Elected officials will look to rein in the city’s tax rate, improve the downtown, and decide what to do with the former Hilltop School.

Former Somersworth Mayor Lincoln Soldati, unable to rebuild the house his family lost to a fire in 2010, surprised the city when he resigned in August and moved to Portsmouth. City Councilor Brian Tapscott took over the position on an interim basis, but he is not looking to retain that post beyond the end of the year.

That leaves the mayor’s seat open in the municipal election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Voters will choose between former Mayor Michael Micucci, a long-time city councilor in Somersworth’s Ward 3, and retired Coast Guard Officer Matthew Spencer.

Voters will also select their next councilors in the city’s five wards (at-large councilors are not up for reelection until 2013). There are contested races in Wards 1, 3 and 4, while candidates are running unopposed in Wards 2 and 5.

The next mayor and council will preside over a growing city that will have its share of assets and challenges over the next two years. The tax rate has been rising steadily in Somersworth, and while many see the need for significant infrastructure improvements in the downtown area, funding might be hard to come by.

After years of planning and construction, Idlehurst Elementary School opened in August, paving the way for future generations to receive a quality education in Somersworth. But residents and city leaders are still debating what to do with the former Hilltop School. The council has authorized city manager Bob Belmore to collect cost estimates on demolishing the building, but most residents vehemently oppose that idea. The Friends of Somersworth group has proposed converting the building into a community center that would include artist studios.

An admirable spirit of volunteerism and citizen involvement has emerged in Somersworth over the last couple of years, with residents playing a direct role in the future of their city. But it will be largely up to the council to spearhead economic development in a revitalized downtown with new businesses and industry.

Two of former Mayor Soldati’s family members are running for seats on the City Council. His son, business owner Emmett Soldati, will square off against Ward 1 incumbent Martin Pepin, and his sister, Jennifer Soldati, executive director of the Greater Somersworth Chamber of Commerce, is running unopposed in Ward 2 (Jennifer Soldati was unable to participate in this survey by deadline). Current Ward 2 councilor Michael Watman is not running for reelection.

Former School Board member Nancie Cameron and long-time city resident Marcel Hebert are vying for the Ward 3 seat being vacated by outgoing councilor Dale Spainhower. Ward 4 incumbent Jon McCallion is facing former councilor Dana Hilliard, principal of Somersworth Middle School. Planning Board member Matt Durkee is looking to fill the vacant seat in Ward 5.

The Greater Somersworth Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for candidates in contested races in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. It will be moderated by Mary Pat Rowland, managing editor of Foster’s Daily Democrat. The forum will be televised on Somersworth’s Channel 22. More information on the elections is at  www.somersworth.com.

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MAYOR

Michael Micucci, age 61

occupation: retired
years living in Somersworth: 35
public service experience: 16 years as Ward 3 city councilor, 2 years as mayor

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Somersworth over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The most positive change was the new Idlehurst Elementary School, of which I was proud to be a part. It is a state-of-the-art school that promotes safety, is sustainable and was built to have a reduction in energy usage with respect to heat, lighting and air quality. It is estimated to return $29,000-plus in energy savings alone. This project has moved Somersworth forward. The negative change has been that the tax rate continues to rise.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? My top priority is to bring back communications between the city, the School Board and SAU 56. Also, open communications between the mayor and citizens by having monthly “Mayor Forums” and allowing citizens to have their voices heard. Also, to promote a stronger communicative government by setting strong committees, i.e., Finance, Recreation and Public Works and Environment, to discuss major items with the citizens, schools and city departments.

What can city officials do to keep the tax rate under control? The first way is to bring industries into Somersworth to pay a larger portion of the taxes. Bringing smaller industries and commercial concerns also helps, such as doctors’ offices and the like. The next (and least desirable) is doing away with certain services that are deemed unnecessary. The cause of most of the higher taxes is “passing down” from the federal government, state and county via mandates that should be classified illegal.

