Ward 5's Bogert resigns from council, effective end of month

LACONIA — Ward 5 Councilor Steven Bogert, is retiring. He made the decision public during the council meeting Monday night.

“It’s time to let new people on board, and give them the opportunity,” Bogert said. 

His resignation is effective July 31.

After over 25 years serving the city, Bogert has also decided not to seek reelection for his seat in the Statehouse, representing Laconia in Belknap District 5, as a Republican. Throughout his time with the city, Bogert also served as a chair of the zoning board for 20 years — starting only six months after moving to Laconia — and sat on the board of directors for the Laconia Youth Football & Cheer Association, for 23 years.

Bogert was first appointed to the council in July 2023, filling a vacant seat left by the late Councilor Robert Hamel. He looks back on this last three years proudly. He said simultaneously serving as a state representative allowed him to not just tackle issues at the local level, but also see the process through to the state level, speaking with people like the governor and speaker of the House.

“It was exciting, because it didn't stop at the council meeting twice a month,” Bogert said. “There was a whole lot of work being done in the background, both with the state and the city, to put us on this path of growth — and believe it or not, prosperity — that we're going to be headed down.”

As his wife has just retired, Bogert said, “it was time to start paying attention to the family.” Bogert welcomed two grandchildren, twins, on June 1, and is expecting another grandchild in August. His family lives south of the Lakes Region, but he will stay around Laconia a little bit longer, before he joins them.

As he begins to wrap up his time, Bogert is happy with the impact he helped leave on Laconia.

His biggest achievement “dollar-wise” was the city council’s work with the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program. Reserve funding for the plant was expecting a rate hike of “well over 5%,” which would have meant an increase of over $1 million in the city’s sewer rate. Bogert and the council brought the issue to the state, and were able to change the law, reducing the rate to 3%. Bogert said it took a lot of effort, going through the House, Senate, and on to the governor to sign. Working hand in hand with local politicians and city organizations, Bogert and the council were able to keep sewer rates from skyrocketing.

Bogert is also proud of implementing a social district this year, designating Main Street, Veterans Square, and Pleasant Street as a legal zone for adults to consume alcoholic beverages purchased from licensed restaurants. Bogert said he really pushed to have it done before the summer, in order to work out any kinks throughout the season.

“I have high hopes that it will help improve a lot of the events that are going downtown, so that we can show the vibrance of our city,” Bogert said. “We get enough negative press for Laconia, so I choose to try to find positive ways to promote us, both at the state and the city level.”

Throughout his career with the city, Bogert said he was always looking for ways to improve the “city’s growth potential,” as those that remain stagnant and don’t seek improvement are bound to face hard times.

As a councilor, naturally Bogert received a great deal of feedback from residents. As he prepares to step down from his position at the end of the month, he said, “Give them the opportunity, those who are are constantly talking about how everything's so bad, and let them become part of the solution.”

As he leaves his position in the Statehouse, Bogert said Cody Walker Jr., owner of Main Street Social Club, will be running for a position, and “would be a great asset for both the city, and the state.”

“Once again, it’s time for new blood to come on board, and I think they have some pretty good candidates running,” Bogert said.

Bogert’s last city council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 27, at City Hall. This will leave a vacant seat on the council, to be filled within 30 days of Bogert’s departure. Councilors will vote for a qualified individual to take his place.

He leaves on a hopeful note.

“Life in this city is going to change for the better.”