Published: October 27, 2009 11:22 am      

Three vie for Ward II seat

Three seats on the Keene City Council are up for election on Nov. 3, but only one is contested.

Councilmen John Ackermann and Chad Aden are unopposed in their re-election bids.

Three filed to compete in the Ward II, Place I race: former Councilman Dale Janes, Cheryl R. Schram and David McCormick.

Council members appointed Aden in July to fill the unexpired portion of Janes’ term after he vacated the seat.

City charter rules require a council member to reside within the ward he represents.

Janes moved from Ward III to Ward II earlier this year, forcing him to step down from his seat.

The former Ward II, Place I holder, Councilman James Coleman, resigned from the council in August and did not seek re-election.

Several residents circulated a petition last summer calling for a recall election of Coleman and Councilman Robert Bischoff.

The group later called off efforts to collect signatures, but Coleman nevertheless resigned citing a wish to spend more time with family members. Bishchoff’s seat is not up for election until November 2010.

Janes cites 19 months experience on the council and three years experience on the Keene Planning and Zoning Board as making him the best candidate for the seat.

“We’re starting to see the city grow, and we need to handle things a bit better, otherwise the situation is going to get pressing before too long,” Janes said. “Some issues we need to look at that are important include annexation issues. Attracting a grocery store is a big need. We also need to attract more rooftops, homeowners, here.

“I’m interested in where Keene is going and working to help get it there in the most efficient manner possible.”

Council meetings and public participation spurred Schram’s interest in running.

“I really became interested in what’s going on in Keene during the last mayoral race,” Schram said. “And I began attending council meetings last year and became aware of the issues coming up in Keene. When Coleman resigned, I knew there would be an open seat. I didn’t think Janes should get it by default. Nothing against Mr. Janes, but I just don’t think an election should go unopposed without offering the voters a choice.”

Working as a member on the city’s strategic planning project fueled her interest in Keene’s future.

The project, initiated by the council, the Keene 4A Economic Development Board and Keene Chamber of Commerce, began in March.

The purpose is to assist in developing goals and a vision for the city.

The process involves talking to residents, business leaders and officials to glean a picture of where Keene is now and gather input about residents’ homes for the city’s future.

Schram worked on the project team to help collect data.

Schram called implementation of the strategic plan a priority if elected.

“We have to work to prepare for growth,” Schram said. “Keene’s population is expected to double to triple in the next 20 years. I want to support that growth, but also work to keep the small, hometown atmosphere of Keene.”

McCormick said he wants to work to ensure the growth necessary for Keene’s future doesn’t compromise the city’s current character.

“I’ve lived here 23 years, raised my kids here,” McCormick said. “Keene’s a nice, quiet community, and I like it that way. I’d like to play a part in passing that on to my children should they decide to stay here when they grow up.

“I want to see growth, of course. I want to see Keene grow at the pace it should be growing. I think that’s a little slow and needs to be a bit faster. We need to attract more business. You don’t see too many towns with our population and such a small amount of business.

“But I also want to make sure that, with that growth, we retain our small town feel and values. Right now, kids can go out and play in Keene, and you don’t really need to worry. And I like that.”

Besides growth and attraction of business, McCormick said he would focus on street improvements if elected.

“I can’t get in there overnight and change the world in seven days,” McCormick said. “But I think we need to work on improving our streets. One of the first things I notice passing through a small town is whether their streets are in shape or not.

“When people come through Keene, I’d like their first impression to be, ‘Wow! I’d love to live here.’ To accomplish that, you need nice streets, parks, schools and neighborhoods.”

Early voting in the Keene election continues through Friday at Keene City Hall. Early voting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Wednesday when they are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.