After all the controversy involving Claremont’s current City Council we now have at least two excellent new candidates running in this council election: Jim Contois and Deb Matteau. I have collaborated with both and am convinced that they would not only bring integrity, transparency and civility to the council, they would also bring the history and knowledge that comes from their years of service and initiatives for the common good.
Contois was one of the people who led the successful stand against siting a transfer station for toxic construction and demolition materials near a grade school. The area would have been polluted by heavy metals, PFAS and asbestos, among other deadly contaminants. I joined the effort and am grateful to Contois for his leadership and knowledgeable determination to protect citizens, pets, wildlife and the environment.
Matteau impressed me when we served together on a prior City Manager Search Committee. She proved level-headed and well-versed in issues such as affordable housing that concern our community. Her years of service for the city and her family’s generational commitment to Claremont provide essential knowledge that can be used to our community’s benefit.
We Claremonters want a City Council that works for us without bullying, secrecy, enabling and closed-mindedness. Jim Contois and Deb Matteau would bring the maturity, intelligence and compassion that helps a community be and do its best.
MARGARET HURLEY
Claremont
On Tuesday, let’s elect Deb Matteau to the Claremont City Council.
Why Deb Matteau? She has lived in Claremont nearly all her life, is the general manager of a property management company here, and previously worked for the city as an administrative assistant in the Community Development Office as well as zoning administrator. She has also served Claremont in many voluntary positions, including the Master Plan Steering Committee, City Manager Search Committee, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and on the School Board.
I believe her work experience in both the private and public sectors, as well as volunteer positions, make her well-qualified to serve on the City Council. Furthermore, having known her for nearly 25 years, I believe she will be a thoughtful and articulate voice on our city’s legislative branch, working to lower property taxes, attract more high-paying jobs and create more affordable housing — in other words, striving with her fellow elected officials to make Claremont a better place in which to live, work and play. Please join me in voting for Deb Matteau for Claremont City Council on Tuesday.
JOHN R. CLOUTIER
Claremont
The writer represents the Sullivan 10 District in the New Hampshire House.
When evaluating candidates for local office, I ask, “How has the candidate demonstrated a strong interest in and an effective commitment to the good of Claremont?” Jim Contois has lived his commitment to our community, contributing to Claremont’s well-being in a variety of ways. So, in the race for City Council’s Ward II representative, he has my vote.
Here’s why: Jim Contois has worked in our schools and run programs for families and for the homeless, among other pursuits for the pubic good. He is the director of the Claremont Senior Center. Recently, he joined the Claremont Planning Board. He is also treasurer of the Claremont Historical Society.
In addition, and importantly, Contois led the action to prevent a construction and demolition facility that would have created health, environmental and practical problems for homeowners, schoolchildren and Claremont’s streets.
Jim Contois has demonstrated a clear, varied and effective commitment to our city. He should get your vote.
JACK HURLEY
Claremont