Welcome to my blog site. I am Greg Knytych, the newest Laconia City Councilor. I live in and was elected from Ward 1, but I really represent all citizens and residents of Laconia. It is a new year and there are many exciting things happening in the city. My plan is to utilize this site to update the fine people of Laconia on what is happening in the city from the City Council and what is happening at the County, State and Federal arenas that may affect us.

I see this blog as an opportunity to provide valuable information to my local friends and neighbors and for them to provide me with input on what they are concerned with and interested in. I believe that a representative government is only as good as the input of those being represented. I encourage open and honest dialogue to help continue the positive direction I feel our city is heading.

There will be some controversial issues discussed and, after reviewing the pro's and con's of each issue I will be providing my thoughts. I know many people are already concerned about the proposed renovation at the Huot Technical School for many reasons. I have heard from individuals that don't think the school needs to be renovated as well as those individuals that think we should complete a renovation no matter the cost. It is still too early to decide what level if any that we pursue, but I can assure everyone that no matter what is decided I will not break the tax cap to fund this project. With that said I am confident that there are creative ways to complete any renovations necessary without going in debt we can't afford.

My hope is to start this site with positive input from all of you. I'm interested in what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of our city and on areas you see that can be improved upon. If anyone would prefer to contact me directly instead of publishing you comments here you may call my cell phone at 455-0114 or e-mail me at greg@knytych.net.

Laconia residents had a chance to see our local government at work. Last night was the final meeting of the outgoing City Council and inaugural meeting of the new councilors. The only real difference between the two councils is that Brad Fitzgerald stepped down and I took his place.

There was much talk of the teamwork the last City Council had and I look forward to working with this team to continue the forward progress that Laconia is experiencing. Some of the upcoming issues that were mentioned are the addition to the Fire Station; the High School and Huot Tech Center renovations; the Garden Theater; as well as the Memorial Park and Weirs (Lucerne) Park improvements.

There will be many difficulties in achieving these goals. Everyone knows that the new construction, which increases the tax base and helps fuel reductions in the tax rate, is slowing down. I am sure everyone is feeling the crunch of higher energy prices, which makes it harder to pay the bills. I believe that the 2008 - 2009 Laconia City Council can work as a team and overcome these difficulties by thinking outside the box.

The Mayor and other councilors mentioned the comment I made to the Mayor some time back, We need to start construction with a pencil and not a shovel. Planning is the key to success in these projects and I would encourage anyone with ideas that are "outside the box" to post your comments here or to contact me directly by phone (455-0114) or e-mail (greg@knytych.net).

It is exciting to be working on the City Council and it makes me proud to be representing you.