Doug Robinson: The wind in Laconia’s City Hall changes direction with HRC

To The Daily Sun,

The Dec. 8 Laconia City Council meeting was spirited, for good reason. The debate centered on whether to make the Human Relations Committee a permanent council committee. Chair Pat Wood defended the HRC but distanced himself from the proposal, a stance that stirred visible agitation among those in attendance. Supporters of permanence largely had direct ties to the HRC, while many citizens questioned why, after 25 years, it should shift from a mayor’s committee to a permanent one.

The city manager admitted the HRC’s vision and mission statement contained legal loopholes that would require lawyers and more meetings. Outgoing council member Bruce Cheney voiced frustration, feeling disrespected by citizens. Yet his complaint underscored a larger truth: more residents are engaged, asking questions and holding leaders accountable.

Transparency was further tested when Finance Director Glenn Smith finally presented the city’s budget audit — due in February 2025, released in December. Blaming auditing firms for delays does not erase the importance of timely financial oversight. The current budget revealed that since 2010, Laconia has borrowed $76 million in bonds, with $42 million still outstanding. That includes $6.7 million for the Colonial Theatre restoration, $4.78 million for downtown, and nearly $32 million for schools, with $10 million still unpaid.

While investing in our city and students is vital, residents must ask: is this being done on the backs of our children? The numbers matter, and so does accountability. The current tax cap does not include bonds — only payments — so the “2%” is much higher. They are hiding this in plain sight.

This meeting reflected a changing wind in Laconia politics. Citizens are paying attention, demanding transparency, and driving the conversation in the council chamber. That is healthy for democracy — and essential for the city's future.

Doug Robinson

Laconia