The School District Meeting will be Saturday, March 7, at the school
beginning at 9 a.m. Please attend and find out how the school
district portion of your taxes is being spent to educate the
children of Chichester.
Town Election Day is Tuesday, March 10, at the Town Hall. Voting
will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to the Town and
School District officers there will be two amendments to the Zoning
Ordinance on the ballot. To better understand these amendments, pick
up a Town Report at the Town Offices or at the School District
Meeting or look on the town website.
Town Meeting will be Saturday, March 14, at the school beginning at
10 a.m. Please plan to be a part of your town government this year
by attending this annual meeting.
Letter To The Editor
As elections get closer, we all want to do the right thing, vote for
the right person.
It really does matter who wins, so we all have to vote. I’m hoping
the townspeople will vote for qualifications, not friendships.
That being said, in the past couple of years the selectmen have gone
into non-public meetings to discuss town employees. I personally
thought that non-public hearings did not include town employees. I’m
sure there is an exception to every rule, but it seems like our
selectmen play the non-public hearing way too often.
We seem to have a lot of issues with people using town equipment for
personal use. If this is the case, why the secrecy? I don’t mean
the existing employees, although the selectmen have gone to a
non-public hearing with the current road agent and crew. But even
before that, the townspeople have the right to know what’s going on
with town employees.
If our employees are honest and hard working, keep them. If they
deserve a raise, give it to them. On the other hand, if they lie, or
cheat, or use the equipment for personal use, get rid of them, get
rid of the selectman covering it up!
We, the people, have the right to know what’s going on. Anyone with
a questionable past, should not be allowed to run. Selectman walking
out mid-term, should not be able to hold an office.
Use your vote to elect the most qualified candidate, check out his
past, ask questions, and most important, VOTE.
Craig McIntosh
Letter To The Editor
As many of you know I decided not to run for another term as
Selectman in Chichester.
As such, I did not “sign up” and my name will not appear on the
official ballot.
My reasons for not seeking a fifth term were primarily that it has
been twelve years and I thought it was just simply time to “move
on.” Also, my wife and I are planning on moving permanently to our
property in Wells, Maine in the near future and as such I would not
be able to serve out a full 3 year term if elected.
However, I am hearing from many, many people that they are very
disappointed that I am not running and I am being encouraged to run
as a “write in” candidate. I am very humbled by the many
voices of support and kind words on how I have conducted myself over
my tenure as your Selectman.
I have always tried to put the best interest of Chichester first and
foremost and have made it a point to treat people with the utmost
respect, regardless of their opinions and temperament. This is not
always an easy task to do, but it is what you expect of your elected
officials. It is who I am, and continue to be.
I am not running an active “write-in” campaign but would consent to,
and would certainly accept, the will of the residents of Chichester,
if elected this year as a “write-in” candidate for Selectman. It is
important to realize that I will not be able to serve out the full
term if elected, but for as long as I can serve, I would continue to
do so in a respectful, fair and impartial manner with Chichester’s
best interest in mind.
Richard DeBold
Letter To The Editor
I recently attended a candidates night in Chichester where I found
myself agreeing with virtually every position taken by one of the
candidates for selectman. I will however not be voting for that
candidate. Why not?
Sadly, during the past several years we have seen a never ending
series of negative personal attacks on our fellow citizens who serve
the town as selectmen, schoolboard members, and road agent. Judging
by the minutes, almost every Select meeting is dominated by such
attacks.
For me, the final straw came during the recent state election, when
anonymous (and therefore illegal) signs personally attacking
Richard DeBold appeared across town. Shortly thereafter Mr. DeBold
chose not to run for re-election.
While he may well have had other reasons, it is hard to believe that
the toxic atmosphere of personal attacks didn’t play a role in his
decision.
My decision is to say no to meanness and incivility.
I will therefore write in the name of Richard DeBold for Selectman
and also vote for the equally unfairly abused Jim Plunkett for road
agent.
