Here's The text of My Candidate's Message I Recorded for CCTV

I am a candidate for the Ward 2 City Council seat. I am 63 years old and married to Cathy Furlong. I have lived in Concord for 35 years and we have owned our home in Ward 2 since 1990.

I retired about two years ago, having worked for the city, for myself, the cross country ski industry and as a coach. One of my first jobs with the city was working at the Beaver Meadow Golf Course providing cross country skiing for our community and as a practice and race site for the Concord High School ski team. 

I have worked in and managed ski touring centers throughout the state. I worked for a ski supply company as a technical representative, helping racers to use their products more effectively. I have coached skiers as young as 3 & 4 years old, at Concord HS, with collegiate athletes and with elite and US ski team members at the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center.

There are a number of issues that I believe are important for the Manor and Penacook. 

It was good to learn that planning and construction of the Sewalls Falls bridge is finally moving forward. If there aren’t any more snags it will be another 2 years before construction is completed.  It must be asked why has it taken so long to be able to move forward with this project.

While downtown Penacook is receiving infrastructure improvements and a facelift, it is important for the city’s engineering department to provide up to date information about this construction project on the city’s website.

Adjacent to Ward 2 is a parcel that has been clear cut in anticipation of future development. Currently it is an eyesore. We must stay involved in decisions leading to the development of this property. To ensure it fits in with the character of our neighborhood, doesn’t negatively impact traffic and compliments the improvements taking place in Penacook.

And we must continue to market the Tannery site to find a project that will add economic vitality to the Village.

City wide there are a number of issues that are also important to focus on. 

Concerns about the scope and cost of the Complete Streets construction project for our downtown. The redevelopment of the Department of Employment Security Building and why the administration feels it is necessary to relocate the library and use the current location for office space. Concerns about how the city uses special tax districts. The extension of Storrs Street. Construction of the final leg of the Langley parkway, its impact on established neighborhoods and how it will connect to 393. And of course, how will we go about paying for all of this.

If I am fortunate enough to earn your confidence by receiving your vote and being elected to serve on the city council, I will work tirelessly to achieve the goals of bringing fiscal responsibility and responsible growth and development to our city. And I will work to create an atmosphere where you can be confident that those who represent you, are listening to you.

Before deciding on any issues that come before the city council I will consider the following:

Does the project make financial sense for Concord?

I will insist on knowing the full cost of a project before it is voted on. How will the project effect the city’s tax rate and how will that effect the taxes you pay.  And most importantly, before voting to approve funding for any project I will listen to you, because it is your money.

Is the proposed growth and development right for Concord?

We have seen our tax base expand, yet each year we fall further behind in meeting the needs of our community while our taxes continue to rise. All too often multi million dollar projects are given special tax considerations. These special tax districts can avoid paying for city services and our schools for as long as 20 years. I will insist on developing a yardstick that measures how all new growth and development effects your taxes.

And most importantly, what do you think?

The issues that come before the city council are important. But just as important are how those issues are decided.

My job as a city councilor will be to listen to what you have to say and to represent you. All too often those who testify before the city council feel that their voices are not being heard. Many feel that by the time a public hearing is held it is already a ‘done deal’. My goal is to restore confidence for those who live in Concord, so that when you address the city council you can be confident your testimony matters. 

I believe the two most important jobs a city councilor has are listening to you and remembering that it is your money that is being spent. It is important for me to always remember that I represent you. You can be assured that your voice will always be heard by me.

Remember that your vote is your voice and what you have to say matters.

Please take the time to vote on Tuesday November 5 

And thank you for considering me to represent you as your city councilor for Ward 2.

You can contact me at:

allan4council@gmail.com or call me at 224-6086