Julie Smith, Nashua Ward 2 Alderman Candidate

Julie Smith

Age (as of Election Day)

54

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

Alderman - Ward 2

Party Affiliation

Undeclared

Family

My nuclear family does not live in Nashua.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA - UMASS Boston

Occupation

Retired from Comcast after 20 years with them.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

None at this time, but please use JASward2@yahoo.com for correspondence.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Contrary to what Wallet Hub or the current administration wants us to think, Nashua is not the promised land it once was. Spending is out of control, transparency is almost dead, people are being treated poorly by the very people elected or appointed to serve them, and our personal liberties have been under assault. This city is heading in the wrong direction and I want to be part of a solution that redirects us away from a future reputation of many larger cities in decline.

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

Property taxes. Don't let our incumbent mayor or any of his fans convince you otherwise with their scripted blaming of external entities. (property appraisal laws, commercial property depreciation, our executive councilor, to name a few) Bad spending habits are what got us here. As for what I plan to do about it, I can say that I would ask myself "is this really necessary" before voting on something involving spending just like any private citizen that practices personal responsibility would do when times are tight.

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

My opponent is the incumbent and an unapologetic water carrier for the NTU. I plan to work and vote in a manner that serves PEOPLE over special interest groups. He is the oldest alderman and the longest one in office whereas I have never held public office. It's time to elect some outsiders.

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

Alderman Dowd is and has been an ardent supporter of the new hundred plus million dollar school and the controversial arts center that we are being forced to fund. He also supported "Mask Madness 1.0 and 2.0" and furthermore wanted businesses to assume responsibility for enforcing it, whether or not they agreed with such tyranny. I will always support personal medical freedom and privacy, particularly when it comes to covid matters.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Jersey barriers on Main Street. We are now in year number 4, post covid. Former school candidate Burton Janz wrote a great editorial on what's wrong with city property being exclusively allocated for private use without any compensation. Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate the link to it at this time. Emergency response time issues have not been taken seriously and I encourage everyone to think for a moment if "that caller" was someone near and dear to you! Both hospitals are on the same side of the Nashua River and other places to cross it are not nearly as suitable for providing the fastest arrival of emergency vehicles. Parking, handicap parking, delivery vehicle parking and pedestrian safety are also issues supporting my opposition to a narrowed Main Street. And lastly, not all restaurants are in the affected area and not all businesses in the affected area are on Main Street. This is a modern day example of one group that's a "favorite" of the ruling class and receiving special treatment at the expense of others.

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

This question makes me feel the same pressure one does to embellish their resume. There is no uniquely remarkable one or more accomplishment to speak of. I was an employee in good standing with a reputation for being reliable, punctual, competent and assertive. And yes, I "accomplished" the tasks that were expected of me and in a timely manner. My former boss did say he would vote for me, if he could.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

You have to choose your battles.

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

I support checks and balances, transparency, fiscal discipline, personal responsibility, and all levels of government being lean and efficient. I encourage everyone to join me in supporting Alderman Comeau and private citizen Sean Rogers, who happen to be on everyone's ballot.