What infrastructure improvements, if any, should be made downtown? Can the city afford to make such improvements? The High Street corridor to downtown has been paved in small portions over the past three years, which has helped make it affordable. The remainder, the downtown, will take a larger effort due to parking and traffic flow. If the city approaches this area in steps, i.e., surveying, engineering and workload, it should prove to be cost effective. Business owners have been doing a wonderful job addressing their facades. There are some old light poles that PSNH has the responsibility of painting.

What would you like to see happen with the former Hilltop School? The Friends of Somersworth and people on “The Hill” should have a say in what is done. The historic significance of this building makes it amenable to promoting the arts. There may be historic preservation monies that can help this endeavor. There has been talk of an art studio on the lower floors and apartments on the upper floors. This is best accomplished by selling the building to a developer that will transform this idea into reality.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Somersworth? I love the arts, as I am an avid watercolor painter. I think fostering the arts would be a great project involving the schools.

 

Matthew Spencer, age 41

occupation: retired U. S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer, student, inactive realtor
years living in Somersworth: 34
public service experience: 20 years active duty in U.S. Coast Guard; member of the New Hampshire Coast Guard Monument Committee

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Somersworth over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? Idlehurst School is now a reality. It can be a great asset for Somersworth for years to come. However, it comes at a financial cost and challenging decisions need to be made to stabilize the tax rate. The new school also brings to attention the maintenance and technological needs of our other schools that need to be addressed in a planned, methodical and affordable manner.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? To bring needed thoughtful leadership to our community. The city needs a mayor who can thoughtfully and professionally facilitate discussions with council members and residents, which will lead to a united effort to work through the city’s many challenges now and in the future. Directing committees to be proactive, task oriented and accountable is imperative to moving the city forward. Leading discussions on keeping the tax rate at a sustainable level is another top priority.

What can city officials do to keep the tax rate under control? It is unfair to future councils and future generations of residents for them to be forced to make drastic and unreasonable cuts in services, including education, simply because we overspent today. We need to keep one eye on the present and one eye on the future. Choices and associated consequences should be researched thoroughly before being implemented, so as to understand how their impacts will affect all citizens of Somersworth, including our children and senior citizens.

What infrastructure improvements, if any, should be made downtown? Can the city afford to make such improvements? One of the most basic functions provided by local government is to maintain its infrastructure. It costs us more today, because of delay and inaction of the past. Government fosters economic growth by providing a safe and properly maintained infrastructure. Neglected roads and sidewalks symbolize inattention and mismanagement, which can be viewed as a negative business climate. We need to manage the situation instead of continually being managed by it.

What would you like to see happen with the former Hilltop School? The people deserve the opportunity to keep the former school a community oriented building. I will thoughtfully manage a united community consensus on what to do with the building. The Friends of Somersworth have taken the lead in fostering a viable plan to let the building remain in place and active. I support a mixed use community building with minimal cost to taxpayers. The decision we make will be long lasting and perhaps irreversible. We need to do this correctly for both current and future generations.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Somersworth? The arts are a vital part to the character and spirit of our community. They are fostered by providing attention to the arts in the school system, stable tax rate and positive economic and zoning climate for artists to live and thrive.

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WARD 1

Councilor Martin Pepin, age 61

occupation: retired firefighter
years living in Somersworth: 61
public service experience: city councilor 4 years; firefighter 32 years; representative on many boards and committees

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Somersworth over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The most positive change that I have seen in the past two years is the increase in volunteerism in Somersworth and the citizen involvement for change. We can see this in the hard-working groups such as the Friends of Somersworth and all the varied sports booster clubs to name just a few. The most negative development in the past two years is the economy. People are struggling to make ends meet.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? My top priority for the city for the next two years hasn’t changed since I was first elected. We must plan long term to prevent the extreme tax shocks that occur when planning for prevention and maintenance of existing infrastructure and services are not followed.

