Editor, The Citizen: My letter published last week left your readers with a question on whether the abutters, or the Town of Alton, owned the former railroad Right-of-Way where Alton's election Warrant Article 38 proposes to install a walking trail.

That letter elicited a response from the Town Administrator to come in and see what was available at Town Hall to substantiate that the Town does, indeed, own the Right-of-Way. The info we checked in Town Hall (a plot plan showing property lines, the deed of transfer to the Town, and the Town Counsel's legal opinion that "all is in order") is now also available at the Gilman Library.

We are now convinced that we will not be trampling on the property rights of others. There is at least a 62 foot wide strip of land the Town owns to install an 8-to-12 foot wide walking trail. With a tall "elephant fence," dense shrubbery, and locating the walkway on the further edge of the Right-of-Way, the abutters should seldom know that we 70(+)-year old fitness nuts are ambulating by.

MaryBee and I would like to see that there are enough other "yeses" on Article 38 that all of Alton has the option to take a nice walk/hike when they are in the mood to avail themselves of still another Alton amenity.

Respectfully submitted to the voters of Alton,

MaryBee and Bob Longabaugh

Alton Bay



@Brief head:Re-elect Lovett

Editor, The Citizen: We are writing in support of the re-election of Miller Lovett to the Meredith Select Board. Based on our firsthand experiences with Mr. Lovett, we have found him to be a good listener, in fact a listener without bias or preconceived outcomes. We find this quality not only refreshing, but absolutely essential to honest dialogue and problem solving, which often includes differences of opinion.

We were pleased to hear Mr. Lovett bring up the need for transparency in the process of discussing issues of concern to the people of Meredith at a recent Select Board meeting at the Community Center. Without transparency in a process, very little trust, if any, occurs on the part of the public. What does develop is a lack of trust in government and often an unwillingness to even be involved with the process by attending town meetings or voting in elections, which serves no one.

Meredith needs and deserves Select Board members with good critical thinking skills, a knowledge of and a plan for future economic challenges which the city of Meredith will face and a willingness to engage in honest and open problem solving. That is why we urge you to join us in voting for the re-election of Miller Lovett to the Meredith Select Board, March 9th, at the Community Center.

Kay M. Anderson

Robert P. Swartz, Jr.

Meredith



@Brief head:They have some explaining to do

Editor, The Citizen: Thanks to the Moultonborough Planning Board for having a hearing on the proposed Town Recreation Facilities planned for the former Lions Club property. Those who attended the hearing on February 24th learned a number of interesting things.

The hearing made it clear that the Town is in fact planning a three-phase development of the site. The Planning Board heard presentations on the "Old Route 109 Community Center Master Plan" from Town Administrator Carter Terenzini, along with new Town Engineer Ray Korber. Three phases are planned: relocation of gazebo and construction of soccer field and related drainage and parking (Phase 1); construction of softball field, recreation trails and related parking (Phase 2); construction of 10,000 sf program building, supplemental gymnasium and 225 parking spaces (Phase 3).

When was it decided that the former Lions Club property would be the future site of a community center and town recreation facilities? Who made this decision and why? Were other uses for the property ever considered by the Town?

In the Q&A session, Terenzini clarified that the new proposal was based on the Misiaszek & Turpin plan prepared for the Recreation Strategic Planning Team (RSPT). This is the same community center plan that was rejected by Moultonborough voters (Article 9) at 2008 Town Meeting. So what happened? It turns out that the Town Administrator has been meeting with a 'Community Services Team' to vet this new Community Center Master Plan. Who else was involved? Who authorized the development of this Master Plan? Since it is based on the rejected 2008 proposal, the Board of Selectmen will need to answer some important questions.

The Planning Board and Town Planner Dan Merhalski did a great job at the hearing. They will continue their discussion and may comment on the proposal at the next Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, March 10th, 7:30 PM. Plan to be there!

Nancy Wright

Moultonborough



@Brief head:Vote "yes" for fiscal management Belmont

Editor, The Citizen: I would like to extend a special thanks to the Belmont Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee for agreeing to dissolve the special revenue fund known as the Comstar fund. This is just good financial management.

Every other department in the Town of Belmont has to establish a capital replacement fund to plan for large expenditure. Fire Department should not be exempt from this process. Budgeting and Capital planning is the key to any successful business, and the Town of Belmont is a very large business.

In 2007, a private company was hired to analyze the Fire Department's operation and at that time it was clearly stated that the department had too much equipment for the size of the town. If the Comstar monies went into the General Fund and a capital replacement expense plan was put in place this would never have happened. The full time firefighters continue to argue that "this is free money". Who do they think pay their salaries, equipment, supplies, maintenance and up keep of the equipment? We do the taxpayers! If we need an ambulance, fire truck or large item then budget it like everyone else in the town does.

If we agree to dissolve Article #6 by Voting "YES" we will reduce this year's estimated tax rate by 80 cents and based on the current evaluation each year after reduce it by approximately 27cents. If you agree with the fire department personnel and vote "NO" to keep the established fund our property taxes this year will go up an estimated $1.25 per thousand per the town administrator's computation.

