Election Profile: Edith Chiasson

CONCORD, NH — Edith Chiasson is running for one of two at-large Concord City Council seats. She filled out this candidate profile for voters to read:

Education: MPA – Master of Public Administration; BS – Bachelor of Financial Planning & Management

Occupation: Audit Supervisor at the NH Lottery Commission

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: N/A

Campaign Website: www.facebook.com/Edith.M.Chias...

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: One of the most pressing issues facing our city is low unemployment coupled with progressive development creating more job opportunities while concurrently there is a lack of reasonably priced housing and readily accessible transportation to attract skilled workers.

The most fundamental skill in addressing any issue is to listen and gather facts. I intend to listen to developers and constituents, study the facts, and be mindful of the balance needed to allow for growth and sustainability. Growth by providing quality employment and sustainability by securing reasonably priced housing with readily accessible transportation.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I have not previously held a public office and I do not represent any special interest. I am a LEAN practitioner with a passion for eliminating wasteful government spending.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?: N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: I am open to listen and learn about projects that will increase our tax base and relieve some of the tax burden on the residents of Concord. I am interested in the planning and implementation of the Interstate 93 project. I support the additional inner/outer lanes to allow local drivers to easily bypass certain sections of town in a timely, less dangerous, manner. I also support a practical and creative design to allow Concord to develop an attractive accessible river walk.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I have worked in decision-making management positions for many years in the private and public sectors. In addition to more than nine years of public service in NH State agencies, I’ve served many years as a volunteer in leadership positions at local non-profit organizations/associations. I am a member of the State of NH Lean Executive Committee and have conducted a number of successful cost-saving projects.

The best advice ever shared with me was ... Smile often (it’s infectious and creates openness), listen carefully (there is more than one side to any story), and choose wisely (there are consequences, desirable and/or undesirable, to every decision).

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I was inspired to get involved with Concord’s municipal government by an event sponsored in 2018 by UNH titled “Behind the Scenes with the City of Concord.”After the event, I earned a Master of Public Administration and now seek election to use my knowledge and life experience in public service.

I have been a regular attendee at our City Council meetings listening to the issues/concerns expressed and observing how the decisions council members make impact the culture and future of our capital city.

I am someone who truly cares about what decisions are made and the resulting consequences to our community. City council members as well as city residents should be well-informed and seek to achieve a thoughtful balance between progressive development and historic preservation, common interests and special interests, reasonable taxation and responsible spending.

I believe in maintaining the small-town community atmosphere that makes Concord unique and inviting. I have a passion for eliminating wasteful spending, protecting citizen rights, and doing the right things for the right reasons. My education, experience, and ability to ask the right questions will contribute to thoughtful, sensible decision-making.

With a growing population, residents struggle with narrow streets and limited off-street and on-street parking. Issues include availability, adequate space to maneuver in/out of driveways, adequate space for general service vehicles and emergency vehicles, visibility to enter/exit traffic from one street to another.

In order to help address this issue, I have been an active participant in the ongoing parking forums. I represented my neighbors to influence and change a parking policy that directly affected our neighborhood. I have listened, testified, and offered suggestions. I plan to continue to participate whenever I can to help address this city-wide concern.

There is a shortage of housing. Issues include the volume of available inventory for purchase or rental, and inventory at a reasonable cost in line with an individual or family budget.

My husband and I own and manage a couple of rental units in Concord. In our experience, the demand for a rental unit in Concord at a reasonable cost has significantly increased until it far exceeds availability. Many of those who are searching for housing are simply trying to find a clean, safe environment to live as a single person, a family unit, or a senior resident. There are very few with unlimited income, so they search for what is affordable within their budget. As landlords we understand the limitations of our tenants and support them by keeping our rents at a reasonable level. In addition, I support thoughtful, well-designed construction and/or renovation projects that seek to help those who need a safe, affordable home.

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