Finally, I would like to note that if we could perhaps improve the
tone of town politics, we might just succeed in attracting the ideas
and talents of a broader range of citizens, including the half of
citizens that are women, who have largely already said no to the
meanness by finding better use of their time and energy.
Paul Twomey
Chichester
Letter To The Editor
I was glad to see so many out for Meet the Candidates night. A BIG
Thank You should go to Hannah West for a great job moderating the
meeting. I think the meeting gave everyone present a good look at
how the candidates differ on the issues at hand.
I did want to touch on one point before we go to election, and then
on to Town Meeting. A discussion arose as to the Warrant Article of
an elected vs. appointed road agent. The comment was made that “you
would expect the road agent to have that side of the argument.”
Well, I see the good and the bad on both sides of this issue.
As I said at the meeting, what will be the job qualifications? Are
we going to make them up to “fit the person” the selectmen might be
interested in? Once this is appointed, remember, any type of
discipline will be in private or closed session. If two of the three
Selectmen don’t like the road agent, he would be removed. You could
ultimately remove and appoint a road agent every year!
The elected position would still end with you, the people, having a
voice. If you don’t like what is being done, you can VOICE your
complaint, SEE the outcome, and your vote counts.
The argument was made as to the amount of the budget and assets that
the road agent has control of, and that is why we need to appoint.
You have to remember, the ultimate control of the road budget still
sits squarely on the shoulders of the selectmen per RSA. To take
that thought one step further, the selectmen oversee a 2.2 million
dollar budget with ALL of the assets of town, (fire, police, roads,
town buildings, etc.). They are elected, and what qualifications do
they have?
Don’t forget to vote on March 10th. If you cannot make it to the
Town Hall to vote, you can always get an absentee ballot from the
Town Office.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Jim Plunkett
Chichester Road Agent
Letter To The Editor
For years I had trouble maneuvering both my Jeep station wagon and
truck up Horse Corner Road during winter; yet have had limited
problems since Jim Plunkett has been Road Agent.
When there is an issue, whether a tree has fallen across a road
during a storm, a small glacier crossing a road in winter or
availability of sand and dirt, a simple phone call is all that is
necessary. I appreciate the fact that any resident can call the
current Road Agent and get results. Mr. Plunkett is always doing
for the other town departments and certainly does his part in
maintaining safety for all town facilities. During his free time,
he kindly helps the many town organizations all of which is very
much appreciated.
Plunkett maintains a proper department budget. He knows pertinent
RSAs and agricultural issues that he is always willing to share with
questioning residents, how to write and obtain grants to offset
taxes, all in addition to a working knowledge of equipment, road
construction and maintenance. Jim is one of the most knowledgeable,
helpful and considerate officials in town; Jim Plunkett is a true
ambassador of the Town of Chichester. I urge everyone to vote and
re-elect James Plunkett for Road Agent.
2015 is an important voting year…I hope all Chichester voters to
pause and think “Who will best serve the Town?” Objectivity, no
family/friend ties and integrity are qualities we want and need.
Take particular care while reading this year’s Warrant Articles.
Remember the town residents now have a say about the amount of
money spent; a municipal budget committee can lead to a select few
making all the decisions. If the road agent position reverts back
to appointment rather than election, it again puts control back into
the hands of a select few.
Ann Davis
Chichester
Chichester Town Library News
The Pre-school Story and Craft Hour will meet tomorrow, March 5th,
at 10: 30 a.m.
The Down Cellar Book Club will also meet tomorrow, but at noon.
Sunday, March 8th is the presentation we have all been waiting for,
as Rebecca Rule presents “Moved and Seconded: Town Meeting in New
Hampshire.” Just in time for our Town meetings for school and town
budgets, we plan on enjoying a somewhat humorous take on these
otherwise serious events. The presentation will be at the Grange,
54 Main Street, at 2 p.m.
Library Trustees will meet on Monday, March 9th, at 3 p.m. This is
a public meeting.
The Adult and Teen Craft Group will be meeting on Monday, March 9th,
at 6:30 p.m.
