My name is Michael Dobrinski, and I am running for the at-large city council seat in the March 5 special election.

I have lived in Concord for most of my life. I even bought my first home here with my wife several years ago to start our family. I have loved this community and will always call it home.

I am running for city council because I want to advocate for those not currently represented in our local government. I also want city politics to be more transparent and accessible for those living outside of downtown.

I intend to be a voice for the young professionals and young families in our city that need to be supported and incentivized to stay active in our community. Ultimately, we provide important perspectives and long-term economic support for Concord. We need to avoid losing our young citizens who seek more social and economic opportunities in nearby cities. We can do this by supporting our local colleges, improving our infrastructure, and seeking more affordable housing options for young families.

Additionally, I would like to focus on the opioid epidemic and homelessness that have hit our city incredibly hard, particularly over the past decade. I believe investing in more holistic approaches such as counseling, rehabilitation and temporary housing will go a long way to help our struggling neighbors get back on their feet.

Together we can move Concord forward. I ask for your vote on March 5.

MICHAEL DOBRINSKI

Concord