Voters Guide: David Schoneman for Ward 3 Alderman

Name: David Schoneman

Age: 56

How long have you resided in Nashua? 

Since 2010.

Your background /education: 

BS Business and Economics, Lehigh University 1978; MBA, Boston University 1987

Experience/Occupation: 

 Pilot and Flight Instructor, Defense contractor Iraq & Afghanistan, College level statistics teacher, Project manager, Reinsurance broker.

Prior elected offices: n/a

Personal info and interests outside of politics: 

 Flying, Motorcycling, Fishing, Metalworking, Reading, Economics

Should you be elected, how will you connect with your constituents to learn more about issues they care most about? 

 I would hold regular Ward meetings to hear from voters. I would also send regular emails to anyone who wanted to receive them. I have a website I can be reached through, NHthinks.com, and I have email and phone number if voters have questions.

In your opinion, what are key issues affecting your Ward?

1. The No. 1 issue people have voiced to me is a lack of representation. They feel that, even when they express their opinions, City Hall does the opposite of what they want. They often feel isolated and ignored. Voters have also expressed to me that they want their Ward Alderman to represent the entire Ward. I will represent all of the neighborhoods in the Ward.

2. Voters do not want to see Greeley Park changed. I agree and I support that view. The donors of the proposed Legacy Playground have identified two other parks suitable to their needs, Sargents Ave and Labine, and I would advocate for those locations, and preserve Greeley Park as the green space it is.

3. Voters do not want to see any more closed-door deals leading to new legislation. This is a transparency and integrity issue. I have integrity and promise transparency.

4. Crime is certainly a concern of Ward 3 residents and I will work with the Police Department in any way I can to reverse the trend. I’ve been to the crime watch meeting serving the north end of Wards 2 and 3 and will attend other meetings. I believe awareness and community involvement will help make a change in this area.

5. Education is important to voters as well. I support teachers and want to do what I can to make sure they have resources to best teach Nashua’s students.

Why are you running? 

 I am campaigning on fair and honest representation, not ideology. I, as a voter, want to be heard and I want my Alderman to do what the voters want. I have found voters throughout Ward 3 feel the same and I am running to be the representative who will carry our voice to City Hall.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent (what uniquely qualifies you to represent the public)? 

First and foremost I am a consensus builder who will fairly, honestly and openly represent voters. Voters feel they are not represented, and I will change that. I will represent the entire Ward, not just the section of the Ward I live in. Secondly I have unique financial and management experience and skills that enable me to understand budgets and make decisions that ensure we get the most value for our tax dollars. I will work to spend wisely and tax judiciously.

Feel free to include a summary statement or platform below if there are any other particular points you would like to relay to voters.

I’ve knocked on a lot of doors and talked to a lot of people in this campaign. One conversation in particular sums them all up. I met an elderly gentleman a few days ago. We’re not registered in the same party but we connected on our concern for Nashua and our desire for representation not ideology. We spoke for about 10 minutes and as I was preparing to leave he stood to say goodbye. He shook my hand, looked me in the eye, and pleaded “Will you really, really, really represent us?” I looked him straight back and said “Yes sir, I will. I promise.” He answered “Good. That’s what we need.”

And that is what I offer and what I promise: fair, honest and open representation of Ward 3 voters. Please let me know what you want to see for the Ward and please vote for me on November 5.