Edith Chiasson, Concord Ward 4 City Council Candidate

Edith Chiasson

Age (as of Election Day)

62

Position Sought

City Councilor - Ward 4

Party Affiliation

Family

Spouse: Ron Chiasson - Plaza Beauty Salon Owner
Son/Daughter-in-Law: Michael & Eleanor Poirier - born, raised, & currently living in Concord
Daughter/Son-in-Law: Meredith & Nick Desjardins - born and raised in Concord, currently living in Vermont

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Master of Public Administration from UNH School of Public Policy
Bachelor of Science: Financial Planning & Management from Granite State College

Occupation

I work at the NH OPLC (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) managing the Customer Support Unit with a focus on enhancing customer experience. I have over 30 years’ experience establishing policy and developing professionals in serving the public – with topics ranging from regulatory compliance to fiscal and personal responsibility. I have worked over 10 years in NH State agencies and have enjoyed many years of volunteer work in the community for non-profit organizations.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.EdithforConcord.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been a part of the Ward 4 community for over 30 years. I would like to ensure effective representation for the residents of our community, preserving the small-town city culture that makes our neighborhood such a great place to live.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The sky-rocketing expense of basic housing is out-pacing the incomes of individuals and families of all ages. Some loyal long-time residents have been displaced out of the community they call home. Budgets are stretched to a breaking point. Development is challenging the capacity of city services as well as the ease (or lack thereof) of movement in and about the heart of the city, where Ward 4 exists.

I intent to listen carefully to city planners, independent developers, and local residents as we work together to resolve this issue. I will question proposed outcomes, keeping in mind desired culture, capacity limitations, and cost to the taxpayer.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

What I have in my favor is my education and experience. I have a Master of Public Administration degree from UNH School of Public Policy. My Bachelor of Science degree is in Financial Planning & Management. In addition, I have a Black Belt certification in the practice of Lean. As a Lean practitioner, I specialize in methods for continuous improvement designed to improve services and reduce waste in an effective, efficient, and fiscally responsible manner – especially in Government.

My entire career has been about listening to people and working with groups small or large to find common sense, cost-saving solutions.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I believe local officials made some tough decisions in response to the coronavirus, trying to find a balance between an individual's freedom of choice and public health concerns. Concord's proximity between communities with higher and lower infection rates combined with ever-changing information and misinformation made it quite challenging. Our community has been in this together trying to make the best of a no-win situation.

If there was anything I would have done differently is to be more aligned with the State mandates and eased restrictions sooner.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The issue most fundamental to city leaders is to be ever-vigilant about the fiscal well-being of our community. There should always be responsible, transparent collection and spending of taxpayer dollars.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

This is difficult to answer. How does one encapsulate a lifetime of service to one's family, employer, co-workers, and the general public. I've run a household, raised a family, worked full-time, volunteered time and talent, persevered in education, and received recognition for my efforts.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice ever shared with me was to smile. Think about how that one action affects so much.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have the ability to observe, listen, reflect, and make tough decisions to improve the fiscal well-being of individuals and businesses. My objective is to find the balance, the symmetry in the big picture, removing restrictions that create discrimination and undue hardship.