Concord Ward 9 Race Highlights Divergent Views on Councilor Role,Homelessness
CONCORD,NH – A closely watched rematch in Concord’s Ward 9 pits incumbent Councilor Bethany Schultz against challenger Fred Georgevits,focusing debate on the responsibilities of city councilors and approaches to local issues like homelessness.The election comes as Loudon Road, a major thoroughfare largely within Ward 9, has seen recent fatalities prompting calls for increased traffic safety measures.
Schultz, a current Democratic state representative, defended her engagement in the ward despite acknowledging a recent decrease in activity due to her father-in-law’s illness. She highlighted her past service as a state representative and on four city committees, noting the challenges of balancing multiple civic duties. “So if you don’t show up, we’re voiceless,” said Vits, seemingly referencing the importance of consistent councilor presence. Schultz aims to serve on the city’s traffic committee if re-elected, prioritizing safety improvements on Loudon Road.
Georgevits, chair of the Concord City Republican Committee, has unsuccessfully run for the New Hampshire House several times. He argues Concord already possesses adequate resources for those experiencing homelessness, asserting the focus should shift to enforcing existing laws. “You’re not going to go downtown if there’s homeless people sprawled out on the block or if there’s feces or needles,” Georgevits stated, emphasizing public safety concerns.
Schultz proposes a “one-stop shop” for resources, advocating for greater collaboration between the city’s welfare office and local nonprofits to streamline assistance for those in need. “For people who are already stressed out and trying to do what they need to do…I think that we need to do a much better job at being there for them,” she said.
Both candidates agree city council positions should be nonpartisan, focusing on budgetary matters rather than ideology. Georgevits urged voters to “vote for the person,” dismissing party affiliation as irrelevant to local tax bills, characterizing the election as “local, local as it comes.” Schultz acknowledged that while constituents desire a focus on local issues, a candidate’s values inevitably influence their decision-making.
