Voters Guide: Paul G. Bergeron for Board of Public Works

Name Paul G. Bergeron

Age 52

Occupation American Red Cross Account Executive, Brin Realty Group, Realtor 

How long have you resided in Nashua? Nashua Native 52 years

Education/Background. Nashua High School 1980, New Hampshire Community College, AS 2003

Prior Elected Offices: 1996-2004 Ward 1 Selectman, Ward 1 Ballot Inspector

Interests/Hobbies outside of politics: Spending time with family, running, reading, watching my sons Nashua North games, Nashua Library

Why are you running for the Board of Public Works?

I love this city and want to be a part of its future direction moving forward. Nashua has given me so much and now I would like to give back. I am a graduate of Nashua Public Schools, graduated from Nashua Community College, my 2 daughters are graduates of Nashua North and they both graduated from NH Universities, my son attends Nashua North. My wife Lisa and I walk and run in Mine Falls, attend Nashua Silver Knights games and our social life is centered on our sons games. I am deeply concerned about the tone of city government and at times this board. I believe it is time for a fresh set of eyes on the future projects, Broad Street Parkway, Downtown Sidewalk project, Nashua Legacy Park, and the relocation of the skate park to name a few. It is time for an independent strong moderate leader on this board and I believe I am that person. I am not running on one issue or on behalf of any party or cause; I am running to hopefully help all the citizens of Nashua move this city forward in a progressive and cost effective way.

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.

I pledge to the citizens of Nashua I will attend all DPW meetings, attend Parkway meetings and do the homework necessary. I will come to the meetings prepared to ask questions, make suggestions on contracts and time frames that will keep this project on track and on budget. I attended the recent meeting on the Parkway at Amherst Street School and the one theme was people thought we should have had the meetings earlier in the process; we need to look at this moving forward. The city needs to continue to encourage people to sign up for Code Red to stay informed, direct people to the Parkway Website and make ourselves as Commissioners available to answer questions or direct the concerned citizens to the right people to get their questions answered. I am concerned as many people are as to the cost of this project and its impact on the neighborhoods. I believe my real estate, community and business background will be a tremendous asset on this project.

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

Tough question as there are many parts to this project.

A grade to the men and women of the Public Works Department as to the quality of work being done.

I have spoken to the crews working on Main Street and I am very impressed with their dedication to this downtown improvement. Tough situation for the employees knowing so many people are for or against it and they just have to continue to work getting it done

C grade as to getting the information out as to costs and design.

It has improved and good information is now available on the city of Nashua website. I am still not sure what the final costs will be. If the project had gone out to bid we would have at least had a baseline cost. We may have still made the decision that Nashua Public Works do the project but we would know a baseline cost. City of Concord had a bid for their downtown project that was over 12-15 million. We hear ours will be at least half that cost. We may be saving money we just do not really know yet.

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

At this point forward we need to be sure all costs are being documented including labor costs and that information is available. A the October DPW meeting the Mayor presented a great power point that is available on the city website that shows the work that has been done, what is still to be done and how the newly planted trees will look when at maturity. This was an outstanding presentation coupled with the actual costs should answer many people’s questions. If elected I would continue to monitor the costs and timeframe. I will continue to review the project and come to meetings with questions I have as well as questions of the taxpayers and citizens. We need to be sure anyone with questions gets them answered to the best of our ability.

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?

We have a great Park and Recreation Department including the Babe Ruth programs, Biddy Basketball and all the summer and winter programs the Park Rec Department puts on. Our family spends so much time enjoying our park system from my son’s baseball games at North Common and Holman to my 3-4 times a week runs in Mine Falls and Greeley Park. We do have many future projects that will require big decisions; Legacy Park, the relocation of the Skate Park as well as upgrading Labine Playground and so much maintenance that needs to be done. The River Walk and trail system are a tremendous asset to the city. I would like to be part of a group that would set a vision of the Park System on a 5-10-15 year plan of wants, needs and must do projects. I served for many years on the board of directors of Nashua Northwest Baseball and understand the challenges of wants vs. needs and costs in a park.

Should Nashua consider more commuter bicycle-friendly infrastructure?

Yes. We need Nashua to be a bicycle friendly and walk able community and this should be explored. Besides the obvious health benefits and reduced traffic it would make our city more appealing to our younger citizens. We need to provide better education to our motorists as well as bikers to be sure it is done in a safe and cost effective manner. I am a big fan of our rail trails and River walks and believe we can do more in this area to encourage our bikers and walkers.

Feel free to elaborate on any aspect of your candidacy or the Public Works Department below.

At the debate for the Board of Alderman many questions were asked to the Alderman and candidates about the Broad Street Parkway, the Downtown Sidewalk Project and many times the answers were that project is under the umbrella of the BPW. The Commissioners on the Board of Public Works are responsible for approving multimillion dollar contracts as well as hiring of BPW employees and overall setting the direction of the infrastructure of our city.

There are 5 people running for 2 open positions on the board. I ask you to carefully review each of the candidates. I believe my business and real estate experience as well as my community involvement makes me an excellent candidate for the Board of Public Works. I come with open mind and no agenda other than to serve and provide the best possible service to the city and taxpayer. If you are supporting one of the other candidates I ask you to consider me for your other vote. If you have no candidate please consider me. I ask for your vote!