Rochester 2023 City Council candidate Charles Creteau
Name: Charles Creteau
Education: Associate degree in law enforcement, bachelor of arts in criminology, licensed social worker.
Occupation: Social worker/facilitator
Political or civic experience highlights: None.
What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?: 1. Investigate and find solutions to the underutilized fairgrounds in Ward 4 with a vision of bringing community together with events, concerts and community driven spaces that strengthen Rochester’s economy and foster a better community. If need be, facilitate a meeting to bring all parties together for the benefit of the community.
2. Help with the revitalization and appearance of our downtown for the benefit of our business, consumers and citizens to attract new business and strengthen those that are here and a part of our community.
3. Use my experience to assess, implement policy and think of out of the box ideas for the opioid epidemic as well as the impact it has on our community. This has a direct correlation on homelessness, crime, law enforcement calls and attracting new business to the area.
What is the biggest problem Rochester is facing and how you would solve it?: Affordable housing for residents. Affordable housing is housing (rental or owner-occupied), that costs no more than 30% of a person’s gross income, for renters, it is rent plus utilities. This should be a major focus for approving any reasonable developments in Rochester. While I alone cannot solve this, all city councilors should make this a priority.
Should the city work to create below market rate housing, and where is the best site?: HUD data shows us that in Strafford County (especially from Portsmouth to Rochester), our Fair Market Rent prices are very high compared to the national average, by more than 96%. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Rochester is well over $1,300 a month. Historically we have had to reduce our allowance of low-income housing (IE restrictions to trailer parks). I would be open to looking at the data and supporting whatever needs the people of Rochester have. The vacancy rate in Rochester for 2 bedrooms is now less than 1% The cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Rochester has raised over $200 in the last two years.
Should the council address the pace and type of development in the city? If yes, how?: At this time I see the development with our city on par with expectations. If we see a pattern of development that negatively impacts our community it will be addressed accordingly. There have been multiple studies of this in Rochester and the city is in the process of a comprehensive strategic plan and while we grow quickly, we want to do it right.
Does the city need to make changes to its approach to parking as development increases?: We do not have a supply issue, we have a management issue as it pertains to parking. We have inaccurate signage and parking spots that are not managed well. This includes understanding that 1 block of walking is needed as we develop. We are used to parking in front of businesses, this will be changing as we grow and more people frequent our city. Over time we may need to create new parking, we are not there yet.
What is the city doing well and where is there room for improvement?: Budgetarily we are somewhat frugal in terms of revenue. When you look at 230-plus cities and towns in New Hampshire we are in the middle of the pack. The city does a good job attracting new businesses (Prep Partners, Sig Sauer). This creates new jobs and we will have close to 150-plus new units in downtown within the next three years. Our storefronts are filling up, we can do better with the beautification of the city, help with traffic on Route 11 and adding sidewalks where needed. We need to focus on all levels.
What is the city’s responsibility to its homeless population, both this winter and long term?: Dover owns a building in Somersworth that our city helps contribute to, for the homeless population. It is our City Council's job to contribute to this funding. Rochester has a city engagement officer with the homeless, who helps tell them about resources. We are working on this and unfortunately many homeless do not want help, we wish they could get. Staffing is a great issue with these shelters, per meetings I have been attending on this issue. We need to attract ways to staff and help these shelters run as we do not have the manpower.
Does the city need to do more to enforce codes regarding apartments in disrepair? If yes, what?: Yes, while Rochester is on a fast pace for positive change, there are still a large number of homes and buildings that are vacant, not utilized or that allows unmaintained residence. We see it in the homes where trash and litter are prevalent in the yards, where broken vehicles litter the front, and where unmaintained obstructions block the walkways. We have landmark businesses that sit empty creating an unwanted appearance for those from out of town. For more then 20 years I have talked with residents who feel the absent landlords who have no sense of community or pride, are to blame for many of these issues. I have talked to police officers in other cities who have explained the impact everyday citizens and code enforcement can have when working together. I would like to re-create the positive impact that this has had and find solutions to holding those who do not care about our city to task for their lack of respect for our citizens.
Is the ethics policy recently approved by the council necessary and why?: For as long back as the city council goes, we have never had an ethics policy, but as they say, there is always a first time. As I have talked to many on both sides of the issue leading up to the creation of the ethics policy, it is clear that it could have helped guide practice if it was in place prior to the issues the city council faced in the last two years. As a city official, we are held in a higher regard, for how we act in public, and in our personal lives. It is our responsibility to always reflect, what we want to see in our community. I am happy to have it in place but saddened that we needed to institute it.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester 2023 City Council candidate Charles Creteau