Don't be fooled by all the horror stories circulating or the big florescent signs plastered all over town put up by the fire department's union, Vote "YES" with me on Article#6 and all the other taxpayers that believe in good service at a cost we can afford.

Donna Cilley

Belmont



@Brief head:Open and honest government

Editor, The Citizen: Margo Weeks is a person of integrity and honesty. She has served the Gilford community as a School Board Member for nine years. During her tenure, Margo stood strongly for things she believed in but also stood strong against things she did not feel were right and would not benefit the town or the students.

She has a great background to deal with budgets and has worked with other school board members to reduce the school budget, whose budget is twice that of the town budget.

Margo will work hard as your Selectman to keep budgets in check and she will listen to what you as Gilford residents have to say. Most importantly, Margo has demonstrated that her actions match her words and that is a quality we should be rewarding in this election.

As residents of Gilford, we have been exposed to a financial penalty as a result of the firing of former Town Administrator, Evans Juris, orchestrated by Selectman Benavides and a previous selectman. They have never explained their reasoning and now we are told that the terms of the settlement preclude disclosure. That was not the case before the settlement so the question is, what other surprises are in store?

So I ask you to follow me and vote for a person with integrity, honesty and budget experience that we need. That person is Margo Weeks who wants to raise the bar without raising the budget.

Alice Boucher

Former Gilford Selectman



@Brief head:Elect Weeks

Editor, The Citizen: I urge the voters of Gilford to vote for Margo Weeks for Selectman on Tuesday March 9, 2010. She has served our community well for the past nine years as a member of our school board. She has never had an agenda. She weighs all information before making a decision. She has extensive business experience, an extensive background in Human Resource Management and fully realizes the value of dedicated employees who serve our community.

She is a veteran who served as an officer in our country's military. She realizes the importance of how a rural community needs to be governed, by utilizing the input of all its residents and not by focusing on special interest groups.

She has served as the school board's representative on the budget committee for three years and is well versed on both the budget for the Town and the School District.

The election of Margo Weeks to the Board of Selectman will provide us with a Selectman who will be informed with all aspects of our community's governmental operations. Margo has integrity, honesty, and openness which is what our community deserves. She believes in Team Work.

Evans E. Juris

Gilford



@Brief head:Remarkable meeting

Editor, The Citizen: Something remarkable happened Wednesday night at the Inter-Lakes High School gymnasium. A group of residents from Meredith, Sandwich and Center Harbor, acting as a legislative body for the school district, took control of the 2010-11 budget and voted to restore spending cuts made by the Board to minimize a tax increase.

It was remarkable enough that the group, by a large majority, voted for a tax increase. Even more notable, however, was the broad based support for this increase: from Democrats and Republicans, old and young, natives and newcomers, as well as folks who - at least for now - are living comfortably, but also some who are struggling to support their families.

I came away from that meeting wishing that our own legislative bodies in Concord and Washington could reach the degree of consensus we displayed Wednesday night. What have we become as a society when the act of voting to increase taxes for measures beneficial to all of us has become a novelty?

Maybe the Inter-Lakes legislators should take on health care and climate change next.

Ronald G. Lawler

Center Sandwich



@Brief head:Turn out and vote

Editor, The Citizen: Lack of interest and voter apathy for the Inter-Lakes School District Meeting held last Wednesday resulted in a turnout that did not represent population demographics from the Towns of Meredith, Center Harbor, and Sandwich. Neither was there reasonable representation of all economic groups, particularly those who may be struggling. But that was the will of the people meeting as the District legislative body on that particular night.

The net result was an increase of 8% in the taxes to be raised for the fiscal year starting on July 1, 2010. The discussions that night and the monies funded for the operation of the school are the instructions to the school board to be carried out during the coming school year.

There is one more opportunity for the people of Meredith, Center Harbor, and Sandwich to express their will. That is the election this coming Tuesday. I am a fiscal conservative and am keenly aware of the current economic problems here. We have a sizeable number of parents in the District who need assistance to buy their children lunch. I supported the school board's initial proposed budget that increased by only 1.25%. My opponent has suggested that 5% would be a good starting place. We wound up with a budget increase of $1,231,066 (6.5%). When you factor in decreased anticipated revenues to offset this increase, the bottom line of assessment increase will come to 8%.

For the past 6 years, the last 4 as chairman of the board, I have worked hard to help create a robust, vibrant school system that provides the maximum opportunity for students to learn and excel. We have a New Hampshire Elementary School of the Year award, a current 80% rate for seniors applying for college, private - public partnerships, an athletic field and track that is the envy of the region, low debt, and relations with our unions that are built on mutual respect, not contention. I have contributed to each of these.

There is a very clear choice between candidates for the Meredith representative on the school board. Whoever your preference, please turn out and vote!

Jack Carty

Meredith

@Brief head:Here's the truth

Editor, The Citizen: SHAME ON YOU Mr. MacDonald.

In the Baysider dated March 4, 2010 your Letter to the Editor "The Truth about Article 40" regarding the bids in 2005/06; there were 6 bids for the expansion ranging from $14,600 to $46,300. We took the lowest bid, permits were issued and no gravel was REMOVED.

