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Committee advances Michael McDowell nomination; Judith Carlson’s reappointment draws contention
Summary
The Personnel & Administrative Affairs Committee recommended Michael McDowellfor the Arts Commission and debated Judith Carlsonreappointment after aldermen raised concerns about past conduct toward a local arts group. McDowellwas approved 5y/0 n; Carlson faced a split committee vote.
The Personnel & Administrative Affairs Committee interviewed two mayoral appointees to the Nashua Arts Commission on Aug. 3. Mayor Jim Donchas introduced Michael McDowell, owner/operator of The Spot, a sober, all-ages downtown venue, and McDowell told the committee he wants to expand local arts awareness and bring more activity to Main Street and other parts of the city.
"I'd like to see a lot more awareness on the arts, so that we can bring more people into the community," nominee Michael McDowell said during his interview. The committee moved to recommend his appointment (term to expire 06/09/2029) and approved the recommendation by roll call, 5 yays, 0 nays.
The committee also interviewed Judith Carlson for reappointment. Carlson recounted decades of service: mural restorations, Art Walk planning and work with the Performing Arts Center and Nashville Community Arts. "I have been involved in the arts since, oh, 2008," Carlson said, describing project management and fundraising roles.
The reappointment prompted extended debate. Several aldermen, most prominently Alderman Thomas Lopez, said concerns had been raised about Carlsonher approach to a local nonprofit (Positive Street Art) and whether that reflected an impartiality problem for a mayoral appointee confirmed by the committee. Carlson denied remembering multiple instances and said she raised maintenance concerns about particular murals in the past. Other committee members defended Carlsonher record of service, noting the need for experienced commissioners.
After discussion the committee recorded a divided result on Carlson's recommendation (committee roll calls and debate were recorded in the transcript and the motion was recorded as carrying in committee with a split tally). The nomination will proceed to the full board per the city's appointment process.
What happens next: McDowell's nomination advances with the committee recommendation. The Carlson reappointment will appear to the full Board of Aldermen following committee procedures, where members who raised concerns said they may reserve the right to object or change their vote.
