Russell: $3.5M In Corporate Welfare In Concord?

By Charlie Russell

CONCORD, NH — No money to keep seven city neighborhood pools open through the end of the school vacation.

No money to hire a school resource, i.e. police officer, for the Rundlett Middle School.

Yes, on Monday, Aug. 12, the Concord City Council will vote on giving $3.5 million to an out-of-town developer for the old employment security building. Has the council lost their focus on who they represent and who elected them?

This money comes from TIF district funds – new taxes generated – which should be returned to the city and Concord School District general funds to help hold the line and stabilize local property taxes.

More than 100 new housing units at the employment security building will require more city services. School enrollments will increase. Undoubtedly, Concord taxes will need to be raised by this project.

Is this economic development subsidy to a developer more important than adequately funding our Concord schools or educating our students? I think not.

You can't vote directly on this proposal but you can contact your city councilor to give your opinion on this before Monday night's vote (this link has their emails and phone numbers). With the fall municipal elections upcoming in November, this $3.5 million corporate subsidy will most certainly be an issue for candidates to discuss and councilors to explain their votes.

Will corporate welfare be more important than local taxpayer issues? Make your voice heard.

Charlie Russell lives in Concord.