It's a three-way race for mayor

LACONIA — Movers and shakers were out and about Friday as the first week of the municipal filing period comes to a close. 

Jon Hildreth filed for election to city council in Ward 1, sharing his run during a press conference held outside the Colonial Theatre downtown Friday morning.

In support of Hildreth Friday morning were Councilors Bruce Cheney (Ward 1), Eric Hoffman (Ward 3), Mark Haynes (Ward 4) and Tony Felch (Ward 6), endorsing his candidacy. 

Cheney is not running for reelection in Ward 1, and previously announced his candidacy for mayo. He said Friday afternoon he filed his election paperwork earlier that day.

“Councilor Cheney is not stepping down, he’s stepping up to run for mayor,” Hildreth said.

Hildreth told supporters his family has a long history of engagement with the Colonial Theatre, his mother was an usherette in high school and his father was a police officer walking the downtown beat.

“I was born and raised here, so I’m stepping up and running for Ward 1 councilor,” he said. “Now the work begins, and, hopefully, the real work begins after that.

“I think what’s happening now is so important, there’s so many things that need to be addressed, and I know it’s going to be a lot of work,” Hildreth said. 

Fiscal responsibility and ensuring the measured development of the State School property are significant points of concern, he said. 

“I think we have to maintain the tax cap, I think school is going to be a difficult thing with what we’re getting down from the Statehouse, and the money that’s going out of the public school system,” Hildreth said. “All of these things are very important.”

In prior months, multiple people approached Hildreth and suggested he run for council, he said. He wouldn’t run against Cheney, but when Cheney announced his run for mayor, Hildreth decided it was time he threw his hat into the ring. 

“This is a nonpartisan mayor and council, and I think that there are some out there that want to make it political,” he said. “I guarantee you, I will never make it political. I was born and raised here. Everything I do, if elected, will be for the betterment of the City of Laconia.”

A shortage of housing in the city and of workers available for businesses are also principal among his concerns.

“I think that is obviously the most apparent issue, both with the unhoused and with workforce,” he said.

“I think the City of Laconia has not grown much for decades, and if the State School property comes to fruition — and it looks like it will — that’s a whole new business plan. Because we’re going to have upwards of 5,000 more added to 16,800 population,” he said. “That’s a 30% increase. I know it’s going to take 10 years, but it’s something we certainly have to plan for.”

But he’s optimistic — Hildreth said the State School development may bring in people who purchase second homes, which won’t burden the school district. But the strain on other municipal systems — infrastructure, police, fire and other services — must be planned for.

“These are things that will be positive — it will increase the tax base, which is certainly important,” Hildreth said. 

And just hours later, State Rep. Mike Bordes (R-Laconia) filed his election paperwork, solidifying his candidacy for mayor. 

“I’m running for mayor of Laconia because we need transparency in politics around here, especially in our mayor’s race. We have to deal with the homelessness issue which, as you can see, is circling all around us right now,” Bordes said. “We need to focus on the housing situation in the area as well.”

The road to the mayor’s office won’t be easily traveled, he said.

“It’s going to be a lot of phone calls, a lot of door knocking, a lot of signs and just getting out there and talking to my constituents like I always do. And connecting with the people, letting them know why they should vote for me,” he said. 

In addition to Cheney and Bordes, Joseph Hart also filed paperwork seeking election as mayor. Attempts to reach Hart were unsuccessful Friday. 

By Friday afternoon it was clear there’d be a primary election for mayor. A primary is triggered when three or more candidates file for mayor or city council. A Primary Election will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9.

In other news, Ward 2 Councilor Robert Soucy filed for reelection, as did Mark Haynes in Ward 4. Douglas John Robinson filed for election to the city council in Ward 5.

And for school board, Laura Dunn and Karin Salome filed for reelection in Ward 2 and Ward 3, respectively.

There’s going to be a competitive election for police commission, too. Frank Mello Jr., the incumbent and only seat up for election, filed for reelection to a four-year term. James Lowell and David M. Roberge also filed for the seat. 

The filing period ends Friday, Aug. 15.