What can city officials do to keep the tax rate under control? The key to tax rate control is long-range planning. Prevention and maintenance are essential.

What infrastructure improvements, if any, should be made downtown? Can the city afford to make such improvements? Downtown infrastructure improvements on roads and sidewalks are very much needed. We must also stimulate more business into the downtown area. Currently, the city is in the process of procuring grants to help lessen the tax burden for these needed improvements.

What would you like to see happen with the former Hilltop School? Hilltop School should not be torn down. I am in full support of a community center.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Somersworth? I am currently a board member of the Somersworth Festival Association and the Somersworth Youth Connection. Both organizations are continually supporting the arts in our community. I would support any community arts programs as long as they don’t put an excessive additional tax burden on our citizens.

 

Emmett Soldati, age 23

occupation: business owner
years living in Somersworth: 23
public service experience: spearheaded Save Hilltop Coalition (2008), student body representative on York University (Canada) Board of Governors

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Somersworth over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The spirit of civic engagement has taken a turn for the better. Though the struggles surrounding Idlehurst and Hilltop Elementary were not always pretty, and city officials often passed the buck of accountability, they were instrumental in getting citizens involved in shaping their community. It’s no wonder that concurrently with the school debates we saw a remarkable interest in the Charter Commission, a surge of businesses opening in our downtown core, and a general sentiment of city pride.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? It would have to be changing the face of downtown Somersworth. I’m in the process of opening up a tearoom in downtown Somersworth. I truly think revitalization starts with entrepreneurialism, creative thinkers and people with lots of energy—the essential qualities of any good business owner. As councilor, I would do whatever needs to be done to get good businesses in and get the message out to the region, the state and beyond.

What can city officials do to keep the tax rate under control? Have a vision for the city. Encourage intellect and industry. Invest rather than duct-tape.

What infrastructure improvements, if any, should be made downtown? Can the city afford to make such improvements? The city is receiving grant money to launch infrastructural improvements starting next year. I was thrilled to see this included a bike lane and pedestrian-friendly pathways. More efforts need to be made to evaluate traffic and congestion and their influence on how locals and travelers engage with downtown. As long as management follows the master plan, encourages healthy investment, and taps into Somersworth’s unique potential, I don’t think it will become a taxpayer’s burden.

What would you like to see happen with the former Hilltop School? I wholeheartedly support the efforts of the Friends of Somersworth. I think a public-private partnership makes the most sense—both to serve as a check and balance on the city, which has had a tendency to turn a blind eye to restoration projects, and to provide an economically sustainable plan of action. The most current idea includes artist studios, community space, and availability for non-profit organizations.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Somersworth? I think the Friends of Somersworth plan can help make Somersworth a destination for the arts. We know that places with low rents like Somersworth are ideal for inspiring the influx of the “creative class.” Furthermore, Somersworth can take more initiative with new media production. Recently, Portsmouth launched Portsmouth Public Media with only a handful of hardworking and enthusiastic citizens. With enough effort, Somersworth can be at the forefront of producing community-sourced media.

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WARD 3

Nancie Cameron, age 56

occupation: department manager for Walmart
years living in Somersworth: 25
public service experience: former School Board member 8 years, Citizen of the Year 2005, Winterfest chair, Festival Association associate member, chair of Top of the Nights Lighting Project SHS, etc.

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Somersworth over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development?  I feel the building of Idlehurst School has had a positive impact on the city, bringing a state-of-the-art “green” school to the community as well as returning fifth-grade students back to the elementary level. The negative impact it did incur was the resolution of the Hilltop School and its impact on the Hill, residents, and the historical culture in Somersworth.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? I feel the resolution of the Hilltop School needs to be decided before it’s too late and is in such demise that it would have to be torn down. Other areas of concern, just to touch on a few, would be the downtown and revitalization moving forward with visions of where we would like to see the city evolving in the next 10, 15, 20 years, and the Master Plan, which stimulates growth and development.

