Matthew Fisk, District A Charter Commission Candidate

Matthew (Matt) Fisk

Age (as of Election Day)

43

Position Sought

Charter Commission

Party Affiliation

Family

Melissa (41), Ryder (16), Tanner (14). Both my wife and I are graduates of the Concord School District. She attended Beaver Meadow, Rundlett, and CHS and I attended Dame, Broken Ground, Rundlett, and CHS. Both of my children are students at Concord High School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

I have a Bachelors Degree in History from the University of New Hampshire and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education also from UNH.

Occupation

Educator - 20 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have never sought elective office before but felt that the Charter Commission was an opportunity to contribute to the town in which I grew up. My wife and I graduated from Concord High School and both of my children are in the Concord schools so I am passionate about ensuring that Concord has the best system in place to support the educational needs of the community.

I have been an educator for twenty years working at Concord High School, New Hampton School, and now Bow High School. Having worked and been part of different educational communities gives me a unique perspective on how school systems are structured and operated. At the same time, because I am new to running for office, I may bring a different perspective to the issues the commission will be addressing.

The Charter Commission is tasked with ensuring that the School District Charter reflects the best interests of the people of Concord. Part of the commission's work will be to listen to the people of the city and I will do so with an open mind. I want to ensure that the charter that is in place for the Concord Schools allows for meaningful community involvement.

Lastly, I know that the School District has had a difficult few years. However, the teachers and staff who work in Concord Schools are extraordinary and truly care about their students. I hope that the school district charter allows for the district and board to operate in a responsible and responsive way that allows for our schools to excel.

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

I believe that government should be transparent. In a democratic-republic there will be times when we disagree with the decisions that our representatives make; that is only natural. However, if decisions are made openly with public discourse and debate, whatever decisions are ultimately made will better reflect the will and interests of the people.

As a member of the Charter Commission I would work to ensure that public comment and debate on the charter is open, respectful and robust.

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

Each of the candidates has a different set of life experiences and interests that they would bring to the commission. I believe local government and local elections are about doing what is best for the community and I feel that those who are running for this position, as well as other positions in the city, are doing so because they truly care about their community. Because I have never held elective office before and can bring a fresh perspective, and because I am passionate about education, I feel that I have a skill set that would be unique to the commission.

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?

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I would pledge to be open-minded and respectful of the different opinions and individuals on the Charter Commission and those that offer their views.

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

The things I have accomplished in my professional career have been the result of collaboration. I believe collaboration, and the ability to listen with empathy, are necessary to be an effective member of the commission.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Say hello to everyone. - Gene Connolly

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

I have had the opportunity to both work and live in different school districts and school systems. That, and a fresh perspective to looking at the charter, are two of the things I would bring to the task. Most importantly, I was raised in Concord and care deeply about the city and hope I can give back in a meaningful way. Thank you.