Jim’s In: Concord’s Mayor Files For Unprecedented 8th Term: Watch

CONCORD, NH — Concord’s longest-serving mayor is running again for re-election.

Jim Bouley, who has served for 14 years as mayor, signed up to run for another term on Friday, the first day of candidate signups at City Hall.

Bouley said the previous term had been a difficult one, especially with the coronavirus pandemic six months in, which had brought hardship to the city. During the next term, he said, Concord needed “stable leadership” and a “bold vision” to create “an inclusionary city” which grows, preserves quality life, and supports its businesses.

Bouley will not be running unchallenged in 2021 though.

Taylor Hall, a recent resident of the city’s North End neighborhood, also filed to run.

Hall said he was running as a way of contributing to the improvement of the city. He feared that a lack of young people in Concord would bring a “brain drain” as he had seen in his native state of New York. Hall said more high-tech businesses as well as preserving current businesses would be a priority.

Amanda Grady-Sexton, one of two incumbent at-large Concord city councilors, also filed on Friday. She said she was looking forward to serving another four-year term.

Candidates in Concord for 2021: Promote your campaign for free. Fill out this Patch profile before the election and then email a photo to Concord NH Patch Editor Tony Schinella at tony-dot-schinella-at-patch-dot-com.

Other incumbents filing included Ward 3 Councilor Jennifer Kretovic, Ward 7 Councilor Keith Nyhan, and Ward 8 Councilor Gail Matson.

Matson said she was excited to be running again. She did not know, however, if she would be challenged again this year.

“I think it’s good because you need to hear everybody’s opinions,” she said. “You need to hear where they are coming from. You want to know what their thinking. I am not as political as some people; I’m here to serve them.”

Matson has been challenged in every race she has run since 2013 by Dennis Soucy, a longtime Ward 8 resident, and political activist.

A familiar face is also attempting to return to the Concord city council.

Mark Coen, who first elected during a special election in 2006 and then went on to serve three terms as an at-large city councilor but stepped down in 2019, has filed to run in Ward 5.

Also, Paula McLaughlin of South Spring Street filed to run for the Ward 6 city council seat.

Signups for municipal races in Concord for both city and school races run through Sept. 13.

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