With two longtime city councilors seeking re-election, a former councilor, a police officer and a local organizer have all made a challenge. Five candidates are running; two of them will win a seat on the council.
Fred Keach and Amanda Grady Sexton, both experienced fixtures of city council, are running again for their current at-large positions: for either not to win re-election would be an upset.
Jeanne Chase is a longtime resident, a former Concord police officer and a U.S. Army veteran. Nowadays, she owns a small business in Concord and comes to the race with a desire to rein in city spending.
Grady Sexton, who’s been on the council since 2010, prioritizes public safety with a penchant toward solving the city’s homelessness problem. She works for a nonprofit that advocates for victims of crime and their children. She’s served on multiple state commissions dealing with domestic and sexual violence.
Keach, a former police officer, has served as a member of the city council for 18 years. He’s also on the boards of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and the Friendly Kitchen. Keach Park is named for his father.
Fisto Ndayishimiye, a local organizer who came to Concord as a refugee, founded the Young Adults Development Network, a nonprofit that seeks to train young adults in leadership and civic engagement. He’s focused on solving the city’s housing and homelessness issues, as well as fostering diversity and inclusion.
Robert Washburn, a former at-large and Ward 4 city councilor, is a certified public accountant and a U.S. Navy veteran. He’s also a former controller at the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. He said he hopes to make city services more cost-effective and make Concord more affordable.
At-large councilors are elected by the entire city rather than by a particular ward. They serve staggered, two year terms. Current at-large councilors Judith Kurtz and Nathan Fennessy are not up for re-election.
Scroll on for more information about the candidates.
Jeanne Chase
Age: 62
Years living in Concord: 39
Reason for running: “As a longtime Concord resident, homeowner, and small business owner, I am well aware and am hearing constantly from so many others of the angering concerns of out-of-control spending and related property tax increases … My additional major reason for running for City Council is that of the prevalent homeless issues in Concord – a black eye for the city.”
Top issues: Property taxes and city spending, Homelessness, “City officials seemingly out of touch with, and unsupportive of, residents”
Key point: “Go back to a city government which shows concern for the residents. Stop the unnecessary spending to reign in tax rates. Deal with the homeless to return the city to the image of the quintessential New England small city.”
Most important projects to Concord: Memorial Field, Library, City Hall
Amanda Grady Sexton
Age: 36
Years living in Concord: 20
Reason for running: “These are difficult times for both our community and our country, and I am prepared to help Concord navigate these times with strong leadership and thoughtful decision-making. I’m committed to protecting taxpayers, preserving the critical services we rely on, and ensuring Concord remains a place where all of us can thrive.”
Top issues: Property taxes and city spending, Public safety, Economic development
Key point: “I feel that Concord has gone backwards in terms of economic development, and it’s critical that we re-establish ourselves as business-friendly to attract developers and businesses who are willing to invest in our community.”
Most important projects to Concord: Rundlett Middle School, Memorial Field, Library
Fred Keach
Age: 63
Years living in Concord: 53
Reason for running: “I desire to contribute to a community I believe in. My previous 18 years on the council brings experience, knowledge and commitment that is of value to Concord. I have raised 3 children here and seen Concord change much since I grew up here in the 1970s. I wish to see this change continue and am committed to doing my part.”
Top issues: Public safety, Economic development, Property taxes and city spending
Key point: “The downtown is thriving in a way I have never seen before. Having grown up here, I have seen Main Street evolve into a hugely successful destination. Great work has been done. And great work must continue to be done … I see the current downtown as a great start. I want to work with the community towards this end.”
Most important projects to Concord: Rundlett Middle School, Memorial Field, Police station
Fisto Ndayishimiye
Age: 27
Years living in Concord: 8
Reason for running: “Because Concord needs stronger, inclusive leadership. I want to ensure every resident, whether a lifelong Concord citizen or a new American, has access to affordable housing, opportunity, and a voice in shaping our city’s future.”
Top issues: Housing affordability/availability, Homelessness, Diversity and inclusion
Key point: “Some may question my age or refugee background. My response: Leadership is about vision, courage, and service. I have led organizations, built coalitions, and turned lived struggle into strength. My experience makes me deeply prepared to represent all residents of Concord.”
Most important projects to Concord: Rundlett Middle School, Memorial Field, Fire station
Robert Washburn
Age: 81
Years living in Concord: 53
Reason for running: “I want to be a loud and proud voice for the property payers, currently there is none.”
Top issues: Property taxes and city spending, Homelessness, Government transparency and accessibility
Key point: “The current budget trajectory is not sustainable, elderly homeowners are being tax out and young families can’t afford to move in. I would bring fiscal sanity to the budget process.”
Most important projects to Concord: Fire station, Beaver Meadow Golf Course Clubhouse, Airport terminal
Live candidate forum:
Make-up forum:
