Ward 5 is geographically large, spanning from neighborhoods on “The Hill” behind the statehouse westward into farmland. It includes Penacook Lake, the granite quarry, Concord Hospital and St. Paul’s School.
Incumbent Stacey Brown is a U.S. army veteran and former teacher whose community involvement includes the Women’s Club, advocacy for the Merrimack River Greenway Trail and serving on the city’s Tree Subcommittee. She is being challenged by Alex Dellas, an employee at his family’s business, Boutwell’s Bowling Center.
Brown is a vocal councilor, often scrutinizing financial details at length – especially those related to the Beaver Meadow Golf Course clubhouse project. While her approach doesn’t often win coalitions on the council, Brown’s advocacy on several local issues did play a part in changing their trajectory: She joined the Concerned Citizens group in successfully pushing for the plans for a new middle school to stay in the South End, rather than East Concord. She was also the strongest opponent of the golf clubhouse project, which saw its price tag lowered by $2 million before it gained approval. An ethics complaint earlier this year related to her voting as a councilor given husband’s employment as a city police officer was dismissed, but discussions about when Brown must recuse herself from council votes has long been a point of contention.
Dellas originally planned to file for mayor, but changed course. While he has not held office before, he pointed to his experience in the local small business community as key to his understanding of responsible budgeting and customer service. Dellas criticized Brown for pushing for ‘last minute’ changes and not building consensus. He has used his social media to discuss local issues he believes in, such as ending the city’s pay-as-you-throw trash program, and national politics, including a flyer for a recent candlelight vigil remembering conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Scroll for more information about the candidates.
Stacey Brown
Age: 53
Years living in Concord: 16
Top issues: Property taxes and city spending, environmental sustainability, government transparency and accessibility
Reason for running: “I view being a city councilor as being an advocate for my constituents and Concord cheerleader… I am proud to have been able to help the residents of different neighborhoods throughout ward 5 to understand an issue, support them, clarify the City process and advocate on their behalf.”
Key point: “We need government transparency to critically look at the capital projects slated, who they serve and how they are funded.”
Most important projects for Ward 5: Hall Street Wastewater Treatment Plant, Police station, Rundlett Middle School
Alex Dellas
Age: 34
Years living in Concord: 30
Top issues: Property taxes and city spending; roads, traffic and transportation; homelessness
Reason for running: “I want to be on the city council because I want to serve my community and give back to the city. I have lived here my entire life. The community has treated my family over the past 30 years. We had a pizza place and now we own a bowling alley, and I just want to make Concord the best city to live and jobs opportunity for everyone.”
Key point: “While I may not have decades in city government, I bring my business experience, dealing with the public everyday and budgeting everyday.”
Top priority capital projects: Beaver Meadow Golf Course Clubhouse, Rundlett Middle School, fire station
