Debate Points Position Blog

Why Diane?
I moved back here nine years ago and got involved in working for positive change. You may know me as an outspoken community advocate, but before having my family, I was successful Manager in telecommunications. I’m experienced in multimillion dollar budget accountability, building start up businesses, pressures of cash flow, long term planning and managing multiple priorities. These skills apply also to city government. Measuring what you manage has never been more important. I will bring initiative and business experience to the Board of Alderman, going from advocating at meetings to having a vote for needs of Ward 3.

I have always been concerned about crime, the environment, schools, preservation of neighborhoods, and our city’s economic viability. I’ve networked with other community leaders. Challenges we face are not unique, increasing inner city owner occupancy, crime reduction, stricter code and zoning enforcement, cleaning up contamination, not building on it, and above all, protecting the character of our neighborhoods. I know there are workable solutions available to enhance our quality of life. Nashua can be #1 again.

Diversity of Ward 3
The Shattuck Street Park is a perfect picture of Ward 3. It bridges French Hill to the North End. Playing together, the children don’t know which side the other came in from. It is always interesting to watch the caregivers talking, as the kids have made friends. Finally, someone will ask where the others live. They always do. And the funny part is, you can’t tell right off from looking. We are one Nashua, and we need to end the “Us vs. Them” that has been used politically in the past. We need to end divisiveness, it serves no one, and I commit to being there both for the BOA meetings, and for the community.
Crime - The ripple affect of crime reduces the quality of life in our vibrant, diverse neighborhoods. Crime can be a criminal, or civil code violation. They cost the entire city in reduced tax revenue when the surrounding property values plummet and public safety costs increase, leading to the erosion of established neighborhoods. I have championed crime watch, and found a program used successfully in many other communities. It’s proven to improve use of civic resources through coordination, cooperation and leveraging of existing resources, enhancing problem solving by getting all focused on outcomes, and working to remove barriers. It shows a renewal of economic activity, which is beneficial to the whole city. I have been working with Urban Programs on this, and we are getting some traction now.

Pennichuck –Good stewardship of what will someday be the most important commodity. The PUC has determined that it will be in the public’s best interest for Nashua to own its own water resources, much like other communities of our size. Eliminating the stock profit margin, the ability to bond the debt will control our costs, and ensuring good stewardship as we take and return the water to the river is in our best interests.

Bad Boy Law “Vatche”– ripple affect, if the builder cannot commit to making financial commitments he’s currently got, how can they commit to moving the project forward? Are we looking out for the community, or someone who wants to profit at the expense of the neighbors? We have seen the impact of that in French Hill, turning a blind eye to violators costs property values of surrounding properties to plummet.

North Bridge - This is a good example of a community coming together. I did get involved in a meaningful way, attending a Site Tour, the engineering presentation, reviewing the legislation. There are two issues, the disregard of an existing neighborhood, which is part of what made Nashua #1, and the lopsided contract. The community got motivated, and organized to share information and make sure that everyone spoke up who was against this. I spoke to Lori Movsesian and Cindy Rosenwald about concern for the protection of the neighborhood, and the no bid provision, the “right of refusal” on any other road work they thought could cut profits the bridge, and the setting of the tolls by the private company. Action was taken at the State level, and a law prohibits any bridge in that area. It is important to have all parties at the table at planning levels, so appropriate solutions can be found for the East West travel over the river. My schedule permits me to attend these meetings of the NRPC, and I would make it a priority to be an active voice for our ward and to our ward so the solution works for everyone.

Tax Cap – the voters have spoken, they want a tax cap. I did read the report in the Telegraph that said that caps can create a “race to the bottom” but I believe in this economy, prudence is critical, and other creative solutions can be explored, such as leveraging the Economic Director to bring in private firms for things such as an Arts Center for our city. Budgeting is a dynamic process, not all costs are fixed, and some things offer a return on investment, or other cost offsets, so new ideas can be explored other than removing the cap that voters have voted for.

