Nashua Ward 1, 2, and 5 Alderman Candidate Forum – October 3, 2025

On October 3, 2025, the Nashua Public Library and Nashua Inkling hosted a candidate forum for the Ward 1, 2, and 5 alderman races. The forum took place at the Nashua Public Library and was moderated by Roni Camille. Candidates present: Haley Gallagher (Ward 1), Stephen Chess (Ward 1), Matthew Goutreau (Ward 2), Richard Dowd (Ward 2), Janice Chulin (Ward 5), Dr. Justin Gesterfield (Ward 5), and Paula Johnson (Ward 5). Brenda Gardner (Ward 5) was invited but unable to attend. The forum covered topics including property taxes, housing affordability, homelessness, qualifications, ward-specific issues, the social districts ballot question, and resident engagement.

Candidate Introductions

Each candidate introduced themselves and shared what brings them joy (mostly family) and why they are running. Key themes: Haley Gallagher and Stephen Chess emphasized transparency and civility; Matthew Goutreau focused on fiscal responsibility; Richard Dowd cited his 46 years of experience; Janice Chulin highlighted community building and listening; Dr. Justin Gesterfield emphasized his budget management experience in higher education; Paula Johnson stressed her past service on the Board of Alderman and Board of Education.

Discussion Topics

Tax Rate and Budget

Candidates addressed the current tax rate of $15.90 per $1,000. Positions varied:

• Haley Gallagher called the tax rate "astronomical" and argued that borrowing is outpacing debt repayment; she advocated pumping the brakes and reprioritizing spending.
• Stephen Chess promised not to cut taxes but to find non-essential spending to fund priorities like homelessness services.
• Matthew Goutreau proposed broadening the tax base through economic development (citing Londonderry and Salem's successes) and focusing bonding on needs over wants.
• Richard Dowd noted that the tax rate is set by the state and that a $2 million cut is needed to reduce the rate by 1%. He argued cuts would decimate city services.
• Janice Chulin pointed to the state shifting responsibility to cities and advocated working with state representatives and increasing commercial tax base.
• Dr. Justin Gesterfield stressed spending within means while maintaining essential services like schools, police, fire, and parking garages.
• Paula Johnson emphasized the need for a stronger commercial/industrial tax base and her work on senior tax exemptions.

Housing Affordability

The median rent for a two-bedroom in Nashua is $2,355. Candidates discussed solutions:

• Paula Johnson linked affordability to jobs and skilled workforce; she also mentioned the created single and married senior tax exemptions.
• Haley Gallagher argued for reprioritizing the budget and noted school and city budgets grew faster than enrollment and inflation.
• Dr. Gesterfield said firefighters and police officers cannot afford to live in Nashua; he called for stopping loopholes for developers and bringing in good-paying jobs.
• Stephen Chess suggested incentivizing accessory dwelling units and renting rooms to increase supply.
• Janice Chulin proposed changing zoning for accessory dwelling units and holding developers accountable for incentives.
• Matthew Goutreau emphasized a comprehensive approach with economic development and accountability.
• Richard Dowd noted less than 0.5% rental vacancy and that housing must be available before attracting more jobs; he cited BAE's difficulty hiring due to lack of housing.

Homelessness

The city counted 59 homeless individuals (estimated near 100). Candidates:

• Richard Dowd said three shelters are insufficient; need a year-round place; work is ongoing with public health and police.
• Matthew Goutreau recommended prevention programs, rental assistance, tax credit incentives for businesses, and enforcing existing ordinances on loitering and camping.
• Paula Johnson proposed tiny homes on city land, partnering with medical community for addiction and mental health facilities, and different solutions for different populations.
• Dr. Gesterfield advocated for emergency rental assistance, eviction prevention, utility help, and wraparound services.
• Janice Chulin highlighted the complexity and the need for prevention, utility assistance programs that many don't know about, and innovative ideas like city-vetted foster families.
• Stephen Chess emphasized that solving homelessness costs money and he would find ineffective expenditures to fund it; he has met with Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter.
• Haley Gallagher criticized the board's response to downtown business owners; she argued most homeless are mentally ill or drug addicts, and some choose homelessness. She supported new ordinances for police enforcement.

