Gregg Hough: Laconia needs to produce results in solving homeless crisis

To The Daily Sun,

Laconia can no longer afford to study the homeless crisis; it must produce results. Temporary shelters and scattered encampments are not solutions. The city needs measurable action: coordinated use of law enforcement, Judiciary, city, county and state programs with accountability, and clear reporting so taxpayers and residents see tangible progress, not endless discussion.

In his recent letter, Councilor Robert Soucy painted a picture of a “vibrant” Laconia where “great things are happening.” Yet beneath the optimism lies a record of stagnation and missed opportunity. While he claims Laconia’s tax rate is among the lowest in New Hampshire, homeowners know the truth, assessments have soared, and the city’s spending has outpaced the growth of its local economy. A lower rate means little when the bill keeps rising.

Soucy cites a “revised zoning ordinance” as a victory for affordable housing, but it offers no measurable results, no clear incentives, and no timeline for delivery. Laconia remains short on truly affordable units while luxury projects advance. This is not planning, it’s patchwork.

He also blames “statutory constraints” for inaction, yet the law does not prevent strategic budgeting, transparent decision-making, or proactive leadership. For eight years, the city's master plan has sat largely ignored, voters' roads have deteriorated, and infrastructure funding has been repeatedly delayed or redirected.

As the next Ward 2 councilor, I will bring a results-driven focus: using the master plan as the city’s roadmap, investing in infrastructure first, enforcing fiscal discipline, and supporting those who protect and serve, including the police, fire, hospital, and schools.

Laconia deserves leadership that doesn’t just describe progress but delivers it. Let’s move from excuses to execution with heart: tackling homelessness, strengthening the economy, expanding affordable housing, repairing the roads, and keeping taxes fair.

Gregg Hough

Laconia