Voters Guide: Kathryn Vitale for Ward 1

Name: Kathryn D. Vitale

Age: 54

How long have you resided in Nashua? Since 1993

Your background /education: BA Business Administration, Art, Home Economics from Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant, IA

Experience/Occupation: Sales, Peters of Nashua Kia, Honda, Nissan and Pre-Owned Vehicles

Prior elected offices: Board of Alderman. Appointed to the Conservation Commission, the Zoning Board and Review and comment.

Personal info and interests outside of politics: I have two children, Alex, a producer with TV 8 in New Haven, CT, and Chris, a junior at Roger Williams in Bristol ,RI.  I am interested in a variety of activities including hiking, biking and swimming.  I also ride a motorcycle.

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

 As a current member of the Board of Alderman I am accessible to my constituents in a variety of ways.  Every month I hold a "Coffee with Kathy" at Starbucks at Exit 6 that constituents may stop by and ask questions or just sit and chat about any topic.  The dates for these coffees are posted on the city website and on the city calendar.  I am also accessible by email (vitalekd@yahoo.com or vitalekd@gmail.com) and cell phone (603-801-3371).  I have hosted ward meetings as needed at Nashua North and I would continue to do so.

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

Many roads with in Ward One have not been paved for many years - a majority of my calls are regarding road conditions.  Residents have also been concerned with speed and safely crossing roads as a pedestrian, especially in the proximity of schools. In general residents have been supportive of ongoing projects in the city but like to know more complete information which I try to give to them or direct them to the location of the information.

Why are you running? 

I am running because I want to see the city we live in to be the best city in the state and region.  Many do not have the time to serve the community and I do have that time.  I want us to have a strong, affordable budget. I want to see the community have services that other communities envy and look up to.  I want us to expand our business base by having strong schools, police, fire and public works departments so we can attract jobs.  I want to be a voice and a vote for Ward One so we pay fair taxes for superior services. 

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

I have lived in Nashua since 1993 and have also experienced the pros and cons of living in IA, NY, FL and PA.  I have been involved in the community since I moved to Nashua.  I have been involved in my church, I was a volunteer and PTO president at Birch Hill. I have volunteered at various city festivals.  In addition I have served on the Conservation Commission, the Zoning Board, Review and Comment and the Board of Alderman.  This combination of experiences gives me a unique and varied perspective on the Board.  I am a listener and able to consider many points of view in a respectful manner.  I hope the constituents of Ward One again elect me to the Board of Alderman to serve them.

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

There are many exciting things happening in our city that will bring changes to the landscape in areas that are currently under utilized and hidden.  They need to be followed closely so they have long term benefits to the city.  Our schools, fire, police and public works departments need to be funded so they can continue to supply the services that our residents deserve.  We need to have long term and short term planning so our budget increases only at a level our residents can afford without loss of services.  I ask for your vote on November 5th so I may continue to represent you and the needs of Ward One and the city. 

Alderman Vitale's Roll Call Voting record from the cit's website.