Rail – The news that rail initially will be a Lowell to Nashua extension is a manageable first step to give rail a foot in the door for New Hampshire. Transportation Commissioner George Campbell told me a poverty level family spends $.24 of every dollar on transportation. Rail would open new economic opportunities for many in Ward 3. The other benefits of fuel savings, air quality improvement, reduced highway congestion and road wear and tear, added to the economic development opportunity for business is critical to our city. Historically rail has had a positive community impact of improving real estate values. It would give Nashua an advantage, and locating it at the Mall means it will not disrupt any established neighborhoods.

Conflict – Disclosure is required already. Of course I would recuse myself from any vote that would financially impact my family, as David Deane must, Steve Bolton must, Dick LaRose has. This is when employee contracts come before the board, once every five years. Even Fred Teeboom has family employed by the city. The city is the fourth largest employer in the city, employing 4,100 employees in a city with 84,000 residents; it makes the available pool of talent very small if you had to eliminate anyone related to a city employee for any boards. Patrick, my husband, has been employed by the City for 23 years, and was local Chapter President of the Nashua, NH City Employees Local 365 of the AFSCME, AFLCIO, and his term was to be over in December, before the board is seated. At that time, he returns to being a regular union member. Unlike the Teacher’s Union, it is not a paid position; the dues are waived for the time served. The position does not negotiate contracts or participate in the bargaining unit; his sole responsibility to set meetings, and to appoint a public spokesperson. For this, he is paid $200 per quarter. Due to frequent mischaracterizations given of this duty by an opponent, my husband made the decision to step down two months early and eliminate this red herring. My motivation is, and has been for the eight years of community service I have done, is making Nashua the best place it can be.

“Beholden to no one” implies that only the rich could run for office, is that really what we want? Our country has a long tradition of grassroots campaigns, which is exactly the kind of campaign I am running. There are lots of ways to help, and many, many folks have been generous with whatever resources they have, be it time, talent, or funding. They deserve the right to participate in campaigns as well, and the response has been both humbling, and an affirmation of the work I have done in the community, and I am appreciative of the contributions of any sort.

In Closing...
Preservation of our neighborhoods is key to keeping the best part of Nashua that has twice won our city “The Best Place to Live in America” title. Holding those accountable who ignore our codes and laws will be a positive influence in our community. We can protect with initiatives such as Crime Watch, funding maximum efficiency of our Code Enforcement Department, ensuring the long term preservation of our parks, and encouraging Economic Development so we can ensure a safe and bright future for Ward 3 and Nashua as a whole.

I have demonstrated commitment to my community, leadership, pragmatic problem solving, diplomacy in the face conflict, and follow through. I have the business and civic experience and commitment needed to accomplish these goals, and I understand the diverse needs of Ward 3 and its residents. I am ready to represent you at City Hall. I am Diane Sheehan, and I ask for your vote on November 3.

Great Article in Telegraph about Community Groups

Looking out for crime a neighborhood thing


A special thanks to all in the community who do so much to make Nashua a better place to live or work in. We have so many stakeholders who do participate already, and it is making a difference.

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All About Diane

A community activist of Ward 3, I am also wife to Patrick, and stay at home mom to two boys, Zachary and Nicholas, and daughter to my live in dad, Kevin McGinn. We live in a historic home in Foster Square. Formerly, I was an innovative and effective Manager in communications with 13+ years in telecommunications, consistently exceeded business goals. As a stay at home mom with a lot of time on my hands, I found opportunities in the community matching my skills. I started a local chapter of Freecycle in 2005, now with 4600+ members who keep "still good" items from going into the landfill. Active with the French Hill Crime Watch, and leveraged our successes with exposure to increase crime watch participation throughout the city. Developed grant to secure Americorps Vista Volunteers to work in French Hill to raise the socioeconomic level of the community. Volunteer two to three days a week in schools, and actively participate in the PTO. Locally volunteer and/or support at the Tolles Street Mission, Upper Room Ministries, Nashua Children's Home, Marguerite's Place, Nashua Humane Society, International Sculpture Symposium, and St. Christopher's.