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Keene candidate: Chris Daly

Chris Daly

KEENE — In the town of Keene, four candidates are running to fill two town council seats, a four-year term. They are incumbent Chris Daly (Democratic and Daly for Keene), Ryan Hall (Republican and Integrity), Ann Hough (Democratic and Citizen’s) and Kimberly Smith (Republican and Transparency).

Also, Anna Whitney (Republican and Your Choice) is running unopposed for town clerk.

The Lake Placid News sent questionnaires to candidates running in the contested race. Below is the response from Chris Daly

Chris Daly

Age: 59

Occupation: Retired attorney

Position sought: Town councilor

Q: Why are you running for this position?

A: I believe in public and community service and in working creatively and collaboratively to solve problems. I have an extensive record of service in the nonprofit sector, and I am currently actively involved in various nonprofits in Keene, including board service.

Q: What are your qualifications?

A: In addition to my not-for-profit activities and board service, I was honored to be appointed to fill a town council vacancy a year ago. Since then I have worked diligently in the best interests of Keene and its residents — even when that has led me to take positions that are unpopular with some people.

I was a practicing lawyer for 30 years. I served on the management committee of my law firm for five years, during which time I helped to manage the firm’s operations, its budget and its employees.

During my legal career, I actively represented clients working in the community development and public finance sectors and gained extensive experience working to create achievable housing and economic opportunities in communities served by my clients.

Q: What are your main goals?

A: To put my talents and experience to work representing the residents of Keene and to return civility and a spirit of cooperation to our public discourse. We may disagree at times — that’s expected — but we should be able to do so without aiming to undermine those we disagree with.

Q: What do you think are the three biggest problems in the town, and how do you propose solving them?

A: We need to give attention to the condition of our town properties — especially the community center and playing fields, the transfer station and Marcy Field. We need to develop both a short-term plan and a longer-term plan for each of these properties. We are currently working on a town asset management plan and we should diligently complete that process. In the particular case of the community center, there is a long-term planning process underway led by a citizens committee. We should encourage that process to continue but while it does we should make a short term plan for immediate work the community center needs. In terms of funding for these projects, we should put to work excess town funds on hand and in the case of Marcy Field and the community center combine town funds with funds received from the county for the Community Enhancement Fund.

We need to complete the formal introduction and adoption of the proposed draft short-term rental law we have been working on and discussing extensively for most of this year. During that time, we have conducted several public feedback sessions, town board workshops and have worked extensively with our town attorney. We have made many revisions to the draft throughout this process. We should bring that productive process to conclusion and move to formally introduce and adopt the proposed law.

We need to continue the important work of addressing the need for achievable and affordable workforce housing. This is a particular challenge in Keene for a variety of reasons. We need to work with stakeholders and partners to develop innovative strategies to finance and develop workforce housing as public monies are not easily available for these projects. We all rely on a vibrant workforce — teachers, town workers, medical staff, first responders, caretakers, contractors, construction workers, retail and restaurant staff. These are folks that are unable to “work remotely” and that our town cannot afford to lose because of their inability to live here.

Q: Other comments to voters?

A: Thank you for taking time to read this. You can rely on me to not run away from a challenge. Please give me your trust, your confidence and your vote so I can continue the important work of representing you on our town council.

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