Jan Schmidt, Nashua Ward 1 Alderman Candidate

Jan Schmidt

Age (as of Election Day)

69

Position Sought

Alderman Ward 1

Party Affiliation

D

Family

Husband Atlant Schmidt, 2 adult daughters, 2 almost adult grandsons

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

Associates in Business

Occupation

retired

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

State Representative Ward 1 - Alderman for Ward 1 - Nashua

Campaign website

Please see my adermanic page: http://janschmidt4ward1.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Experience: I know who to contact for whatever need a constituent may have and that every person's need is important. I also have a deep understanding of the need for complete transparency and making every penny count - and that much of our city government is based on the citizens who volunteer their time to make this the best city in the region.

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

Housing is the most pressing issue and this goes well beyond the borders of the city, but to face the shortage the Business and Industry Authority has been working on the Renaissance Project which is now building another section of apartments near the river. Several old mill buildings are under consideration for conversion or replacement - and a downtown underused parking lot is being converted into a multistory apartment building. Plus the Bronstein Project is well underway to triple the number of apartments in the same space. It doesn't happen overnight, but it is happening.

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

I've lived twenty years in this ward, am retired, and have the time and interest in both the services I can assist with and in keeping Nashua looking forward by investing in our future. My experience in education, large business, my own small business, the Adult Learning Center, my position in the State House as a Representative of my ward, all this and more allow me to see each issue that impacts all the citizens of Nashua with more depth and reason.

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

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

As the virus swept the city and state, tough decisions had to be made especially concerning our proximity to MA where the infections were skyrocketing. We followed both the CDC Guidelines and our City and State Health Departments' recommendations. I believe we made a difference not just in the physical health of the city - but the business health as well.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Public service defines my platform, I am accessible, open and responsive to any issue, problem, or decision that has to be made.

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

During the 2 terms I have served, the city has continued its triple-A bond rating, the majority of businesses have continued despite the virus, we've had a major reconstruction of a dangerous intersection, the sidewalk on Broad St was finally completed making our busy thoroughfare much safer, and so much more.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen, always listen.

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

Any time anyone wants to talk, just call or write and we can get together - anytime.