I am running for the three year Selectman's seat because I think Hollis deserves a fresh and independent voice representing all the people of Hollis.

I will listen with an open mind, be fair to all the people and sensitive to their needs. I have the experience and time to devote to what is really a very big job. I've lived here since 1996 and have served on several committees, as well having been on the Historic District Commission for six years, three as its Chair, and I continue to serve on other committees.

Hollis is a wonderful town. We, and those who came before us, have built a community that honors tradition and respects individuality. We have been good stewards of our land, and taken care of our citizens. If I am elected, I promise to continue this tradition.

When I filed for election, I talked with the heads of all three of the Town departments and asked them for their input and guidance. I don't think anyone has done this before, but I feel that it's just common sense; do your homework so you can know what the Town's needs are. We have an extraordinarily dedicated and competent corps of department heads who have been with the Town for many years.

We are fortunate indeed that we have a superb Director of Administration in Cath Hallsworth. However, sadly, everyone ultimately retires and her shoes will be very hard to fill. Therefore, I would like to suggest establishing a committee to study the feasibility of hiring a Town Administrator or Town Manager. I have researched the subject, talked with Managers / Administrators of seven other towns, and talked with some of their selectmen as well, and I find that there is much to recommend in this method of government. It would free our Selectmen to be what they are elected to be, policy makers, and it would ensure that a trained professional, a Chief Operating Officer, would implement the policies and oversee the many and varied details that go into running a town efficiently. Department heads would report to one person, who would have the authority to sign off on their requests and deal with their issues as well as conduct labor negotiations. The Manager or Administrator would report directly to the Selectmen.

Having one person who serves through many administrations and knows what happened and why, is vital to the efficient running of a town, no need to re-invent the wheel every time someone new comes aboard.

We are a caring community. Dr. Squires' Property Tax Equity Committee, on which I served, is an example of this. I will continue to explore ways of reducing the tax burden, not only on those with low or fixed incomes, but for all the residents of the Town. We have managed to keep our town's rural quality, but we cannot defer infrastructure maintenance any longer. When the State closes one of our bridges, it's time for us to take notice. We need to extend the moratorium on new land acquisition for a few years until we have caught up with the needs of Town roads and buildings and ensured the safety of our residents. We need to make sure we continue protecting our aquifers, our forests and our rural character. Our young people and seniors need facilities dedicated to their use.

Residents of our community wrote an excellent Master Plan. The Strategic Planning Committee is working hard to expand and update the impact of future development and we should use that information to establish a long-range plan for controlled growth.

We have a huge pool of bright and talented residents and we need to encourage them to participate more in Town affairs. The more people know about what is going on in Town, the more they will want to be part of it. Hollis needs the input of its residents and needs selectmen who know the Town and are responsive to the concerns and opinions of those whom they serve.

If you elect me, I promise to listen carefully to all of you and vote in the Town's best interests.