how to join in the excitement of the area’s growing “Creative Economy”. It’s free and open to all, as a gift to the community.
ARNIE’S ICE CREAM SOCIAL is a traditional part of the Fair, as Tom and
Tootie Arnold generously serve their delicious homemade ice cream to the crowd. Favorite local musicians serenade the fairgoers at this old-time down-home event..
Special guests at the Fair include THE CONCORD COACH, as the city’s famous stagecoach drives up Prince Street to the city’s historic stage, thanks to the Concord Coach Society. The GALA offers a rare chance for the public to be close to a coach and greet costumed drivers and passengers re-enacting the city’s past.
A favored part of the Fair is the GALA RAFFLE, which offers 10 prizes -- jumbo mugs filled with over $3,000 worth of restaurant certificates and show tickets. Result:
Everybody wants to be a winner!
Then, at 7pm – the action moves inside the theatre for GALA VARIETY SHOW – a fast-paced dazzling revue of the music-dance-film-lectures-comedy coming to the Audi stage in 2009-2010. Allwynne Fine, the show’s director, invited all the groups booked in the theatre this season to present a three to eight minute sample of their coming attractions…and what a line-up she has listed, including – The kick-off show for the Walker Fund’s 113th season: THE 1944 BIG BAND COMEDY CANTEEN.
Scenes from upcoming shows: GODSPELL, Steve Martin’s THE UNDERPANTS, ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER – Children’s Theatre, JUDY’S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, BIG – The Musical, A DICKENS CHRISTMAS, Dance for this “Dancing Town”: Concord Dance Academy’s Holiday Spectacular, Miss Gen’s National Championship performers, The Rhythm of the Night, A Musical Sampler: The Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire, Concord’s 50th Annual Barbershop Festival, The NH Opera Idol, and The 9/11 “Singing Policeman.”
Plus the start of the Auditorium’s FLYSPACE PROJECT, which will bring our hemp fly system house into the 21st century . The Audi’s call to “Come Fly With Us” will be highlighted by the Cindy Flanagan’s dynamic dancers and extraordinary harmonies of THE FOUR GRIPS – created by Martha and Robert Kuepper.
The community’s A&E will be introduced by a community Emcee -- STATE SENATOR SYLVIA LARSEN. A large company of volunteers is working behind the scenes to produce the event, led by David Murdo heading the Gala Variety Show, Candy Brehm organizing the Arts Festival, and Sharon Sweet as Stage Manager.
Tickets for the GALA – which is a friend-raiser rather than a fund-raiser – are just $5, and are on sale now at Ballard’s Novelty Shop on Broadway and Gibson’s Bookstore on South Main Street, or by mail order to Audi Friends, PO Box 652, Concord, 03302.
For information, please call 225-7474 or visit www.theaudi.org
For further information, please contact: Director – Allwynne Fine, 225-6497; allwynne@aol.com; Producer – David Murdo, 225-7474, nhdm40@comcast.net.
Friday, September 4, 2009
New candidates emerge ...
According to the city clerk's office, at least two new candidates have emerged to run for seats this year.
Washington Street resident Jim Baer, a retiree and a member of the Concord Taxpayer Association, has pulled papers to run at-large.
Another newcomer who pulled papers today was Amanda Grady of Wyman Street who is running for the open council seat in Ward 4. Grady is the director of public policy, N.H. Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence and the former chairwoman of the New Hampshire Young Democrats.
Incumbents who pulled papers include Liz Blanchard in Ward 1, Rob Werner in Ward 5, J. Allen Bennett in Ward 6, Keith Nyhan in Ward 7, and Dick Patten in Ward 8.
Mayor Jim Bouley also pulled papers today to run for reelection as did Dan St. Hilaire, to run at-large.
Washington Street resident Jim Baer, a retiree and a member of the Concord Taxpayer Association, has pulled papers to run at-large.
Another newcomer who pulled papers today was Amanda Grady of Wyman Street who is running for the open council seat in Ward 4. Grady is the director of public policy, N.H. Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence and the former chairwoman of the New Hampshire Young Democrats.
Incumbents who pulled papers include Liz Blanchard in Ward 1, Rob Werner in Ward 5, J. Allen Bennett in Ward 6, Keith Nyhan in Ward 7, and Dick Patten in Ward 8.
Mayor Jim Bouley also pulled papers today to run for reelection as did Dan St. Hilaire, to run at-large.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Dr. Black changes his mind
City Councilor Dr. Douglas Black has decided not to run for reelection after all.
In email to the council members earlier today, Black said a recent death in his family had "given me pause to look at my priorities."