Qualifications and Budget Experience

Candidates highlighted their backgrounds:

• Haley Gallagher emphasized fresh perspective and willingness to challenge status quo.
• Paula Johnson cited her experience on both boards and budget committees.
• Stephen Chess noted his engineering budget management.
• Dr. Gesterfield cited his career managing taxpayer money and grants.
• Matthew Goutreau said he manages large budgets in travel industry.
• Janice Chulin referenced her small business background.
• Richard Dowd defended his record of completing school projects on time and under budget, and correcting what he called misinformation about Stellos Stadium.

Most Pressing Ward Issues

• Ward 5: Janice Chulin heard property taxes as top issue; Dr. Gesterfield heard residents feel forgotten in parts of the ward and want sidewalks; Paula Johnson cited West Hollis Street traffic and Main Dunstable Road safety.
• Ward 2: Richard Dowd highlighted accomplishments like rebuilding Charlotte Avenue and Tinker Road safety improvements. Matthew Goutreau heard concerns about taxes and resources going downtown; also a snow plowing issue in February 2025.
• Ward 1: Stephen Chess said residents like Nashua but worry about taxes and homelessness; small safety issues like jaywalking. Haley Gallagher raised safety at Mines Falls due to homeless/mentally disturbed individuals.

Follow-up Questions from Voters Guide

• Haley Gallagher explained distinguishing essential vs. non-essential services by looking at redundancies.
• Stephen Chess reiterated his focus on civility and transparency.
• Matthew Goutreau defined "organic housing affordability" as partnering with private sector, mixed-use and infill projects, and holding builders accountable with clawbacks.
• Richard Dowd discussed the board's relationship with state legislators; he said the state underfunds education and retirement, but the state is also short on funds for highway projects.
• Janice Chulin emphasized listening and doing, with examples like providing translation services and recruiting parents. She wants a youth advisory board.
• Dr. Gesterfield said tough decisions include redeveloping areas like the old Montgomery Ward building via public-private partnerships.
• Paula Johnson said the city needs an active economic development director who doesn't give tax credits; she warned about downtown restaurant closures.

Airport Commission Question

An audience member asked why the city doesn't incorporate the airport into economic plans since it is financially responsible. Richard Dowd explained the airport authority is a state entity, self-sufficient; city only contributes minimal local match for federally funded projects. Matthew Goutreau raised concerns about FAA clear zones along Amherst Street.

Social Districts Ballot Question

A non-binding ballot question asks about allowing outdoor consumption of alcohol in defined areas. Candidates:

• Paula Johnson said before expanding alcohol, downtown needs cleanup.
• Haley Gallagher opposed, citing confusion over the question and potential drain on police resources.
• Dr. Gesterfield supported because it is a way to let voters decide whether the next board can set rules.
• Stephen Chess leaned against but would support if context clarified; he said homelessness must be addressed first.
• Janice Chulin said she needs more information on public health and police input.
• Matthew Goutreau referenced Tuscan Village model but worried about lack of marketing to explain the ballot question.
• Richard Dowd said ambiguous questions annoy him; he initially opposed but noted it is non-binding and voters' opinion will be gauged.

Resident Engagement

Candidates outlined plans to hear residents:

• Paula Johnson uses phone, website, Facebook, and in-person availability.
• Dr. Gesterfield wants to door-knock throughout his term, not just during elections.
• Janice Chulin will meet people where they are (playgrounds, events) and use technology and in-person for seniors.
• Richard Dowd has Facebook and contacts on city website; he distributes pens with his email.
• Matthew Goutreau will hold quarterly ward meetings and maintain strong social media presence.
• Stephen Chess will continue ward meetings and be available via email/phone, but does not plan to door-knock regularly.
• Haley Gallagher will continue Tyler Govea's methods like mailings and ward meetings, plus use online polling.

Key Outcomes

• The forum was the first of four; next forums: Wards 6, 8, and 9 on October 8, 2025; At-Large on October 30, 2025; Board of Education on October 22, 2025.
• The recording will be posted online by Nashua Community Media.
• Election Day is November 4, 2025.
• No votes were taken; the forum was informational.