Regarding private vehicles plowing the cemetery; after a snowstorm when the caretaker is reporting for work, as he enters the cemetery he drops the plow which he has on his truck and plows his way to the garage at NO COST TO US.

For your edification, the town only owns one excavator. The water department owns one (purchased with meter funds). The cemetery owns one (purchased with trust funds). You obviously do not understand trust funds, meter funds or tax dollars.

Please tell us what your documentation is for the $100,000 loss to the town you refer to. Please explain where the $100,000 gravel is on the expansion. Do you honestly think the highway department would pay TRIPLE the cost of gravel to anyone as you stated in your article? I think not.

I feel for sorry for the Gilman Museum Committee for your attack regarding their dedication and concern for the funds. We know they have worked very hard also.

All these facts are documented and are available at the cemetery for anyone to see.

Shirley A. Lane, Trustee Chairman

Karen Poor, Trustee

Edward Lyons, Trustee

Alton



@Brief head:Bob Flanders for selectman

Editor, The Citizen: I have worked with Bob on the Board of Selectmen for several years. He prides himself on getting things done not talking about them. Bob has become a team player who is respectful of differing opinions. He is an innately bright person who uses a common sense and practical approach to the issues. Bob will always bring something of merit to the table and he will always let you know where he stands on an issue.

Bob has the experience. He has been a Selectman for three terms. Bob will continue to work hard to get it right for the Town of Meredith which he cares for very dearly. Please vote for Bob Flanders.

The Town of Meredith is very fortunate to have qualified candidates running for the two Selectman seats.



Frank S. Michel

Meredith



@Brief head:Seeking re-election

Editor, The Citizen: I first want to thank the voters of Gilford for the privilege of serving on the town's Budget Committee over the past three years. This committee has considerable powers over the town and school budgets, and it is critical that its members be thorough, balanced, and open to the needs and opinions of all Gilford residents.

I am asking for your vote for a second term on the Budget Committee because I believe I help provide this thorough, balanced approach. I have participated fully and regularly in all committee functions, and have worked with others to conduct thorough and demanding reviews of all departmental budgets. I led the effort to provide more detailed information on the ballot by requiring that vote totals are shown alongside recommendations from the Budget Committee and the Selectmen. I will continue to push for fair and balanced budget reviews.

While the Budget Committee has the right and the responsiblity to conduct a tough final review and to make any budget revisions they deem necessary, they also have a responsibility to demonstrate a complete understanding of the ramifications of their changes, and to be as specific as possible about why the changes were made.

Finally, I have been and will remain a strong supporter of school athletics and the small group of non-governmental agencies that appear on the ballot each year. My support of these departments or line items does not mean that their budgetary requests are treated any differently. What it means is that I approach their budget requests with an open mind, and with an understanding that we represent the entire community of Gilford residents - many of whom expect and in some cases rely heavily on the services that these departments and institutions provide.

I have identified myself as a conservative, and have voted accordingly, all of my life. My brand of conservatism is one that respects and recognizes the value of differing opinions.

Once again, my thanks for allowing me to serve, and I respectfully ask for your vote for re-election this coming Tuesday.

Dale Dormody

Candidate for Budget Committee

Gilford



@Brief head:Not in anyone's best interest

Editor, The Citizen: As the Tilton-Northfield Fire District's Annual Meeting nears, I am compelled by the number of taxpayer questions I have received to publicly state my opinion on the potential split of the District.

I base my opinion, first, on my experience as your fire chief for the past 7 years; but, also on 28 years of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) delivery and the training and education that go along with it. I am proud to have served in 4 departments; all small combination departments, each consisting of full time and call firefighters. I also base my opinion on my training and education, including studies in Fire and EMS Administration, the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy, and being professionally credentialed as a "Chief Fire Officer".

Splitting the fire district, in my professional opinion, is not in the best interest of either community, or its citizens. A split will impact the level of services we currently provide to both communities. A split would result in duplication of effort, manpower, and apparatus, as well as a reduction in full-time staffing, increased response times, and significant capital expenses. Furthermore, it will eliminate any possible cost-sharing in the future.

Splitting of regionalized municipal services flies in the face of efforts here in our communities, across the State, and throughout the Nation to regionalize services whenever possible.

The control of the Fire District has always been in the hands of the taxpayers in both communities. Now, more than ever, our budget comes under close scrutiny. It is developed and proposed by the Chief, reviewed by the Commissioners and the Budget Committee, and then, most importantly, voted on by the body at the Annual District Meeting. We function within those confines, and under the control of the people we work for – the taxpayers of Tilton and Northfield.

We will always strive to provide the very best fire and EMS service possible within the confines of the resources you provide. The mission and vision of the Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS is based on Safety, Professionalism, and Customer Service. The men and women that work for the District are very proud to serve 2 communities in 2 counties and consistently deliver a very high level of quality fire and EMS service to the communities.

We hope to see you at this year's Fire District Meeting on March 15, at 7 PM, at the Winnisquam Regional High School Cafetorium.

Stephen M. Carrier, Chief

Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS