Rep. Mike Bordes: In their own words

Laconia is a city we must fight for. I've seen it firsthand because I've lived it, represented it, and fought for it every single day of the past five years as your state representative. I've worked across the aisle to get things done because progress isn't made through partisanship, but through partnership and persistence. Whether securing funding for infrastructure or advocating for public safety, I’ve always put Laconia first. Now, I’m ready to bring that same energy, integrity, and grit to City Hall with a clear vision, and unwavering commitment.

The last few years, we've seen our city change and not always for the better. Homelessness has grown, with people walking our streets high and sleeping on public and private property. It's an issue that requires compassion and resolution. We must uphold our laws to protect neighborhoods and provide effective solutions for addiction, mental health treatment, and employment training. Sweeping the issue under the rug is not compassion, it's weakness. Our residents deserve better, safer, responsible government.

Another cornerstone of my platform is public safety. Our firefighters are heroes, but they're being asked to do more with less. The Municipal Resources Inc. report questioned staffing, equipment, and response times. We can't close our eyes. We need to honor the report so firefighters and residents alike are safe. Seconds matter, and we can't wait for something to happen. No homeowner should ever have to question whether help will come when they need it the most.

Rebuilding economically is crucial. Laconia can be a center for innovation, but we need the right businesses. I think targeted tax credits to attract employers who create higher-paying careers. Let's stop the acceptance of jobs and start creating careers. Let's create a Laconia where young professionals will want to live, raise their families, and build their futures. This translates into more opportunity, healthier communities, and the ability to invest in the things that make our community so special.

But we can't talk about progress without referencing backroom real estate deals that have cost the taxpayers. These backroom deals erode confidence and raise questions about who precisely is profiting. As your mayor, I will demand that all city transactions be transparent. Laconia should not be in the real estate business. No more backroom deals. All contracts, development plans, will be open because it's your city, not the insiders'.

I'm not a good old boy, and I never will be. I'm here to move us into the future, and bring meaningful reform to Laconia. And I couldn't do it without you. I'll work with a city council that shares our values of transparency, accountability, and progress. Together, we'll build trust, restore confidence, and accomplish things that make a difference in daily life for every business and every family in Laconia.

I support open government, frequent town halls, truthful leadership, and truthful conversation. I won't hide behind press releases. Accountability is not a slogan; it's a commitment. Every citizen will be respected, heard, and engaged in shaping our future.

I’m proud to be endorsed by leaders who value integrity: former Gov. Chris Sununu, Sheriff Bill Wright, the New Hampshire Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, and SEA/SEIU Local 1984. These endorsements reflect a broad coalition of statewide leaders from law enforcement to labor who believe in my vision for Laconia.

This isn't a campaign, it's personal. It's the single mom who works two jobs, the retired couple who worries about taxes, the firefighter who will ask if help arrives in time, and the small business owner fighting to keep their doors open. It's every citizen who wants to feel safe, secure, and proud to be in the city they call home.

I've been in Concord for five years fighting for Laconia, crafting bills, obtaining funding, and building coalitions to get things done. I've worked with Republicans, Democrats, and independents because I don't care who gets credit. I care that we get things done. Now I'd like to bring that ethic home, where it matters most.

I'm not running on headlines. I'm running on making a difference. I've spent my life building trust and relationships; now I want to restore trust in local government.

If you've had enough of being disregarded, I hear you. If you care about safety, I'm with you. If you're ready to make a change, I'm ready to lead. If you want Laconia to be all it can be, a city of opportunity, pride, and a bright future, please vote for me on Nov. 4.