Fred Keach, At-Large Concord City Council Candidate

Fred Keach

Age (as of Election Day)

59

Position Sought

City Council At-Large

Party Affiliation

Independant

Family

3 Adult children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA Communication University of New Hampshire 1985

Occupation

Business Owner for over 25 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

City Council At-Large

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

I seek to continue the work I have done over past almost 10 years while serving on the Council. There are many ways to give back to one's community and my past record demonstrates a proven record of effectiveness and responsiveness to Concord

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our city is maintaining a reasonable budget while still continuing to invest in our infrastructure. There must be a balance between the tax rate and necessary spending. I have in the past worked to find that balance and will continue finding it going forward.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

At this point I am not clear who has filled for the At-Large seat, so I am unable to answer this question

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

n/a

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The city administration was very proactive in taking preventive measures to keep both staff and citizens safe while continuing to provide service to the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I have concerns about affordable housing and intend on taking steps to address that issue.

I support continued funding of the city's first responders. In particular, it is critical that our policing is proactive and not reactive. Defunding the police is not an answer to some of the social issues that affect the city and it's citizens. Instead, there must be a focus on adequately funding mental health and substance abuse treatment. However, this must not accomplished at the expense of law enforcement dollars.

Lastingly, in terms of the city budgets going forward, I have substantial concern about how inflation might negatively impact our position.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a Councilor of the last 10 years I have been both a vocal supporter and , at times critic of our city administration. I have been a supporter of the currently City Manager and the caliber of his team of Department heads he has assembled.

Perhaps the most important contribution I have made has been working collaboratively with our community by listening and then taking action. I have no special interest groups that I am beholden to and see my role on the council in a very broad sense. Over the years it has been of some concern that some are attached to the position to address their own special interest issues. I am not a one issue candidate. There are many policy issues to address. My scope as been broad, not narrow. I will continue in this direction going forward.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do not make your mind up about an issue until you have heard from all the interested players. It is sometimes most helpful to listen and not speak.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have the council experience, life experience and a commitment to the community that I grew up in.

Concord is a changing community and I it is critical that we make those changes in a thoughtful and strategic manner. Broadening the tax base through commercial development is the most effective way to mitigate rising residential tax rates. Much of my focus is achieving that goal.

Lastly, we need to work with our elected State officials do their part to adequately fund local municipalities. The last 10 years have seen a continued erosion of state funding and a downshifting costs onto the backs of the city. This is unsustainable, especially in a community such as ours where nearly 30% of the properties are non taxable because their are with state owned or nonprofits.