Voters Guide: Paula Johnson for At-Large Alderman

Name: Paula Johnson 

Age: 60 

How long have you resided in Nashua?  33 years 

Your background /education: Licensed Cosmetologist and Esthetician 

Experience/Occupation: Former small business owner and Internet Coordinator. 

Prior elected offices: 2000-2001 Board of Education; 2002-2005 Board of Alderman; 2005-2006 State Representative.

Personal info and interests outside of politics: Animal rescue and family.
Should you be elected, how will you connect with your constituents to learn more about issues they care most about? 

I always make my phone number and email easily accessible. I also make it a point to interact with as people as possible in all areas of the city from the malls to the landfill. People have never has a problem contacting or approaching me and I respond to every call, e-mail and message. 

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

Since I am running at large this is what I have heard from the public: For me the single most important issue affecting our community is the lack of oversight and control over the management of the city. Secondary to that, the need to control overall spending while continuing to provide efficient and cost effective essential services. We also need to activity attack the waste and inefficiency found in the city. What I have heard from the public as I have walked the city is: 1) CRIME  
2) people are still upset regarding the downtown sidewalk project, cutting down of the trees. Many people feel that the mayor has wasted our money by overspending on this project.
3) Broad Street Parkway, a bridge to nowhere and the cost associated with it. 

Why are you running? I am running to help return the City of Nashua to the condition and status we enjoyed when we were the BEST Place to live in America!

During your time served previously as an Alderman, how would you characterize your leadership approach? Unlike many of my opponents I am not a "go along to get along person." I consider all facts, opinions and information before I make a decision on any topic. My votes are, and always will be, in the best interest of all residents and without regard to the wishes of any special interests. 

What will be your legacy to the city for having served? As a State Representative, member of the Board of Education and as an Alderman I have always tried to lead with the facts, I did my homework and asked the important questions in the interest of the open transparent government we deserve. I sponsored legislation to curtails non-public sessions, increase citizens participation in the petition process and require more and timely information about those issues that are important to the public. 

Feel free to include a summary statement or platform below if there are any other particular points you would like to relay to voters. The Board of Aldermen require COMMON SENSE and as your alderman I will always consider "What is BEST for the City." I am concerned with the need to keep our essential services at a high level, decreasing spending wherever possible, and operating the city efficiently with accountability, less spending and lower taxes.