Ward 4 City Council Special Election Candidates Down To 3

CONCORD, NH — The special election for the Ward 4 Concord City Council seat, slated for June 4, lost a candidate on Friday. Craig Greenman, a Maple Street resident as well as a professor at Colby-Sawyer College, musician, and filmmaker, pulled out of the race at the last minute and endorsed his neighbor, John Cook. Greenman stated that he decided to drop out and endorse Cook because he thought the former mayoral candidate would keep services strong while taking care of their neighbors. He also highlighted Cook’s experience as an auditor for the state of New Hampshire, something that might be needed on the council.

"John is a close friend of mine," he said in an email. "I'm stepping aside and endorsing my friend. I think he'll be a good critical eye for the city and keeping its expenditures in check."

Personal projects – including a book project and a trip this summer – also figured into Greenman's decision as he realized that he was going to be very busy this summer. He added that Cook would do "a good job" as councilor.

Cook is a veteran, former state employee, and preservationist. He ran twice for mayor in Concord, in 2011 and 2013.

Two other candidates are also running for the open seat: Edith Chiasson, a New Hampshire Lottery Commission employee, and Meredith Hatfield, an environmentalist.

The winning candidate will fill out the remaining months of Byron Champlin’s term after he won the at-large special election race last month.

Voters in the district can will cast their ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, at the Boys & Girls Club on Bradley Street near Kimball Park. To file an absentee ballot, visit the city clerk's website or call the office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.