Mayoral candidate Michael Soucy

NASHUA – Having served the city in a number of capacities for the past 25 years, Hillsborough County Commissioner Michael Soucy will challenge Mayor James Donchess for City Hall’s corner office this fall.

Following three years of service in the U.S. Army, Soucy went on to become a Nashua police officer, a position he would hold for 20 years. During that time, he spent five years as a school resource officer. He was also a firefighter for three years and the city’s fire commissioner for five years.

On the political front, Soucy represented Ward 5 on the Board of Aldermen for two years.

“I’ve got a pretty strong resume,” he said.

Now laser-focused on becoming the 57th mayor of Nashua, Soucy said he will run his campaign on the pillars of transparency, constituent respect and being fiscally conservative.

“It’s time to move the city in a new direction,” he said, adding that the Donchess Administration continues to spend too much money on city projects.

Soucy used the $21 million Nashua Performing Arts Center as an example of how the city has been too liberal with taxpayer dollars. He also disagrees with Donchess’ plan for Main Street, saying the mayor will turn it into a “Denmark-style downtown.”

“I don’t think that works for Nashua,” he said. “I don’t think the priorities are set right.”

In terms of transparency, Soucy said City Hall needs to be more accessible.

“People are trying to get into City Hall and look at things and they’re getting stonewalled,” he said.

Regarding the proposed asphalt plant on Temple Street, Soucy said he agrees with Donchess in that the size of the project needs to be reduced. He would also want additional information regarding air quality, noise levels and traffic volume.

Speaking about the city’s relationships with the unions, Soucy said he would offer contracts that are equitable to those of neighboring communities.

“We can find a balance, we really can,” he said. “We can’t afford to lose employees to surrounding communities.”

This year’s race will be the first time that Donchess has been challenged since he won the mayor’s seat by more than 2,000 votes in 2015.