With current councilor Karen McNamara’s choice not to run for re-election, three people filed for the open seat representing the heart of downtown. Ward 4 is one of the more densely populated city districts, stretching from White Park and Capitol Plaza to Fort Eddy Road and Horseshoe Pond. It also includes both the Coalition to End Homelessness and the Friendly Kitchen.
One of the three candidates, Elijah Wilson, didn’t complete our candidate questionnaire.
Between the other two candidates, both have some existing engagement with local government that they’re looking to expand.
Mark Davie is a land use planner who serves on the Concord Zoning Board and with the Concord Greenspace coalition. Jeffrey Tynes is an assistant county attorney for Merrimack County who first moved to Concord as a law student.
Unlike most people on the council, both are renters under the age of 40 and have lived in Concord for less than a decade. They each bring different professional experience and focus: From housing and homelessness to public safety, Tynes’ expressed priorities and approaches align with the council’s current trajectory. Davie was more critical of current leadership as reactive rather than proactive and said he’d bring a fresh perspective.
Scroll for more information about the candidates.
Mark Davie
Age: 27
Years living in Concord: 2.5
Top issues: Housing, cost of living, diversity and inclusion
Reason for running: “Concord is at a juncture of housing, land use and transportation. There is ongoing work on these fronts that have had both successes and failures, however, I can’t ignore that there are voices missing from the table. As a younger renter who is not from New Hampshire, I want to be a voice for my peers who love this state and have chosen to stay.”
Key point: “My age and newness to Concord: I believe this is an asset, as I have demonstrated a commitment to living in this city and state and can provide a fresh outlook.”
Most important projects for Ward 4: Hall Street Wastewater Treatment Plant, Fire Station, library
Jeffrey Tynes
Age: 34
Years living in Concord: 8
Top issues: Housing, homelessness, public safety/crime
Reason for running: “I want to serve on the city council to expand my public service role. I love living in Concord, and I want to give back to the community to keep it the city I love.”
Key point: “Karen McNamara focused on being able to expand the availability of housing in Concord, and I fully agree with that position. I can’t think of anything I would have done differently; in fact, I would do my best to emulate her.”
Most important projects for Ward 4: Police station, fire station, library
Elijah Wilson
Did not complete candidate questionnaire.
