By JENNIFER CLAISE
Staff Writer
jclaise@yourneighborhoodnews.com

Members of a new business group in town spearheaded by Jerry Becker, owner of Becker Transportation, hope their opinions will carry some weight with the board of selectmen, especially concerning commercial zoning issues.

Becker said he decided to revive the Candia Business Association, which held its first meeting about a month ago, after hearing several other local business owners express concerns about various town issues.

“It really came about through word of mouth,” said Becker, who added that a similar organization existed about 13 years ago. “There were lots of people saying we need to do something, so I just got things started.”

According to Becker, about 18 business owners attended the group’s meeting, where one common concern emerged.

“We’re concerned, as the whole town is concerned, with zoning issues,” Becker said. “There are certain things that need to be redefined.”

Specifically, member Fred Kelley, who owns Fred’s Auto Repair, said some business owners would like to see the development of a mixed-use zone.

“Say if someone wanted to run a little computer business downstairs in a building, and then have an apartment upstairs,” Kelley said. “Right now, that can’t be done.”

Additionally, Kelley said, the group would work to attract new businesses to the small town, thereby building a larger tax base, and to change the way residents feel about commercial development.

“People say they don’t want commercial businesses, but they need to realize that we pay a higher tax rate, we don’t bring any kids into town, and we help to offset the tax rate,” Becker said.

Selectmen Chairman Clark Thyng attended one of the association’s first meetings, and said the board will be willing to listen to their suggestions, just as they would with any other town organization.

“From what I’ve heard so far, they’re trying to make Candia more attractive to businesses and are for controlled development, which could help relieve the tax burden,” Thyng said. “The board will be open-minded, even if we can’t always act