Report: Bouley to Seek Re-Election

The worst kept secret in the city is now no longer a secret: Concord Mayor Jim Bouley will be seeking a fifth term as mayor in November, according to a report on WKXL radio.

Bouley, a partner with one of the top lobbying firms in New Hampshire, Dennehy and Bouley, said in an interview yesterday on NH Now that there were a lot of issues that he wanted to continue working on including seeing the Complete Streets Main Street project to fruition and other initiatives, as well as continuing the steady fiscal management that has helped increase Concord’s bond rating.

“I think there’s a lot more to accomplish,” he said. “We have a lot to be proud of, of what we’ve done, as a city council and a city, but we have a lot more to do … I hope to continue that if the citizens of Concord are willing to send me back again.”

Despite the down economy, Bouley pointed to “buildings and streets” that were constructed or repaired despite the Great Recession. If re-elected, he would like the council and city to focus on business recruitment and expanding its tax base.

“We’ve been fortunate, as the center of government … we’ve seen a lot of activity,” he said. “But I think we need to do a better job of going out and actively seeking business, creating an environment in which we can expand our tax base.”

Will there be challengers?

It’s unknown whether or not Bouley will face a challenger or challengers this year.

In 2013, both John Cook and Christopher Booth opposed Bouley but he won easily by nine- and 10-to-one margins over both candidates. Four years ago, Cook first challenged Bouley, but the incumbent easily bested him, 3,062 votes to 550. In both races, turnout was a measly 15-plus percent, compared to presidential elections where as much as 75 or 80 percent of the city’s electorate participates.

A number of names have been floated during the last six months as potential candidates for mayor whether Bouley decided to run or not.

Former state Rep. Rick Watrous, a teacher, who has raised conflict of interest criticisms against the mayor in the past was one name that has been mentioned. However, months ago, he said he wouldn’t be a candidate.

Paul Brogan, an award-winning author and long-time resident, has hinted that he might run for office this year but so far, has not made a formal announcement.

Other races

Along with 10 Ward races on the city council, two at-large (citywide) council seats currently held by Mark Coen of Page Belting and Steve Shurtleff, who also serves as a state Representative in Penacook, will be up for grabs later this year. At-large councilors serve four-year terms and are elected two at a time in alternate cycles.

Candidates for ward moderator, ward clerk, and supervisor of the checklist will also be filing in September.

Filing for candidates starts on Sept. 4, 2015, according to City Clerk Janice Bonenfante. Candidates can signup to run until 5 p.m. on Sept. 14, for a small fee or collect signatures to obtain ballot access.

School races

There is also a Concord School District Board of Education election this fall.

The at-large Concord School Board seats currently held by Kass Ardinger and Clint Cogswell are up this November. Voters will also choose a candidate for the seat vacated by former school board member Oliver Spencer that is currently held by Nathan Fennessy. The school clerk position, currently held by Roger Phillips, is also up this year.

Signups for candidates for school board start around the same time as city council candidates.

Listen to the full interview with Bouley on NH Now at ConcordNewsRadio.com.