Voters Guide: Brian Hubert for Board of Public Works

Name: Brian Hubert

Age: 29

Occupation: Account Manager United Parcel Service

How long have you resided in Nashua? Born and raised.

Education/Background. 

BA Political Science Saint Anselm College, Leadership Greater Nashua Class of 2012, Board Director Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua, Steering Committee Member Nashua’s Young Professional Network iUGO, Planning Committee Member United Way Day of Caring Event 2012-2013, Coach Nashua North Boys Lacrosse.

Prior Elected Offices: None

Interests/Hobbies outside of politics:

I play competitive lacrosse for both the WARPIGS and OLD SCHOOL Lacrosse Clubs. I work on weekends at Amherst Country Club as a part time groundskeeper. I also love to paint landscapes.

Why are you running for the Board of Public Works? 

I am running for the Nashua Board of Public Works because I truly love this great city and want to do more to serve the citizens. After graduating from the Leadership Greater Nashua program in 2012 I have had the opportunity to get more involved in City Government. It has become apparent that there are some members of the BPW who bring their own personal agendas to meetings and possess a “do nothing” attitude toward the future plans of the City. This, coupled with a lack of transparency, has motivated me to become a voice of reason and rationale in our local government.  As a native who is planning to start a new family chapter here, I want to bring innovative ideas and fresh cost savings initiatives, which will help us pave the way for the next generation of Nashuans to succeed and prosper.

Please briefly explain how you will assist the city in getting the Broad Street Parkway project finished on time and on budget, and how you, in your capacity as an elected representative, help inform the public of progress. 

Like all other projects that I manage, I will expect timelines for completion of each phase and full transparency on the progress so that those who are affected most (neighbors, commuters) will be able to plan accordingly. This project will bring disruption and it is the responsibility of the BPW to proactively communicate to the citizens so that everyone is on the same page. I believe the Mayor has done a good job in introducing the faces of the project (contractors) to citizens at the last Parkway meeting. I would like to add to this candidness by asking that these project leaders engage in online forums via social media to answer any questions or concerns people have on a daily basis. Moreover I would encourage weekly progress reports to be submitted by City Engineers to Nashua Patch and the Telegraph.

How would you grade the downtown sidewalk project so far, and please briefly explain why (letter grade A, B, C, D, or F). 

I would give the sidewalk project a B- due to the lack of transparency throughout the project. I agree that something had to be done to fix the aging sidewalks, and think that the DPW workers have done a great job; however I believe there should have been more community input as to what the new look and feel would be and a more accurate estimate on the total cost and timeline.

Going forward with the downtown project, what – if anything – would you propose to do differently? 

 The next blocks which are set to be torn up for the project possess some of the most mature and beautiful trees on Main Street. I would like to explore if these trees can be saved and possibly re-planted somewhere else. I also would like to propose a community forum where those who have been critical of the plans can voice their opinions and collectively we can come up with a plan to finish the project.

What is your vision for the city's Parks and Recreation Department – from upgrading playground equipment to expanding use of the rivers and passive recreation area? 

Growing up playing soccer, lacrosse, and hockey in this City I know how big of a role the Parks Department plays in the lives of our youth. I appreciate the important life lessons athletics can teach and promote. If elected, I pledge to ensure that our kids have the finest amenities that allow for safe and competitive play.

I believe there is sensational opportunity to expand the use of our rivers in this City. With the recent clean up of the riverbed I hope that in the future not only will Mines Falls be bustling with foot and pedal traffic but paddle traffic as well.

Should Nashua consider more commuter bicycle-friendly infrastructure? 

Yes, as it is right now we have a system of trails that do not connect to one another. I feel there is tremendous opportunity for Nashua to do more to encourage non motorized transportation throughout the City. I know of a few walking, running, and biking clubs in the City and would like to propose more dialogue between the BPW and these groups to construct a robust plan for the future.