1 seat, 2-year term

NAME: KEN SIEGEL

Age: 54

Address: 3 Lamb Road

Years of residence in Nashua: 30

Family: Married with 3 children and 2 step-children

Occupation, education: I am a partner in Synergy Dining Group and was an Internet software architect and high technology entrepreneur. I have a BS degree in Chemistry and a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and am a holder of 8 patents.

Political history: No prior political appointments or elected offices

Affiliations: none listed

Q. The downtown sidewalk improvements are the most visible project the city is undertaking. Should the Board of Aldermen have had more say in planning and budgeting them? Why?

The Board of Alderman should have a say in any planning or budgeting decision. That is a specific duty of the Board of Alderman. This is just one instance of a trend in the Lozeau administration of selective inclusion and active marginalization of the Board of Alderman in decisions that are critical to the citizens of Nashua. The progress and cost of the downtown sidewalk project so far have not been viewed favorably by the residents of Ward 9 that I have spoken to. They rightfully ask how this would benefit them more than safer streets and well maintained roadways. Their views were never considered. The final cost of the project has yet to be accurately tallied but it is clear it is only going to go higher. Better up front planning could have avoided this.

Q. Interaction with the mayor is one of the most important aspects of a successful Board of Aldermen. How do you think Mayor Lozeau is doing, both in her dealings with the board and other actions?

The Mayor has been terrible in dealing with the Board of Alderman if you are a taxpayer expecting a representative government. How could anyone say the Mayor is successful in working with the Board of Alderman when she regularly refuses to provide information to them in a timely manner and actively excludes Ward and At Large Alderman that represent a sizeable portion of the citizens of Nashua from planning and decisions? The Mayor’s inability to welcome alternate points of view is not helping Nashua. Unfortunately, her overestimation of her own competence and expertise ultimately comes at the expense of a healthy and well functioning city.

Q. If elected, what do you hope to change about Nashua during your next term?

I would like to help eliminate the back room dealing and Nixonian fixation with secrecy of the current administration. I want an honest accounting of how our tax dollars are being spent and I want the residents of Ward 9 to have a significant say in this since we are a major contributor to the tax revenue. Nashua was voted twice the best city to live in. We can be that again but only with a change in the way city government is functioning. I also want to do whatever I can to help the police department successfully tackle the crime epidemic plaguing the city. Overpriced new sidewalks don’t mean much if they are not safe for us to walk on.

NAME: JEFFREY T. COX

Age: 53 Years Young

Address: 12 Colleen Road

Years of residence: 27 years

Family: Married to Rebecca R. Cox for 27 years, children Brittanie Cox (24), Kristie Cox (21), and Timothy Cox (16).

Occupation, education: 7-Eleven Store, Main Dunstable Road; United States Marine Corps, 5 years, logistics/embarkation chief; UMass-Lowell, International Business Administration

Political history: Served two terms as Ward 9 Alderman, 2007-2010.

Affiliations: I have spent many years as a Corporate Sponsor for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Ancient Order Of Hibernians.

Q. The downtown sidewalk improvements are the most visible project the City is undertaking. Should the Board of Alderman have had more say in the planning and budgeting of this project? Why?

The Board of Alderman has a clearly defined area of responsibility as does the Board of Public Works. Each one must do its due diligence in providing proper oversight and support/approvals to ensure that this type of major project is completed in such a way that it will stand the test of time for generations to come!

Q. Interaction with the Mayor is one of the most important aspects of a successful Board of Alderman. How do you think Mayor Lozeau is doing, both in her dealings with the board as well as other actions?

I feel that Mayor Lozeau is strong in her convictions, always thoroughly prepared and willing to take the necessary steps required to move this Great City forward! My dealings with Mayor Lozeau have always been very professional in that we may not always agree on some issues, she has always extended the willingness to listen and compromise when needed. She has been a very strong and capable leader for Nashua, but her leadership skills can only take her so far. Over the last two years there have been members of the Board that have consistently been unwilling to do any of the work required and have instead chosen to spend their time criticizing and placing blame where it does not belong.

Q. If elected, what do you hope to change about Nashua during your next term?

I will be an alderman willing to listen and work with all city departments. An Alderman that is willing to fully support development and certainly redevelopment where it makes sense for the city. I will be ready to bring decorum and civility back, and work with my colleagues to make a positive impact that will continue to improve our great city.