Councilor Robert Soucy: Easier to complain than attend meetings, offer solutions

To The Daily Sun,

Over the last few weeks, I have read many letters and articles from people looking to serve as member of the City of Laconia council or mayor. There are many things that are said, but what surprises me the most is that most if not all of them have never been, or only once or twice to a city council meeting. They say that they want to do this or that, but have never offered to engage with the city council on ideas or suggestions; easy to criticize but offer no input.

This fiscal year, after providing required funds to the state, county and schools, we only had about $1.9M left for additions to the city budget. That keeps us within the tax cap, which was voted on by the voters a few years ago. I really believe that the city manager, and all department heads, do a great job in presenting the council with a budget that is tax cap compliant. As a council we work hard to determine the priorities so that we can do things like road repair, keep fire equipment up to date, to defend readers' property the police department has done a great job in reducing crime, along with Parks and Recreation, DPW and other departments. Some people will say bond, I say, as chair of the Finance Committee, we take it very serious on how much we bond, so we can honor our obligations and stay with the cap, and statute.

I vote based on common sense and what is best for the citizens of Laconia. I am proud that we are a non-partisan council and will not take orders from a political party or political boss. I ask for readers' votes as city councilor for Ward 2.

Councilor Robert Soucy (Ward 2)

Laconia