In Ward 8, which includes parts of the Heights and stretches South past Manchester Street, a dairy farmer is challenging one of the council’s first-term incumbents.
Jonathan Cate is a near-lifelong Concord resident who runs a dairy farm with his growing family. He is running against Ali Sekou, a community engagement professional and leader with a local mosque who made history two years ago as the first man of color elected to the city council.
Scroll to read more about the candidates.
Jonathan Cate
Age: 38
Years living in Concord: 32
Top issues: Property taxes and city spending, homelessness, government transparency and accessibility
Reason for running: “[To] make the city more convenient and friendly to the residents of Concord and to make it safer, as it was when I was a kid living here.”
Key point: “I am firm to the point of immovable on my principles. You want someone firm, someone who will not compromise his principles who is looking for maximum value for the citizens of ward 8.”
Most important projects for Ward 8: Hall Street wastewater treatment plant, airport terminal, police station
Ali Sekou
Age: 42
Years living in Concord: 6
Top issues: Housing, economic development, public safety/crime
Reason for running: “I want to serve on the city council to ensure that every resident’s voice is heard and that our city grows in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable way. “
Key point: “I am committed to ensuring immediate concerns like public safety, housing, and economic development are met, while also implementing strategies that make Concord stronger, fairer, and more sustainable for the long term. Serving concord is one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Most important projects for Ward 8: did not respond