Don’t forget to vote for Town officials/officers at the Grange on
Tuesday, March 10th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Let your voice be
heard.
The Library has passes for 50% off the regular
admission fee for up to a family of four/day for the Children’s
Museum in Dover, NH. This is an interactive arts & science museum
for children & families of all ages. There is a snack room or you
can bring your own lunch. Parking is free. Before the discount is
applied, regular admission is $9.00 for adults & children over 1,
$8.00 for seniors and free for children under the age of 1. It is
certainly less expensive than a movie and has more to do for
everyone! You can access more information on what is available at
the museum at their web site: www.childrens-museum.org.
Letter To The Editor
Serving Chichester for 40 years.
When I first started exploring a run for Road Agent, I looked at
Chichester’s history. I come from a very large family, deeply rooted
and dedicated to Chichester. Twenty five years of service on the
Select Board, 9 of which had 2 family members serving
simultaneously. Twenty six years of service as Road Agent, 15 of
which, were served under the supervision of a family member on the
select board. Thirty two years of service as Tax Collector. Thirty
two years of service as Town Clerk. That’s over 120 years of service
as elected officials.
I am very proud of my family and their dedicated service to our
town. As the next generation, I look forward to providing that same
level of commitment and dedication, as your Road Agent.
Thank You for your Support.
Christopher Weir
Candidate for Road Agent
Letter To The Editor
Jason Weir wants the Selectmen to have control of hiring and firing
of the Road Agent. I would like that same control to be applied to
all town employees.
Should there be extra bonus money or surplus in the town, it should
go to the Road Agent and Fire and Police Department members who are
on call 24 hours a day EVERY day.
If the school has surplus or bonus money this year, the money should
be used to defray taxes to help elderly residents remain in town.
Fred Chagnon
Out Of Your Attic Thrift Shop News
Submitted By Carol Hendee
Can it be? Winter is going away? That would be the best news
yet!!!
This will be the last week for winter jackets and coats at 1/2
price, then we can put them away and bring out spring fleece and
jackets!!! March 4-11th we are offering all single plates, dish
sets, cups, and saucers 1/2 price! Help us make room for some new
merchandise. Also, check out the St. Patrick’s merchandise! Mon.
8-12; Tues. & Thurs. 8-4; Wed. 11-4 & Sat. 10-4 on Rte 28 North,
Chichester. 247-7191.
Letter
To the Residents of Chichester.
It is time for a change.
My name is Gilbert Vien and I am running for Selectman. I have lived
in Chichester since 1984 and have been involved with the operations
of the town as a cemetery trustee, a trustee of the trust funds, a
member and chief of the fire department as well as an employee of
the highway department. From these experiences I understand how to
budget and how the town departments operate. As Fire Chief I held a
level budget for three years.
I believe with a lot of hard work the town should be able to control
the budget and the tax base from getting out of control. This is a
challenge I would look forward to taking on as a member of the
Chichester Board of Selectmen. I’m not afraid to take a stand and to
make the hard decisions that would be best for the residents of
Chichester.
It has been said that any person running for a Selectman’s seat in
the town has an agenda. This is true and mine is to keep taxes at a
level where we can afford to live in Chichester and also help our
town departments keep functioning in a safe, orderly and productive
manner for the residents of Chichester.
For anyone that would like to speak to me about my
views or ask any questions, you can call me at 603-303-4666 or email
me at
[email protected]
It’s now time to get Chichester back on track and make the Board of
Selectmen more objective.
Sincerely,
Gilbert Vien
Be Extra Cautious
Many of our high school students walk well-traveled roads on their
way to their PA bus stops. With the preponderance of snow, the
visibility of these walkers is often reduced!
When you are driving on Routes 28 & 4, Main St, etc. during your
morning and afternoon commutes, please be extra aware of walkers!
Students, wear something bright – red hat, etc. You don’t have to
wear it on the bus, but this small act can prevent a big injury.
Safety reminder from your Chichester School Board.
