Nancie Cameron
For an At-Large seat: Nancie Cameron
Age: 60
Occupation: Personnel manager, Newington Wal-Mart
Years living in Somersworth: More than 30 years.
Prior public service experience: Festival Association board member; chair of Winterfest; Pumpkinfest volunteer; class advisory, Somersworth High School; board member, First Parish Church and Somersworth Library.
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?
I believe that continuing the momentum of the downtown re-urbanization needs to keep flowing. The main street needs to be an area of focus to attract new business. The continuing of sidewalk maintenance and roads is of the utmost importance. So is the continued support of the city’s festivals that draw many people to our fine city, such as the Children’s Festival, Pumpkinfest, and the Bluegrass Festival, to name a few. These ventures represent us and show off the promotion of family involvement in our cultural community. The foundation that this city was built on —“Proud past, bright future” — needs to remain intact as we move forward.
What should the city’s priorities be for future capital improvement projects in the community?
Infrastructure rehabilitation — we need to continue to invest in our roads to meet the needs of businesses that belong in Somersworth, as well as those wishing to move into the city. Maintaining the schools that educate our children, our leaders of tomorrow. Roads and schools work hand in hand. Roads and schools show new neighbors and businesses that our appearance and education are the foundation.
Would you be willing to support a tax cap override while developing city budgets? Why or why not?
I would need to evaluate why the tax cap would need to overridden. What services would be affected if we didn’t override it? I could only decide after careful consideration of the effect on the taxpayers.
How can officials best address the opioid addiction epidemic that’s effecting the city and the region?
I am impressed with the focus the mayor and councilor Witham have brought to this epidemic. Identifying and accepting there is a problem is a positive first step. Having said that, seeking out new facilities for treatment and education are a must. Funding, not only at city level, but state- and nationwide, needs to be addressed. If there are no treatment facilities, then we will continue to see this pariah in our city.
What is the most recent cultural event you attended in Somersworth?
Pumpkinfest, which the Festival Association hosts, along with the festival in June, were my most recently attended events. The efforts that the boards and volunteers put into these events is incredible.
What are the most important issues facing the city that no one is talking about right now? If there are any, I’m certainly not aware of them nor is anyone else, in talking with citizens. As a city counselor you must maintain a level of confidentiality that is crucial to the position. I’m sure there may be some issues that the public wouldn’t be privilege to, as they shouldn’t. I understand that better than most, with the level of professionalism I need, which is a requirement of my job as a personnel manager.