Thomas Lopez, Nashua Ward 4 Alderman Candidate

Thomas Lopez

Age (as of Election Day)

42

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

Ward 4 Alderman

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

.. ?

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Nope

Education

MA in mental health counseling

Occupation

Mental Health counseling 6 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Ward 4 alderman

Campaign website

https://qrco.de/bbEvAZ

Why are you seeking elective office?

To represent the communities of ward 4

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

I think the most pressing issue facing our city and my Ward is economic crisis, and a regional lack of resources to intervene. There's is a shortage of low income housing, a campaign to miscategorize it as "affordable housing" to benefit other economic priorities, a shortage of mental health and recovery providers and many neighboring communities with short sighted policies towards these issues resulting in a surge in unsheltered people in Ward 4.

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

I think I had stronger connections in the community, and more support as a result. I am not afraid to tackle very difficult community issues directly and to engage stakeholders in finding solutions.

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

I'm always a challenger, where the incumbent is myself, I have just to be discerning and honest.
I can look at what I have accomplished, and benefit from the experience of learning how, but I need to do more to strategically engage business owners, investors and economic policy drivers, to educate them as to the full scope of the challenges the city faces, as well as it's opportunities. We need them to become part of solutions, without losing focus on our priority of the needs of residents. Elderly residents have knowledge, history and skills we need, our neighborhood families are raising tomorrow young professionals, by addressing the barriers they face to finding their own success, we build Nashua's future.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Environmental stewardship of the Mohawk Tannery site, pragmatic investment in cost savings through local renewable resources, continued attention to community infrastructure and ensuring a fair standard of living.

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

I think actively shepherding our neighborhoods through the pandemic, and previously through the SUD crisis show that I can handle navigating leadership in public policy. I have supported numerous contracts with city staff and unions, and supported challenges and overrides when needed and our city budget has consistently provided nationally ranked city services, while remaining below the spending cap, regardless of whether it was in effect.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen to people.

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

I always try to be available, even if it's something I can't directly provide, I will try to find and answer or a solution.