Letter To The Editor
The cornerstone of a peaceful, secure, thriving country is a
peaceful, secure and thriving populace. Our founding Fathers
recognized that progress hinged on an informed populace.
Access to a “free” education, supported by taxpayers, was essential
to avoid creating the aristocratic society our nascent nation
rebelled against. Thus, in egalitarian New Hampshire, voters will
soon occupy fold-able, metal seats of great power. They’ll sip
lukewarm coffee and eat muffins baked by teachers, parents and
townsfolk with some measure of culinary talent. Budgets will be
presented. Sighs, grumbles and prayers will fill auditoriums as
schools await verdicts on whether they can replace broken furniture,
absent or aged textbooks, or even retiring teachers. Citizens will
speak on behalf of those whose tax burdens are nearly too great to
bear. Others will speak to the necessity of students of yesteryear
supporting students of today. Both sides of the dialogue are
absolutely correct. Taxes keep rising. Children keep learning. Yet
the choice is clear. Our nation’s children deserve the same
opportunities we taxpayers were given to become literate, informed,
motivated, well-prepared citizens who can find gainful employment so
America can remain a peaceful, secure, thriving country.
If you’re concerned about taxes, I recommend contacting, not only
your local and state governments, but Congress, who continues to
provide public tax dollars to the N.F.L so the star quarterback can
earn millions running a leather ball down a grassy field. There is
rampant waste in spending, it is true. But it is NEVER a waste to
educate a child.
Resa Audet
Letter
To all Chichester residents,
The Road Advisory Committee (RAC) was established by a vote of the
townspeople at the Chichester Town Meeting of March 19, 2005 FOR A
BETTER WAY TO MANAGE OUR ROADS.
The original warrant article did not call for an annual report or
for a continuing committee. Subsequently the RAC’s Charter was
amended February 15, 2011 under the authority of the Board of
Selectmen to make the RAC a permanent ‘standing committee’ and
requiring an annual ‘Road Management Plan’.
The Mission of the Committee states that its primary responsibility;
after having developed a written Road Management Plan is to update
this existing plan annually with established members. The Charter
removed the oversight, planning, and the reporting of roadway
maintenance work from the RAC. The maintenance accomplishments are
reported yearly in the Road Agents Report.
The RAC has gone from 11 members in 2013, to 6 in 2014 and will most
likely be 5 as of the Town Meeting on March 14, 2015, yet the
volunteer Committee has continued to work very hard to cooperatively
promote better road repairs by assisting the Road Agent, Selectmen,
Budget Committee, and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with the
evaluation, planning, and scheduling of road work. With the efforts
of us ALL and bids going out early, it looks like again this year,
with an affirmative vote of the Town, these goals will again come to
fruition.
The road deficiencies in the Town of Chichester are quite evident
and we are now dealing with major rehabilitation and/or complete
reconstruction, both of which are expensive. Applying maintenance to
roads that are in poor condition rather than taking care of roads
still in good condition is ineffective in the long run. The RAC
continues to fulfill its duties of infrastructure improvement
without compromising municipal cohesiveness or future roadway
integrity.
Thank you,
Philip J. Hitchcock, Jr., Chair
Chichester Road Advisory Committee
Chichester Saturday School Meeting Details
Submitted By Harold, Losey, Ben Brown, Sally Kelly, Chichester
School Board
• Our School District Meeting is being held this Saturday, March 7th
at 9:00 AM at the school.
ALL Chichester registered voters are encouraged to come and vote!
• Due to lack of parking at the school, we will be having a shuttle
service beginning at 8:30 AM from the Town Hall and will make
continuous round trips from the Town Hall to the school.
• For further information on what you will be voting
on, go to the town web page @
www.ChichesterNH.org then click on School
Board on the left navigational board and then click on School
Warrant & CBA, (In the top, center of the page at the bottom blue
link).
As a school board, we commend and thank all of you who have come to
our meetings and questioned, suggested and invested the time to
learn about the budget process over the past several months. We
also thank you who have been sharing your thoughts and knowledge via
Letters to the Editor and Social Media!
See you all on Saturday.
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