John Sullivan, Nashua Ward 9 Alderman Candidate

John Sullivan

Age (as of Election Day)

52

Position Sought

Alderman, Ward 9

Party Affiliation

Independent

Family

Wife, Carrie. 3 Kids, Aidan, John + Caroline

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BG class of '87 + UNH class of '91

Occupation

Sales 20+ years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

First run for public office

Campaign website

www.voteforsully.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To give back to this city that has given me so much. I'm also running to represent the citizens in Ward 9 and use the position to increase civic engagement.

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

City spending concentrated in just one part of the city. I plan to ask critical questions of the mayor. Make sure we are taking care of our basic safety and infrastructure needs and not spending on frivolous projects not all citizens will benefit.

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

I plan on engaging with my constituents through regular ward meetings and open 'office hours'. I will also challenge Mayor Donchess on programs, not just be an automatic 'yes' vote. Treat the people's money with respect and make sure it's spent on worthwhile projects.

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

The incumbent has not engaged in the community. I'm not sure I understand how an alderman can vote on a specific issue without asking the constituents how they feel about it.

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

I could give them a grade of D+. I think leadership in city hall and at the board of ed level were overcautious in their approach. I didn't see any leadership. I saw them reacting and waiting to see what was going to happen instead of having a plan to keep things moving forward. I would've had city hall opened during the entire pandemic with limited (by appointment only) in-person contact. Schools should have been opened w/ in-person learning with modifications.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The police commission should be left alone. We should start looking at other areas of our city, not just downtown. DW Highway + Amherst St offer a big advantage for Nashua if we get creative and think beyond just retail. Downtown needs more retail while DW Highway + Amherst St. could use more residential and open space.

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

Past president of Nashua West Rotary. Several years in sales management. I'm skilled in listening, asking questions and negotiation.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Success never follows a straight line.

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

I'm truly an independent in this hyper-partisan political climate. I truly do not 'dig in' on any political position. Knowing that over 45% of the registered voters in Ward 9 also identify as independents, this makes me the perfect candidate. I know how they feel. America, at its core is moderate. We've let career politicians, the media and extremists run the discussion. I'm afraid it's happening in Nashua too. Ward 9 has the opportunity to end it. Ward 9 can put level-headed, common sense leadership in the seat. Local politics touches your life more than any other level of government. It shouldn't be partisan. It should be open-minded, transparent and have the interest of their constituents put first.