Doug Robinson: Pride comes from progress; Laconia needs more of both

To The Daily Sun,

While Councilor Bob Soucy is frustrated that headlines about homelessness, crime, and other challenges make Laconia look negative, he blames the newspaper instead of addressing the issues themselves. At the same time, the city talks about “Laconia Pride” and promotes a polished vision through a possible new website "Visit Laconia" yet our downtown is still under construction, buildings are in transition, and storefronts remain empty — even with an expensive theater that still hasn’t delivered real results at taxpayer expense.

If it weren’t for new leaders like Mike Conant and Mayor Mike Bordes bringing fresh, creative ideas, we’d still be sliding backward. Steve Bogert and other city officials claim they want to promote tourism, yet they eliminated 21% of the housing market by restricting short‑term rentals. That decision directly hurts the local economy and reduces lodging options for visitors.

And while Laconia Village is moving forward with what could be the largest single expansion in the state, we have Councilor Eric Hoffman publicly stating he opposes natural gas and oil and supports renewables — yet he voted to push the expansion of the gas line that serves Laconia. Supporting renewables is one thing, but voting against the principles that got them elected is another. When a councilor can’t stand on the values their voters supported, it raises the question of what voice they’re offering at all.

City officials talk about fiscal responsibility, yet they hand out taxpayer money to nonprofits instead of strengthening rainy‑day funds or supporting city employees who are struggling with rising costs and higher insurance premiums — costs that ultimately fall back on taxpayers.

Yes, we should have pride in Laconia. But pride comes from progress, not slogans. And progress starts with changing the actions — and priorities — of the city council.

Doug Robinson

Laconia