Four candidates file for one at-large Somersworth City Council seat

SOMERSWORTH — Four people have filed to run for a single at-large City Council seat in the Sept. 10 special municipal election, said City Clerk Kristen LaPanne.

The election will be held in conjunction with the state primary on the same day.

The candidates are Councilor at-large Don Austin; Richard Brooks, a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Historic District Commission; Mark Biron; and Laura Barry, the current chair of the Historic District Commission.

There are also two open School Board seats. Bridget Jameson has filed for Ward 3, and Gemma Soldati for Ward 5. Both are running uncontested.

Donald Austin

Donald Austin, a city councilor at-large, was appointed by the council to fill the seat vacated by Dennis Messier, who resigned in May. Austin is running to retain his seat.

"I feel I still have a lot left to offer to the city," said Austin. "I am a known entity here, and I hope I get the chance to do so."

Austin lost his last election for the Ward 4 seat. He said he sees this as an opportunity to continue his work for the city he loves.

Richard Brooks

Richard Brooks said he's been involved with the city's Zoning Board of Adjustment) and the Historic District Commission for at least 10 years, currently serving as vice chair for both boards. He also sits on the mayor's new task force on housing and sits on the historic district's advisory board. He has been an election moderator for 10 years.

Brooks said he has lived in the city for 23 years. He ran in the last city council race.

"I think a lot of issues come down to zoning, and that is something I feel very strongly about working on," said Brooks. "Much of the zoning ordinances were created in the '80s and are now so convoluted and contradictory. I really want to see a lot of revamping, and I'd like to help see that happen. I see the council seat as the next step in helping my community."

Brooks said the budgets and taxes are areas he wants to be more involved in.

"We overrode the tax caps this year," he said. "I want a chance to take a closer look at our finances, city and school."

Mark Biron

Mark Biron is a newcomer to city politics, who believes he has something to offer.

"I am retired after having worked for most of my career in Manchester for the federal government," Biron said. "I am retired now, and at first, I wasn't sure what municipal offices I could be involved in. But since the council is not identified as Democrat or Republican, I can run and decided to throw my hat in the ring."

Biron has not held previous municipal offices but said he has been watching the city for the past couple of years, and he believes he has experience that can benefit the community.

"I am very interested in clean energy," he said. "I drive an electric car. I do not see enough effort being put toward this topic."

Biron said he recently attended a theatrical event at the high school. He said his impressions were that the facility was clean and taken care of but that it was very old and could use some upgrades."

"So, for the $5 fee, I threw my name in," he said. "I will have some signs made and try to find ways to let people know who I am."

Laura Barry

Laura Barry, the current chair of the Historic District Commission, also ran for City Council in the last election.

Barry, originally from Montana, moved here 10 years ago.

"I married Jason Barry and moved into the Barry family," she said. "They owned the GE plant and have been a big part of Somersworth's history. My husband wanted to come back home, and I came with him. I liked it here and decided to put down roots."

Barry, who has a master's degree in historic preservation, has been on the Historic District Commission for about eight years. She is the current chair.

Barry said she enjoys interacting with people, and it's one of the reasons she decided to run again for the at-large seat.

"I have heard people say they want to see new faces on the council," she said. "I think I can be good there. I want to help guide the city's growth. I know housing is a big issue, but I want to make sure it is done correctly. I do not want to see a Band-Aid approach. I believe people want to be heard, and I am not sure they feel they are right now."

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Four candidates file for one at-large Somersworth City Council seat