People ask...
People always ask me at this time of year how I plan on voting. Given that involvement in local politics can sometimes be a thankless task, I am always happy to hear that people think enough of me and my opinion to ask. In fact, I am HONORED that this is the case. In the interest of brevity, I will spare the readers a lengthy tome on the matter at hand—Tuesday’s vote.
For Selectman, I am with Dale “Chan” Eddy. Having known him for a number of years, I know his conservative viewpoint is steeped in Yankee frugality. Coupled with his skills as an engineer, I have no doubt he is just what a town like Gilford needs as a Selectmen. His opponent talks a good game, but in the end, is part of the “business as usual” crowd.
For the Budget Committee, one must consider the recent past in context of the vote. Because there is no longer a majority of “rubber stampers” holding seats on this most important of committees in Town, we have witnessed the growth of both the Town and School District slow to a manageable level, with the school budget actually shrinking. The budget writers are keenly aware that they cannot get away with “business as usual” when it comes to spending thanks to the extra layer of scrutiny posed by the Budget Committee. This is different than the way things used to be. By re-electing David “Skip” Murphy, current Chair Dick Hickok, and newcomer Jean Lavin, we can keep this taxpayer-friendly trend going. Make no mistake about it-- a vote for anyone else on the ballot is a vote for more spending.
As to the warrant, there is much too much to discuss here. I just hope that folks will join me in saying “no” to the onerous new regulations posed by the fire code change proposed in Article 8. This seeks to fix a problem that does not exist in Town. I plan on voting “no” on the police station as well. While it is no doubt a good plan, I want to wait one more year to see which way the economy shakes out. Articles 26 through 29 ask us to approve monies for so-called “outside agencies.” I will vote “no,” as this is not the proper use of local property tax dollars. Vote “yes” on the salaries and vendor payments appearing in the Annual Report. What could possibly be wrong with giving more information to people that choose to read it? For the rest of the ballot, I recommend going with either the Budget Committee recommendations, or try to get a copy of the Annual Letter from the Gilford Taxpayers Coalition. See you Tuesday at the polls!
Doug









