Gregg Hough: Laconia needs follow-through on its master plan for city

To The Daily Sun,

The Master Plan Steering Committee is meeting once again to discuss Laconia’s vision for the future, how we grow, invest, and build a stronger community. But as the city looks ahead, we must be honest about the past eight years: our last Master Plan didn’t fail because it was a bad plan. It failed because those in charge, including my opponent, didn’t follow through.

The 2018 Master Plan laid out a clear and achievable roadmap: expand water and sewer, improving housing options, repairing infrastructure, and protecting our natural resources. These goals weren’t just ideas; they were commitments made to the people of Laconia. But while the plan gathered dust, so did opportunity. Promises of safer streets, revitalized neighborhoods, and smarter growth were replaced by insider deals and inaction.

Leadership means doing the work, not just approving documents, and attending ribbon cuttings. If my opponent and others had taken real ownership of the 2018 plan, we’d already be reaping the benefits: thriving local businesses, expanded housing for families, and a city prepared for the future. Instead, we’re back at the drawing board, repeating the same conversations we had eight years ago.

Now, as a new Master Plan is being written, Laconia has a chance to get it right, but only if we elect leaders who will treat it as more than paperwork. We need follow-through, accountability, transparency and results.

We can’t afford another eight years of missed opportunities. This time let’s make sure Laconia’s vision turns into reality, with leadership that listens, acts, and delivers for the people. Readers' voices, readers' future. Laconia for the residents.

Gregg Hough

Laconia