NASHUA – Many issues are on the minds of those seeking seats on the Board of Aldermen, including bringing commuter rail to the city, the Elm Street Middle School project, combating addiction and the rising problem of homelessness.

Two candidates have come forward looking to represent the residents of Ward 1, and during the Municipal General Election on Nov. 5, city voters will cast their ballots to determine who they believe will best serve them. Former alderman Mark Cookson is challenging current Alderwoman Jan Schmidt.

Schmidt

“It’s been extremely rewarding, and I would like to continue doing this, getting people answers,” Schmidt told The Telegraph.

Schmidt said her idea of serving on the board changed as she progressed in the position. She said most of her work involves addressing questions from constituents. For example, she said one question she received was from a veteran who believed they were paying too much in taxes. Schmidt said she worked to get this burden reduced.

Schmidt also said she has been working to help those struggling with addiction to opioids or other drugs.

“We’re working on addiction,” Schmidt said. “That’s awfully important to me. We’re finding that it’s tied up with so many things like the cost of housing, the expense of health care, but more than that.”

In terms of what she views are the city’s greatest assets, she said it is the city’s respect for the people. She said a government that cares is the asset, citing a new basketball court at the Arlington Street Community Center. She said this indicates how important the government believes people are in the city.

Schmidt also serves as a Democratic member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives.

“Between my job as a state representative and as an aldermen, I am incredibly proud of the work that the people in charge are doing for us,” Schmidt added.

Cookson

“I’ve been on the board for 10 years, and I’m just looking for more discussion, more dialogue and better representation of the ward,” Cookson said.

Cookson said it has now been about two years since he was last on the Board of Aldermen, having been in City Hall in various roles from 2006 to 2017. He said many things happening in the city are going very well, but he said there is plenty of room for improvement.

For example, he said there needs to be more discussion about the Elm Street Middle School project.

“I think there are a lot of issues that haven’t been resolved over the past two years, and since I was part of the conversation previously, I think I have the historical knowledge and content that would be valuable to come up with solutions in this next term,” Cookson said.

Moreover, in terms of the city’s greatest asset, Cookson said that would be the people. Cookson said the city has a highly dedicated group of individuals who are willing to help anyone.

“We just have to leverage the people and get them engaged and involved to help us come up with the best solutions for everyone,” Cookson said.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.