As an elected City Councilor, I write today to underscore two truths: our local government matters deeply and participation in it is both powerful and essential. Local government controls the things in your life that affect you most immediately. We control property taxes. We control what roads get paved. We decide how many firefighters there are, how good their equipment is and how much they are compensated. First, I encourage all eligible residents to consider running for local office in the upcoming election. So often our city sees uncontested races or a narrow pool of candidates — sometimes wards have fewer than 10% even participate in municipal elections. We need new voices and diverse backgrounds at the table — retirees, young people, working parents, business owners, renters — everyone. Your life experience, skills and values are assets our community desperately needs. Past openings have historically attracted only a handful of candidates; we must change that by stepping up when we can. Second, I urge every resident to vote in the upcoming election. When a majority of eligible voters do not bother, it gives a disproportionate advantage to small, often single-issue groups. Show up at the polls, cast your ballot — even in races that seem quiet. Every vote sends a message about what matters. The filing for municipal elections opens Sept. 5 and municipal elections are Nov. 4, 2025. Please consider running, but absolutely mark your calendar to vote. Together, we can ensure that our city truly reflects the community’s values and aspirations.
Michele Horne
Concord, NH