CONCORD, N.H. – Ward 9 Concord City Councilor Candace Bouchard, also the mayor pro tem, is stepping down after 16 years. Sign-up dates for her position are coming soon.

Candace Bouchard, a long-time Ward 9 city councilor who has also served as a state legislator, has decided not to compete for reelection in November.

Ward 9 Concord City Councilor Candace Bouchard, also the mayor pro tem, is stepping down after 16 years.

Bouchard, who resides in Concord Heights, said Tuesday that it was “a great honor” to serve in Ward 9, and that she was “humbled by how many times the voters have voted me into office.” Simultaneously, once her husband retired last year, she wanted to embrace the spontaneity of visiting places and doing things that monthly meetings and many subcommittee meetings did not allow.

New Candidates

A few candidates have declared their intention to run or are considering running.

Kevin Porter of Reserve Place has declared his candidacy for one of the two at-large seats up for election this year.

Kevin Moore, a former Republican state representative who lives on Fisherville Road, said he was thinking about running for mayor but hadn’t made up his mind yet.

Moore stated that he would want to see an expansion of public transit alternatives, including additional electric buses, as well as an investigation of how the city addresses the homeless problem.

“I would make sure there are resources available for them,” he stated, “including empty buildings that are sitting.”

Michele Horne of Bog Road also represents Ward 2. She is the office manager for IBEW Local 490 and previously worked for the Community Action Program in Belknap-Merrimack Counties, according to her LinkedIn profile.

At the time of publication, Horne had not responded to an email seeking comment on her race.

Thursday’s School Board Informational Meeting

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, current school board members will hold a candidate meet-and-greet and information session in the board room of the central office at 38 Liberty St.

The program provides an opportunity for people interested in school board seats to learn more about them, including the time commitment required to serve and the exact responsibilities of a school board member. Board members, unlike those in other school districts in the state, serve as advisors to the superintendent. SAU 8 is also one of the state’s only autonomous districts with its own taxing power, and no supervision from the general public, unlike most municipalities, which have town meetings or SB 2 voting rights.

Who is running and who is not? Updated

The following incumbents have confirmed that they will run again or are planning to run again: Nathan Fennessey, at-large City Councilor; Brent Todd, Ward 1; Karen McNamara, Ward 4; Stacey Brown, Ward 5; Paula McLaughlin, Ward 6; and Keith Nyhan, Ward 7.

The following incumbents have confirmed that they will run again or are planning to run again: Nathan Fennessey, at-large City Councilor; Brent Todd, Ward 1; Karen McNamara, Ward 4; Stacey Brown, Ward 5; Paula McLaughlin, Ward 6; and Keith Nyhan, Ward 7.

Erle Pierce is not running in Ward 2.

Kretovic is uncertain in Ward 3.

Bouchard is not running in Ward 9.

Gail Matson in Ward 8 and Zandra Rice Hawkins in Ward 10 have not responded to requests for comment on their political futures.

Champlin, a current at-large councilor, is running for mayor. Moore is thinking about a mayoral run, as is Amanda Grady Sexton.

Taylor Hall, who ran for mayor two years ago and was thinking about another race this year, said he was considering a run for one of the two at-large seats. As is Porter.

Rob Kleiner is running in Ward 2 as is Horne. Allan Herschlag, a former Ward 2 councilor, at post time, was undecided about a return.

For the school board seats, Tom Croteau in Zone A is undecided; Jonathan Weinberg in Zone B is not running. Brenda Hastings in Zone C is running.

Signups for Candidates in 2023

Candidate registration for the school board, city council, and mayor begins on Friday.

Candidates for the board of education can file between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays beginning Friday, Sept. 8, and ending Monday, Sept. 18. The filing will take place in the SAU 8 district office, which is located at 38 Liberty Street. There is a $5 filing fee.

Three seats are up for election in November: Zone A, which represents Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4; Zone B, which represents Wards 5, 6, and 7; and Zone C, which represents Wards 8, 9, and 10. All three terms expire on December 31.

The Office of Treasurer Is Also Up For a three-year term

To be eligible, a candidate must be a registered Concord School District voter and live in the school’s voting zone. Zone members are not permitted to serve if they do not maintain a domicile (residence) in the district, according to the district’s charter.

Candidates for mayor, municipal council, and ward officials can file from September 8 to September 18. It costs $5 to run for mayor and city council, and $1 to run for ward office.

Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Concord City Clerk’s Office, 41 Green St. The clerk’s office is open until 6 p.m. on Thursday. The clerk’s office will be open until 5 p.m. on the last day of filing.

Candidates can also use a signature petition drive to obtain ballot access.

To be elected, potential candidates must live in the city and the ward in which they are running.

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