Third Candidate Files For Concord's Ward 4 Special Election

CONCORD, NH — Will it be the third time's the charm for Edith Chiasson?

That is what the Essex Street resident is hoping for after filing Monday to run for the Ward 4 Concord City Council special election scheduled for July 13.

Chiasson filed on Monday, the last day to file, saying it was time for "an independent thinker with grandmother commonsense" on the council.

"I am concerned about the skyrocketing expense of basic housing out-pacing the incomes of individuals and families of all ages," she added. "I think we all agree Concord is a wonderful city with a small-town atmosphere and I'd like to help keep it safe and affordable. I'll do my best to get the most for our tax dollars and keep voters informed."

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The filing period ends at 5 p.m. (Monday, May 10).

Previously, she ran unsuccessfully in the Ward 4 special election in June 2019, and for an at-large later that year.

If elected, Chiasson said she would promote transparency and clear communication when it comes to city governance especially the use of taxpayer dollars. She said she has heard from constituents who are wondering about "undisclosed contracts" in the budget and what will be done with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation building, too. Increased property taxes, too, are on the minds of voters, Chiasson said.

"COVID created a spotlight on the influence of local, state, and national government on individuals and businesses," she said. "Heightened awareness brings with it heightened emotion and concern for our future. I am concerned about special treatment the city may be giving certain developers — like selling a prime Main Street real estate location for only $350,000. If in March 2021 Concord was named the second hottest real estate market in America, then why are taxpayers losing nearly $1.5 million on the former Employment Security building?"

Chiasson previously spearheaded a petition to stop a city proposed $50 parking fee on residents. It was lowered to $5. She and her husband are long-time city residents who live next door to their son's family on Essex Street. Chiasson attends Christ the King Parish and has been an active volunteer. Chiasson also recently received her Master's degree in public administration and has more than three decades of experience in financial services. She currently works for the state at the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

Karen McNamara of Prince Street and Connor Spern of Union Street both filed to run for the seat on April 30.

Spern, a development director for the Friends Program as well as an artist and freelance graphic designer, is in her mid-20s and moved to the city about four years ago. She was interviewed in this post here. McNamara is a reading essentials teacher with the Manchester School District and formerly worked with the Crisis Center of Central New Hampshire and the Spaulding Youth Center. She was interviewed in this post here.

The filing period runs through May 10. Ballot access is a $5 fee or 50 signatures from registered voters in the Ward. The special election will be held on July 13.

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