What can city officials do to keep the tax rate under control? It starts not only with the city, but the state—they are putting more and more burden on towns and cities so that they have no choice in some of the programs adding additional costs. When in budget negotiations, you have to look at every aspect and dissect it to the best of your ability while providing what you hope are the best possible cuts while satisfying the citizens of all walks of life.

What infrastructure improvements, if any, should be made downtown? Can the city afford to make such improvements? In this economy, it’s tough to entice a new business into a city, but a nice restaurant with a sit-down atmosphere into the downtown area would be one suggestion. We definitely have enough pizza establishments. The traffic issue in the downtown area in the afternoon and morning commute hours hinders business livelihood. Can the city afford improvements? They can’t afford not to.

What would you like to see happen with the former Hilltop School? I would like Hilltop School to remain within the city. With its historical value and Somersworth culture, it’s an integral part of the community. A few suggestions: adding it to the National Registry of Historic Buildings, having a non-profit like Friends of Somersworth/Hilltop take over the building and pursue grants to maintain expenditures of the property, or partner with the city to share expenses.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Somersworth? I would continue to foster the Somersworth Festival Association and their involvement within the city. It fosters arts in the schools and civic pride in the city’s cultural and historical heritage. Artistic events they sponsor include the Children’s Festival, Winterfest, Pumpkinfest and Kids Concerts. I would make sure they receive the continued support they so richly deserve, as well as the continued support of honoring our veterans with wreaths and Memorial Day events.

Marcel Hebert, age 68

occupation: retired
years living in Somersworth: most of life
public service experience: past volunteer with AIDS Response Seacoast, Somersworth Main Street Program, and Somersworth Chamber of Commerce

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Somersworth over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The most positive is the new elementary school. The most negative is the consistent rising of taxes.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? I’m going to be new, so I’m going to listen and learn and take up whatever issues come my way.

What can city officials do to keep the tax rate under control? I’m really not sure exactly, but I think that there should be a separation between the schools and the city. I’m not sure about that, but I think that’s where it should be to begin with.

What infrastructure improvements, if any, should be made downtown? Can the city afford to make such improvements? At this point I don’t think there are any finances for improvement, but there are one or two or three prime examples—Poppy Seed, for one, and Now and Then. These are small stores that have survived and are surviving. The owners of Poppy Seed have bought the building and enlarged their store space. And also the Frugal Scrapper on Main Street has also survived through these economic times. I think more help should be given to businesses who want to start up and improve and get involved in the city.

What would you like to see happen with the former Hilltop School? I’d like to see it preserved and I’d like to see something developed from it, either apartments for the elderly or some sort of space for artists or small businesses or meetings or whatever.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Somersworth? I would probably start with the school up on the hill, using some of the rooms for studios or whatever. Right now that’s about it, but I’m open to suggestions from the public.

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WARD 4

Councilor Jon McCallion, age 41

occupation: franchise consultant, The Meat House Franchising
years living in Somersworth: 25
public service experience: coached sports for over 20 years; involved in politics for 8 years; chair of Vision 20/20 committee

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Somersworth over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? Positive: The policies put forth by this council to help enterprise funds not run into a deficit year after year. Also the creation of Vision 20/20. That committee helped to update the Master Plan. Also the creation of two ERZ zones in Somersworth to spur job creation. Negative: The economy.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? Finish High Street paving to the Berwick Bridge. Public/private partnership at Hilltop School. Update the transportation chapter of the Master Plan, which cities are required to do every 10 years. Have city and school staff look into automation of similar computer functions and services that can save our city money in the long-term. County regionalization of shared services. Downtown enhancements. Attract a downtown draw for the citizens of Somersworth.

What can city officials do to keep the tax rate under control? Maintaining spending, holding departments accountable, buying only what we need, and improving the city’s image, to where people want to live here.

