Soucy Seeks 3rd Rematch With Matson In Ward 8 City Council Race

CONCORD, NH — While the filing period for mayor, Concord City Council and Board of Education seats is still in its early stages of signups, at least one ward in the city will have a competitive race this November. Dennis Soucy of Russell Street has filed to run again in Ward 8, for the fourth time and a third challenge, against incumbent Gail Matson of Garvins Falls Road. Soucy, a long-time resident of the city of Concord, first ran for the seat in 2013, after friend and incumbent Ward 8 City Councilor Dick Patten, a former state representative, decided not to run again that year.

Matson also filed to run in 2013. Patten, however, at the last minute, changed his mind, after being urged by some residents to reconsider, and filed 50 signatures to gain ballot access after the $5 fee filing period ended.

After the votes were counted, Matson eked out a win in the three-way race, earning 151 votes to Soucy's 141 and Patten's 73. Matson was one of four new city councilors elected that year.

Matson has successfully been reelected the two other times facing off against Soucy to retain her seat. In 2015, she easily won by 70 votes; in 2017, the win was steeper – 136 votes.

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Matson said she was running again because it was important to give back and be involved in the community.

"I am committed to helping my constituents with their issues, and improving both my ward and the city for current citizens and future generations," she said. "(The) Main Street revitalization, Concord’s part in Northern Pass, the Greenway Trail and Terrill Park have long term beneficial impacts and are great examples of what we as a city can accomplish when we work together."

For Soucy, it's about having the city government and its structures be "honest" with the community and the public's right-to-know important issues and information. At nearly 70, with more than 35 years living in the ward with his wife, Carol, he knows his family is correct when they tell them to retire from politics and events "and let the young people take over," he said.

However, he's giving it another shot.

"Fighting Stage 2 breast cancer the past three years, I am now cancer free and I feel great," he said. "I decided to run … because of all the people I know and see. Many people in Ward 8 ask me many questions and I try to think them out and give them an honest answer … I will always be honest with people and tell the truth."

Soucy was unsuccessful running for the open District 17 House seat last year, by a slim margin, against Safiya Wazir, a former refugee from Afghanistan who settled in Concord in 2007, who was encouraged to run by the New Hampshire Young Democrats.

More Incumbents File

During the past 24 hours, four more incumbents signed up to run again. They are: Ward 1 Councilor Brent Todd of Weir Road in Penacook; Robert Werner of Hooksett Turnpike, who represents Ward 5; Ward 6 Councilor Linda Kenison of Marshall Street; and Candace Bouchard of Northeast Village Road in Ward 9.

School Board Candidates

At post time, no new candidates have signed up to run for Concord Board of Education seats. An informational session has been scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the Central Office on Liberty Street, for new candidates interested in running.

For more information, call 603-225-2767.

Other Filings

Robert Pingree of Greenwich Trail also filed to run for ward moderator in Ward 8 while Michael Reynolds of Cambridge Street is running for ward supervisor in Ward 4.

How To Get Involved

The filing fee to run for mayor and council is $5 or the collection of petition signatures. Ward filing fees are $1. Candidates have until Monday, Sept. 16, to file at the city clerk's office on Green Street. The clerk's office will be open until 6 p.m. on Sept. 12, and 5 p.m. on Sept. 16.

For more information, visit the city clerk's filing for office site.

Individuals wishing to declare candidacy for a Board of Education seat should file with Roger B. Phillips, Esq., clerk, at Phillips Law Office, PLLC, 104 Pleasant St. in Concord by Sept. 16.

Running? Tell Concord NH Patch!

When and if you signup to run for any office, reach out to Concord NH Patch. Our site will be featuring candidate profiles as well as other information about the campaigns. Fill out the Patch Candidate Profile Form here, and email a photo of yourself, too.

Vote On Nov. 5

Voters go to the polls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to cast ballots for municipal offices.

Voters will choose a two-year term for mayor, two-year terms for ward councilors in each of the 10 wards, and two at-large (citywide) council seats for four-year terms. Ward clerks and moderators will also be elected to two-year terms as well as supervisory of the checklist for a six-year term.

Three district seats for the Concord Board of Education will also be chosen. District A covers Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4; District B covers Wards 4, 5, and 6; District C represents Wards 8, 9, and 10.

After the ballot positions are set, voters who won't be home on Election Day can request absentee ballots with the city clerk.

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