Mark Gallant recently announced his candidacy for mayor. (Courtesy Photo)

NASHUA – Mark Gallant, owner of ACG Electric, Alarm & Security, is running for mayor on behalf of the residents of Nashua.

“The power of our government sits with the citizens,” he said, adding that political affiliation is inconsequential. “When you’re backed by a political party, they own you. I have no interest in a political campaign.”

Gallant said he decided to seek the city’s top job after learning about numerous inefficiencies at City Hall.

Slated to begin on July 11, Gallant will be hosting a radio show every Tuesday from 8-9 a.m. on WSMN. During the broadcast, he will address a range of topics such as homelessness, education as well as police and fire.

An electrician of 41 years, Gallant has owned ACG Electric since 1998. Confident that he will win the day in November, Gallant is now in the process of shutting down his business.

“I really just believe I’ll get the job,” he said, touting his years as a business owner. “I’m the only real choice.”

Gallant said that over time, residents have accepted the difficulty of obtaining public information.

“We’re generally lazy-minded,” he said. “We’re like battered spouses.”

If elected, Gallant said written requests will no longer be required.

“They’re our records,” he said.

Gallant said residents deserve a mayor who will meticulously comb through every personnel file to ensure that each position is staffed by the most qualified individual.

“After all, it’s what we demand from our favorite sports franchise or fantasy football team,” he said.

He also said a mayor needs to be “high-energy” and be out in the city rather than in the corner office.

In addition, Gallant said residents must be treated as “royalty, for they are the boss.”

“Never talk down to them, pass rules or legislation to silence their input,” he said. “It is their will that matters, not the government’s.”

In addition to incumbent Mayor James Donchess, Gallant is also running against Hillsborough County Commissioner Michael Soucy.

Although he lacks experience in municipal government, Gallant said the city is being pushed in the wrong direction by those who do have municipal experience. Therefore, Gallant maintained that nothing will change under Donchess or Soucy.

“The hole will get deeper and deeper,” he said.