Kevin Coyle

Candidate Bio

After graduating law school in 1994, I have spent the last 29 years working as a prosecutor for various towns in Rockingham County. In addition, my wife Kate and I have run a successful real estate development business for the last decade. Our family believes in service to the community. Kate and I have served as Rockingham County Commissioners and have served on other political bodies and non- profit boards. I currently sit on a non-profit board that provides housing to over 80 low and moderate income individuals. I have extensive experience working on budgets and managing municipal organizations and employees. I ask the tough questions and am not afraid to make decisions.
Seacoastonline candidate profile

Why I'm Running

I’m running for city council because Portsmouth is going through an identity crisis and nobody is leading the way. The City’s infrastructure can’t sustain the development we have seen in the last decade and we have no real plan as to where the city is headed. The political leadership has been too focused on petty disputes without tackling the major issues affecting the community. Portsmouth is a great place to live.
 
We have wonderful schools, a working port, a thriving downtown and exceptional public services. We need leaders who understand that, and want to keep the community from over developing. Portsmouth is the gem of New Hampshire, but we need to have a plan for the future.
 
As to my political philosophy, I would call myself fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I believe that good government can make people’s lives better. However, I don’t think that government can solve all of societal problems. When I contemplate spending money on government services, I always remember that it is the people’s money I’m spending. I want to spend it wisely.

Candidate Night

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Candidate Links

Website URL

Position On Issues

Did not respond.

The questions we asked:

HOUSING: HALF OF PORTSMOUTH RENTS
A comprehensive housing market study for the Portsmouth Housing Authority identified unmet demand for more than 3,000 additional housing units in our city, mostly for rental units. The study also pointed out that almost 50% of Portsmouth residents live in rented homes. Renters effectively pay a share of the owner’s property taxes. But while property owners, especially those in desirable parts of the city, have benefitted from astonishing rises in their home equity, renters — through no fault of their own — have not shared in the wealth creation. Just the opposite: as rents and the cost of living rise steadily, renters are more cost-burdened every year. You aspire to represent this huge constituency. 
Question #1: How should the city address the specific needs of renters?

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The next generations will either benefit or suffer from the policies we enact today regarding climate change, sustainability, and the move from fossil fuels to clean energy. 
Question #2: Do you accept that urgent measures are required and, if so, how aggressive should the city be in addressing the crisis?

WALKERS, CYCLISTS, SPEEDING CARS
Records show that the top complaint from Portsmouth neighborhoods for decades has been drivers speeding on their streets. The city has begun implementing traffic calming measures. Changes to infrastructure are the single most effective way to address the issue. Drivers often object at first, but the measures have proven effective. At the same time, the city is doing more to accommodate residents who would rather walk or bike. 
Question #3: What kinds of initiatives would you support that further calm traffic and make more of Portsmouth safer for residents on foot or bike?