What infrastructure improvements, if any, should be made downtown? Can the city afford to make such improvements? We do have some money set aside for downtown, and we need to improve traffic flow. Having a downtown draw or TIF district will improve the downtown.

What would you like to see happen with the former Hilltop School? A public/private partnership, which can help different organizations lease space for arts, community events and recreation.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Somersworth? Vision 20/20 is working on different activities within the city. One idea is a small photo/painting contest about Somersworth.

 

Dana S. Hilliard, age 39

occupation: principal of Somersworth Middle School
years living in Somersworth: 39
public service experience: 5 terms in NH House of Representatives; former at-large and Ward 4 city councilor

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Somersworth over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? Positive: The formation of the Vision 20/20 committee, which will continue to focus Somersworth on long-range planning and development. We must now invest in ourselves and continue to follow that path. Negative: Budgetary restraints continue to have a negative impact upon the services Somersworth can provide. As state and county services are cut, residents are forced to struggle with higher property taxes. We must examine what is important to us and what we are not willing to sacrifice.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? I will continue to ensure that Somersworth invests within itself and maintains its identity as a desirable place to live and raise a family. I will advocate for investing in infrastructure, improving fire and police services, protecting open space and ensuring that the former Hilltop School remains within city control for public use.

What can city officials do to keep the tax rate under control? As a city councilor I will continue to work to ensure implementation of the Vision 20/20 plan. I will work to continue to attract more businesses and high paying jobs and work with state and county elected officials to curb the trend of increasing municipal responsibilities.

What infrastructure improvements, if any, should be made downtown? Can the city afford to make such improvements? Somersworth needs to continue to implement road and sidewalk improvements in addition to passing the one-way downtown traffic pattern legislation.

What would you like to see happen with the former Hilltop School? Hilltop needs to remain within the city’s control for public use. I will work closely with the “Friends of Somersworth” association to adopt and implement an affordable plan for future public use of Hilltop.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Somersworth? Continue to invest in community-wide celebrations that celebrate the vital role the arts play within our community. I will also work closely with members of the school board to support school-wide programs for the arts.

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WARD 5

Matt Durkee, age 30

What do you think is the most positive change or development to take place in Somersworth over the last two years, and what do you think is the most negative change/development? The most positive change in the city is the increased involvement of citizens who are asking for their voices to be heard. People are more engaged than ever regarding the actions of City Council. The reluctance of City Council to take bold steps to address big problems within the city has been the most disappointing development over the last two years.

If elected, what would be your top priority for the city over the next two years? My top priority is to help make our city more business and citizen friendly. Too often the council seems to have its own agenda and fails to listen to citizens. I would embrace the chance to work with citizens groups like Friends of Somersworth and will listen to the concerns/needs of local business leaders.

What can city officials do to keep the tax rate under control? I recognize that the tax rate is too high on our citizens, particularly those on fixed incomes. We must work to keep spending down wherever possible, but the long-term solution is to broaden our tax base by encouraging businesses to invest in our city. I plan to support various initiatives that will help to bring businesses into Somersworth.

What infrastructure improvements, if any, should be made downtown? Can the city afford to make such improvements? I believe that the city must tackle infrastructure upgrades and cannot afford to neglect these long-term investments. I would support changing to a one-way traffic pattern in downtown, along with upgrades to sidewalks/streetscape to encourage pedestrian traffic. I also believe we should look to create more green space downtown as a part of infrastructure upgrades.

What would you like to see happen with the former Hilltop School? I would support the use of Hilltop for artists’ space, as I think that is the best way to preserve the history and value of the building. Whatever decision is made regarding Hilltop, I will certainly listen closely to those who live in the neighborhood and work to find the right solution.

If elected, what would you do to foster the arts in Somersworth? Supporting the arts helps to build community and culture—something I think Somersworth needs right now. I would support reuse of Hilltop for artists’ space as a start.

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