"I need to spend more time with my family, my day jobs and my church," he said.
Black said he enjoyed being a councilor and was "grateful" to all of those who voted for him.
"Concord is a great city and is indeed well run," he said.
Black's decision not to run, along with Lemieux, means there will be at least two new councilors coming on board later this year. It also means there will probably be a mad dash over the next nine weeks to win that open seat.
With a mayoral race not likely this year, a competitive at-large race and school board race, which is also city-wide, should boost voter turnout.
In 2007, six candidates ran for the two seats but the turnout was 20 percent. In 2006, a number of people ran for the special election to finish out one of the terms of a former councilor who resigned. In 2005, a wide field ran for the seats currently being held by Black and St. Hilaire but the lack of a mayoral race kept the turnout to a paltry 14 percent.
Juxtapose that with the Ward councilors who very rarely see challenges. But, in fact, due to the size, Ward races are much easier to run than at-large races.
I'm hearing some rumors that there will be at least a few competitive Ward races this year. So we'll see what happens.
In email to the council members earlier today, Black said a recent death in his family had "given me pause to look at my priorities."
"I need to spend more time with my family, my day jobs and my church," he said.
Black said he enjoyed being a councilor and was "grateful" to all of those who voted for him.
"Concord is a great city and is indeed well run," he said.
Black's decision not to run, along with Lemieux, means there will be at least two new councilors coming on board later this year. It also means there will probably be a mad dash over the next nine weeks to win that open seat.
With a mayoral race not likely this year, a competitive at-large race and school board race, which is also city-wide, should boost voter turnout.
In 2007, six candidates ran for the two seats but the turnout was 20 percent. In 2006, a number of people ran for the special election to finish out one of the terms of a former councilor who resigned. In 2005, a wide field ran for the seats currently being held by Black and St. Hilaire but the lack of a mayoral race kept the turnout to a paltry 14 percent.
Juxtapose that with the Ward councilors who very rarely see challenges. But, in fact, due to the size, Ward races are much easier to run than at-large races.
I'm hearing some rumors that there will be at least a few competitive Ward races this year. So we'll see what happens.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Most incumbents running again
As the start of the filing period approaches for municipal and school board candidates, a quick survey of the political landscape reveals that most incumbents will be running for reelection.
Mayor Jim Bouley has confirmed that he will be running for reelection in November.
At-Large incumbent and long-time Councilor Dr. Douglas Black says he's 90 percent sure he will be running again, with fellow Republican and Mayor Pro Tempe Dan St. Hilaire, also running.
Ward 1 Councilor Elizabeth Blanchard said she would also be running again.
"It’s become a joke among my colleagues, because I’ve been known to say I will remain on the Council until Penacook is revitalized," she said in an email, "which means I will be hobbling up to my seat with a cane and/or walker."
Both Bill Stetson, who represents Ward 2, and Fred Keach, who represents Ward 10, said they were close to making a decisions about running again.
Ward 5 Councilor Rob Werner, Keith Nyhan from Ward 7, and Ward 9 Councilor Candace Bouchard all confirmed they would be running again.
Ward 6 Councilor Allen Bennett was unreachable via email.
Over on the school board side, two of the three incumbents have confirmed they are running again.
Chairwoman Kass Ardinger said she has really enjoyed serving.
"I look forward to continuing the dialogue with community members," she said, "not just about how best to serve our youngest students in our elementary schools, but also about issues of special education, the growing demands on our schools and staff from economically and socially disadvantaged students and families, the impact of increasing federal and state mandates and regulations, and how all of those things need to be addressed within the realistic confines of a budget based on money raised primarily from local property taxes."
Ardinger said she was interested in "working closely" with city leaders to come up with solutions to problems, such as the aging community spaces, like the Green Street and Heights community centers.
"I think we can find ways to successfully integrate some community uses into the proposed redesigns of elementary schools," she said.
Christopher Casko will also seek another term.
"I feel that I have served the citizens of Concord well, and hope to do so for another 3 years," he said. "In addition, I look forward to discussing the very important issues facing the board going forward."
Casko listed a number of reasons for running including implementing the elementary facilities master plan, passing responsible budgets and making the process as transparent as possible, working with city officials, and developing education policy for the district.
Board member Clint Cogswell did not return an email clarifying his intentions.
Mayor Jim Bouley has confirmed that he will be running for reelection in November.
At-Large incumbent and long-time Councilor Dr. Douglas Black says he's 90 percent sure he will be running again, with fellow Republican and Mayor Pro Tempe Dan St. Hilaire, also running.
