Janet Mango: New mayor in Laconia is creating a statewide discussion

To The Daily Sun, 

The election of Mike Bordes as mayor of Laconia has generated discussion far outside the city’s limits. Many observers view his victory not as a local triumph but rather one point along a political plan. For Bordes, serving as mayor is widely perceived as a stepping stone toward higher office by many in the area.

This perception comes from the resume he is building. Bordes already has legislative experience, having served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives since 2020. Now, by winning the mayor’s office, he adds executive leadership to his record. That combination of legislator plus mayor is exactly the kind of profile that ambitious politicians use to launch statewide campaigns.

The endorsement he received from Chris Sununu and ties to Kelly Ayotte as well as other big name New Hampshire and national politicians only reinforces the idea that Bordes is being groomed for bigger things. In New Hampshire politics, local executive roles are often proving grounds; mayors frequently move to statewide leadership. His focus isn't limited to Laconia alone and it's obvious.

The pattern is clear, his mayoral win is not about leading Laconia it is about positioning himself for the next rung on the political ladder.

Which begs the real question of the voters, did they elect a mayor who is first and foremost serving Laconia, or did they elect a mayor who is using the office as a launching pad for greater statewide ambitions? In any case, the Bordes victory shows that his future seems far larger than Laconia alone. As a resident of a neighboring town I hope he is invested in Laconia instead of just interested in climbing the political ladder.

Janet Mango

Meredith