GilfordGrok

Doug Lambert- Candidate for Gilford Budget Committee

• When you think about it, the Budget Committee puts its members and their thoughts and opinions on any issue related to money front and center, more than anywhere else in local government. All votes, unless abstained, which I promise NEVER to do, are there for all to see. The committee’s most important job, as I see it, is to openly study and discuss the various pieces and parts that make up the town and school budgets in such a manner as to engage and inform every citizen of Gilford, followed by recommendations based on the result. It is a serious and important job—one that I feel I am well qualified to do.
• I have owned my home here since 1988. As most folks are well aware, I became active some eleven years ago, and have never made any effort to hide what I believe on a given issue. This is, in my view, a good quality to have as a budget committee member. You’ll always know where I stand and where I’m coming from.
• I own a business, also located here in Gilford, and employ 9 people. I am faced daily with obstacles to overcome and decisions needing to be made. Quite often I must make the difficult choices necessary to ensure the continued existence of the business, now in its 17^th year. That is but a part of the experience I have to offer as a budget committee member.
• Another element is time. After serving on various committees, the SAU Withdrawal Study Committee, the FPC 2 Committee, and a short stint of the Police Department Building Study Committee, coupled with years of observation and study, I have developed an awareness of how the “process” works. This has allowed me, as demonstrated by my recent service on the Budget Committee, to start right in being an active participant in conducting the statutory work at hand.
• Because of my interest and activism, combined with all the research necessary to deliver numerous writings in various media, I understand where and when to consult state laws and how to apply them to the issues of the day.
• During the past budget cycle, I researched the issues, participated in the creation of numerous written documents and letters by the budget committee, identified cost savings for taxpayers, made motions for assorted actions, and presented two subcommittee reports. During the course of developing the recommendation for the DPW budget, I worked with my fellow subcommittee members and the department head to mutually identify and save the taxpayers an additional $40,000. I drafted and presented that subcommittee’s report to the entire budget committee. It is the largest chunk containing the most different sections within the budget. This was done as a newcomer to the committee. 
• Let there be no mistake—I can and have worked with all parties concerned. Where I stand on topics is well-known. I have been tough and aggressive in my pursuit of several issues and concerns facing the town and school. Despite this, no one will say that I don’t listen and haven’t changed my mind on some things. The SRO officer is one that immediately comes to mind. The FPC 2 and the ultimate construction and remodeling of the Gilford Middle High School is another. After opposing the initial Meadows project, I joined with others in town and planned for and promoted the end result.
• Does any of my openness and straightforwardness affect my ability to be effective and proper in my conduct as a member of the budget committee? Of course not. A few examples:
• I was highly critical of the superintendent position, followed by the contract that in my opinion was much too excessive. Despite that, because there is nothing more to be done given that the deals have been struck, Mr. DiMenico, and others, can attest that there was nothing but a productive and business-like meeting and result from my being part of the subcommittee studying his portion of the budget. I’m sure that Sheldon Morgan and Sandy McGonagle, along with those who served on subcommittees, would also agree with this sentiment.
• Strong opinions? You bet. Do I realize when it’s time to move on? Absolutely. After having opposed the creation of a K-9 unit for years, it is now a reality. I supported the funding for it.
• Dittoes for the police station. After leading the opposition against a free standing police department building, I will undoubtedly support a sensible addition if it comes in at a reasonable price.

• The bottom line is this: I feel that I bring a lot of good qualities to the table as a member of the budget committee. I have long supported an active, engaged budget committee that works diligently and carefully on the taxpayers’ behalf. The budget committee has a statutory obligation to review and make recommendations to the legislative body (the voters) in concert with the particular governing bodies. I believe that this was done this year, and that I was a positive piece of the good work that was done. For that reason, I am asking the voters of Gilford to elect me on March 13^th for a full three year term on the Budget Committee. I believe that I have contributed in a positive way to that process and wish to continue my service.