Charles Watson: How would city’s current council solve its problems?

To The Daily Sun,

Where is the current Laconia City Council? There has been little to no interaction with the voting public as to their plans for Laconia for the next two years and little information outlining their accomplishments during the past four to eight years.

Council Member Steven Bogert’s claims of being instrumental in homeless encampment cleanups rings hollow after taxpayers spent over $30,000 to remove the hazardous waste left behind in some of them, only to have these neighborhoods in the woods quickly reestablished and again a public health hazard.

Council Member Bruce Cheney’s claims of the AFL-CIO being one of the most partisan organizations in the country after his opponent received their endorsement does not hold water in 2025. There are membership caucuses set up in sub organizations for both Republican and Democratic members that work across the aisle. Has he forgotten he was once a member through his police positions? Has he forgotten these very union members were instrumental in his success/failure in his prior positions locally and at a state level?

Council Member Anthony Felch continues his verbal attacks, bullying and intimidating comments on constituents that oppose his positions or question his votes, but has put forth no vision for the future of Laconia.

Has anyone heard from Councilor Mark Haynes? No position statements and truly little discussion at city council meetings is disturbing.

People have stated the figurehead Mayor Andrew Hosmer was to blame for Laconia’s current problems and I must disagree. Many of the votes reviewed in the city council resulted in blanket approval by all six current members. Former Mayor Hosmer had limited impact regarding these policies. The current state of Laconia falls soundly on the backs of the existing city council after their serving two or three terms.

Vote carefully Laconia, the future depends on it.

Charles Watson

Laconia