Ward 3: Paul Shea Calls for Recount

Submitted by Paul Shea: 
Nov. 6, 2013

Over the past few months I have worked hard, campaigning for Ward 3 Alderman, and I have not been alone. All in all, over 40 volunteers came out and put together yard signs, knocked on doors, made calls, and stood out for many hours, in all weather, holding totems and waving to Nashuans – to actively show their support for this campaign.

Over the past few months we raised several thousand dollars, from well over 50 individual donors. We invested our time, money and talent into something that we believe in. We've highlighted the issues of code enforcement, absentee landlords, an education system that leaves room for improvement, a need for a long term bicycle/pedestrian master plan, and a desire from many for more opportunities to connect neighbors and build community.

Win or lose, we ran a campaign that we can be proud of, every step of the way. This is our success story.

That being said, the results of last night's election for Ward 3 Alderman were not in our favor. Out of over 1,000 Ward 3 voters, the difference between vote count for the two Ward Alderman candidates was 5 votes. We were invested in this campaign, we are invested in its message, and we will continue to be invested in Nashua. If it were not for the support from many in the community, this campaign would have been a shadow of what it has become.

I owe it to those supporters, with the narrow margin in this race, to request a recount. I have spoken with the Nashua City Clerk's office and have made that request, and will be making that request in writing as well. No matter the result of the recount, I will continue to do the work that needs to be done to improve the quality of life in our city, particularly in our downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. I look forward to working with many folks as we move forward for a better Nashua.

Paul Shea