In Concord’s Ward 6, newcomer Jay Belyea is facing off against Paula McLaughlin, who is finishing her first term on the City Council.

McLaughlin, who ran unopposed for a seat on the council two years ago, was present for meetings during budget season, however, frequently missed the council’s regular monthly meetings.

Belyea, a financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch, said his top issue for running is the increases in taxes for property owners, which further exacerbates rent increases. He said he’s also focused on the homeless crisis and city infrastructure needs.

McLaughlin, who works for the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association, has lived in Concord for over 25 years. She said she learned a lot about city government during her first term and is looking forward to learning more.

“I will continue working on controlling taxes. Our housing shortage has become a crisis, yet there are many projects coming on line,” McLaughlin wrote in a letter to the editor to the Monitor. “Inclusion of our growing minority population and solving homelessness are also on my agenda.”

During her first term, McLaughlin was appointed to the Ad-Hoc Committee to Review Fee Schedules, the Parking Committee and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

Neither Belyea or McLaughlin responded to phone calls and emails from the Monitor for an interview. Neither one attended a candidate forum hosted by the Monitor last week.