Michele Horne, Ward 2 Concord City Council Candidate

Michele Horne

Age (as of Election Day)

47

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

City Councilor, Ward 2

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

I have three amazing daughters: Ariana- age 23, Annika- age 18, and Acadia- age 15

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

University of Maine at Farmington and University of Maine at Augusta

Occupation

Office Manager at IBEW Local Union 490 for 1.5 years and Operations Specialist at Ergosoft for 7 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

No

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Horne4ConcordWard2/

Why are you seeking elective office?

When I saw my own daughter immediately leave the city when she graduated UNH, I knew we needed a change. We are losing our dynamic and engaged younger generations. I am grateful to have two jobs that value civic engagement and will provide me the flexibility to commit to this council. This gives me the opportunity to bring some diversity to the council with a varied socioeconomic background and a voice for the working class.

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

Affordable housing- which also exacerbates the homelessness crisis. I think we need to look at our zoning laws as well as cost and red tape in permitting. If I wanted to create an ADU in my basement so that my child can continue living in the city, it should not be an act of congress. I would also champion to require mixed income housing when developers are building. We can not keep adding market rate housing when we know the need is most desperate for the lower income or affordable housing market. I would like to seek out state or federal grants that may entice developers to build within these guidelines.

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

I bring a diversity in my socioeconomic background and lived experiences that need to have a voice on this council. I think it is very important to remember that there are a lot in our community that are in a single-parent household, that have to work two jobs (or more) to pay their rent or mortgage or are trying to balance furthering their education while also holding down full time jobs. There are people that have various levels of education, abilities and career situations. I will make sure that all of these people are heard and I will hold open communication with both Penacook and Concord constituents. It is very important to note that I have no relationships with previous or current council members or city staff and therefore have no allegiances in this government. I would love to see people that can come to this council with a truly new perspective and know that they will hold true to what this position should be in working for what is best for the community.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Controlling property taxes by increasing economic development. In my day job, I work tirelessly to attract young people to the trades in our area as well at to try to entice licensed tradespeople to come here. This is the type of work I would love to bring to the council. With all of the development planned (whether housing or business or infrastructure), wouldn't it be amazing to employ local contractors and tradespeople to do this work. This would keep all of the monies for these projects right in our own community as well as keep our younger workforce engaged and willing to stay here. I would love to reinstate the Economic Development Advisory Committee to get input from the Chamber and local business people that would further these endeavors.

I would like to further the DEIJB committee. By promoting, valuing and embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we can build stronger and more resilient organizations and communities better equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

I would also like to address some sustainability and green energy issues that are very important for our environment but can also lead to cost savings for the city.

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

The deep-rooted relationships that I have formed over the past twenty years in both Penacook and Concord tells me that I am trusted and known to be a genuine person. Relationship-building and collaboration are key traits in working on any sort of council- and my community ties prove that I encompass these characteristics.

I have been very successful in my career in terms of managing the operations and finance of multiple businesses- sometimes simultaneously within organizations. I have a proven track record of reducing costs and improving profit while maintaining great relationships with employees and co-workers. Not only can I handle the job, I will excel at it.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be a good human and the rest will follow.

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

I have a unique position of living on the Concord side of the ward while having my children in the MV school district and fully engaged in Penacook for nearly 20 years now. I think is important to know that I am fully invested in both communities and making sure Ward 2 is getting all of the attention that it needs. City councilors need to put their own needs aside and work towards the betterment of the entire community and I am 100% willing and ready to collaborate with the council and community members make this happen.