David Holt
For an At-Large seat: David Holt
Age: 49
Occupation: Community organizer, business consultant
Years living in Somersworth: 15
Prior public service experience: Member, Somersworth Vision 2020 committee; executive committee, Strafford County Democratic Committee; vice-chair, Somersworth Democratic Committee; member, Seacoast NAACP, Occupy NH Seacoast, Granite State Guardians; Seacoast executive committee, MoveOn.org.
The last two years have seen the completion of the large downtown road, sidewalk, and infrastructure project, as well as the passage of an ordinance that requires landlords to clean up their property. In the next two years, what do you think is the most important think the council can do to build and support vitality in downtown?
The city needs to improve the economic health of our residents. Trickle down has been proven not to work; we need to initiate trickle up economics. We need to bring in new business and new jobs to the city, to encourage residents to start their own small businesses. People have to have money to spend money. Having new businesses, specifically downtown, should enrich the experience and we can work to support this.
What should the city’s priorities be for future capital improvement projects in the community?
The city needs a community center, and we have the Hilltop School and the Friends of Somersworth all in place to work with, bringing in arts, culture and educational opportunities may get residents to look at Somersworth as a community destination instead of a bedroom community which you leave for any entertainment.
Would you be willing to support a tax cap override while developing city budgets? Why or why not?
The tax cap is a benchmark to be aware of. I don’t believe in spending more that is needed. At the same time I recognize that you need to spend money to make money and we need to look at the long road; cuts today may cost us more tomorrow. We need to invest in our community and our community will pay us back.
How can officials best address the opioid addiction epidemic that’s effecting the city and the region?
The best way to address the epidemic is to take action. Making the heroin overdose medication Naloxone available and provide training is a first step. Many communities are removing the threat of prosecution. Police are not charging people with possession and making this known so that the police can assist in getting people help rather than pressing charges against them.
What is the most recent cultural event you attended in Somersworth?
In the last few months, I’ve attended the Jakarta Fair, the Children’s Festival and the Somersworth Night Out.
What are the most important issues facing the city that no one is talking about right now?
Wealth inequality, and underemployment. Here in Somersworth and across the country we have too many people who are working multiple part time jobs to try to make ends meet. Just juggling these jobs is another job entirely. In addition, too many of these jobs don’t pay a living wage to begin with.