Ward 1 Councilor Elizabeth Blanchard said she would also be running again.
"It’s become a joke among my colleagues, because I’ve been known to say I will remain on the Council until Penacook is revitalized," she said in an email, "which means I will be hobbling up to my seat with a cane and/or walker."
Both Bill Stetson, who represents Ward 2, and Fred Keach, who represents Ward 10, said they were close to making a decisions about running again.
Ward 5 Councilor Rob Werner, Keith Nyhan from Ward 7, and Ward 9 Councilor Candace Bouchard all confirmed they would be running again.
Ward 6 Councilor Allen Bennett was unreachable via email.
Over on the school board side, two of the three incumbents have confirmed they are running again.
Chairwoman Kass Ardinger said she has really enjoyed serving.
"I look forward to continuing the dialogue with community members," she said, "not just about how best to serve our youngest students in our elementary schools, but also about issues of special education, the growing demands on our schools and staff from economically and socially disadvantaged students and families, the impact of increasing federal and state mandates and regulations, and how all of those things need to be addressed within the realistic confines of a budget based on money raised primarily from local property taxes."
Ardinger said she was interested in "working closely" with city leaders to come up with solutions to problems, such as the aging community spaces, like the Green Street and Heights community centers.
"I think we can find ways to successfully integrate some community uses into the proposed redesigns of elementary schools," she said.
Christopher Casko will also seek another term.
"I feel that I have served the citizens of Concord well, and hope to do so for another 3 years," he said. "In addition, I look forward to discussing the very important issues facing the board going forward."
Casko listed a number of reasons for running including implementing the elementary facilities master plan, passing responsible budgets and making the process as transparent as possible, working with city officials, and developing education policy for the district.
Board member Clint Cogswell did not return an email clarifying his intentions.
Lemieux's out
Ward 4 City Councilor Dick Lemieux has decided not to seek re-election, according to an email he sent to the city clerk and his colleagues.
"Being a city councilor has been a rewarding and enriching experience," he wrote. "I have enjoyed my relationship with all of you and the City staff. I thank the voters of Ward 4 for twice giving me the opportunity to represent them."
No word yet on who will run for the seat. The filing period starts on Friday.
There has been some speculation that Concord Taxpayer Association member Jim Baer is considering a run in Ward 4. In 2007, Trish Dionne, who originally signed up to run at-large, reversed course and ran an unsuccessful last minute write-in campaign against Lemieux. No word on whether or not she will consider running again this year.
I'll soon have an extensive update about which incumbents are running for reelection in November.
"Being a city councilor has been a rewarding and enriching experience," he wrote. "I have enjoyed my relationship with all of you and the City staff. I thank the voters of Ward 4 for twice giving me the opportunity to represent them."
No word yet on who will run for the seat. The filing period starts on Friday.
There has been some speculation that Concord Taxpayer Association member Jim Baer is considering a run in Ward 4. In 2007, Trish Dionne, who originally signed up to run at-large, reversed course and ran an unsuccessful last minute write-in campaign against Lemieux. No word on whether or not she will consider running again this year.
I'll soon have an extensive update about which incumbents are running for reelection in November.
DeVorsey to step down
The Concord Monitor is reporting this morning that school board member Megan DeVorsey will be stepping down from the board on Dec. 31. DeVorsey's resignation opens up a 1-year seat race to be determined Nov. 3.
Rumors were flying all over town during the last two weeks that DeVorsey was taking an extended trip overseas with her family and might no longer be able to serve. There was some speculation that she might be stepping down or not.
DeVorsey did not return emails over the weekend confirming the resignation rumor.
Rumors were flying all over town during the last two weeks that DeVorsey was taking an extended trip overseas with her family and might no longer be able to serve. There was some speculation that she might be stepping down or not.
DeVorsey did not return emails over the weekend confirming the resignation rumor.
Meet the architect Wednesday
From an email forwarded to me:
Meet the Architects
The Concord School Board cordially invites all members of the elementary school PTOs to attend a Meet the Architects night at Concord High School
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Examples of buildings designed by HMFH Architects will be on display in the Main Street hallway of CHS at 6:15 p.m., with a presentation by the firm to be given at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
A question-and-answer session with School Board members and school district administrators will follow.
Meet the Architects
The Concord School Board cordially invites all members of the elementary school PTOs to attend a Meet the Architects night at Concord High School
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Examples of buildings designed by HMFH Architects will be on display in the Main Street hallway of CHS at 6:15 p.m., with a presentation by the firm to be given at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
A question-and-answer session with School Board members and school district administrators will follow.
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