My Thoughts and Positions

I have been observing the pace of development in town with sadness. In my opinion, rural character is more than a row of trees screening a development. Based on our Master Plan survey, our residents strongly desire to preserve our rural town and its historic nature for future generations. I want to see the Select Board take this up as a priority.

I have several achievements as a citizen and as a member of HollisWatch.com. Over the last few years, I have worked to pass zoning amendments limiting high density development in town. I have worked with our State Representatives to oppose and defeat Housing Bills pushed by the development lobby including assisting in drafting amendments to preserve local control. (HB586 2021, SB400 2022) In addition I have assisted in successfully defeating two high density development proposals on Silver Lake Rd. 

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I have also worked with the Conservation Commission to pass an article dedicating 100% the Land Use Change tax to land conservation. I am proud to know that my efforts contributed to the conservation of more than 300 acres of land here in Hollis over the last 18 months.  

In addition, I have taken the state training course on planning and zoning. Over the years, I have studied land use law intensely and testified in many cases. I work to ensure that my knowledge of land use law and NH municipal government grows daily, and I intend to continue to work toward expertise in those subjects. 

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Finally, this year I have worked on two zoning amendments which I need voter’s help to pass. These amendments will improve the quality of life for Hollis residents. For More information on this year’s zoning ballot visit HollisWatch.com

1. High Density Development 

Over the last five years two hundred and thirty-seven (237) new residences have been added in town. Much of this growth is due to high density development. These developments are adding traffic and consuming resources at a rapid rate. 

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2. Tax increases 

The building boom is driving demand for more services and is driving increasing tax bills. It may soon result in needs for large capital expenses. This year’s warrant includes an article to add four new first responders. Costs like this will continue in perpetuity

1 High Density Development 

I will work to ensure that our Select Board exercises its influence at the New Hampshire Municipal Association. This organization’s role is to lobby for the interests of towns like ours in Concord. I will support appointments of residents to our Planning and Zoning Boards who will work to protect our town and who will exercise maximum local control of our land use by amending our zoning ordinances in response to changes at the state level. 

2 Tax Growth 

I worked as a resident to help direct 100% of Land Use Change Tax (LUCT) towards conservation. The cost of providing services to residential development far outweighs the costs of purchasing and conserving land, particularly with LUCT.  Over the last 18 months alone over 300 Acres of land has been conserved. This conservation not only protects our natural resources and wildlife, but it prevents costly growth in our tax bills by preventing large increases in budgets for schools, fire and other town services. This benefit not only affects recurring yearly budgets, but managing development prevents costly capitol expenses like expansions to the  school buildings or police and fire facilities. 

In addition to managing growth, I would work to see that the town's unassigned fund balance is used every year to offset tax liability. It seems that the town unassigned fund accumulates approximately 1 million dollars each year. In some cases, this is due to unexpected revenue such as the sale of tax deeded property. In some cases, the funds accrue due to unfilled positions for budgeted employees. I would like to see that funds in excess of those needed to maintain the town's top bond rating be used each year to offset tax liability.

Hollis government is run by volunteers. There are many boards and committees in town which provide guidance and direction on important matters. It is critical that there is a broad base of volunteers in these roles. Approximately three quarters of our residents are wage earners and commute to work. I will work to recruit and appoint residents to town boards who represent working families and commuters. I will also work to broaden the base of volunteers so that a single person is not serving multiple roles. It is not wise to allow the authority of town government to accumulate this way. Even on this year’s ballot we see volunteers running for elected roles while already serving in other roles on important town committees and school boards. Although these volunteers are fine servants of the town, it is best if each role is filled by an official solely dedicated to its purpose.  

Transparency is critical to trust in Government. My concrete proposals to improve transparency include, increasing the time that Select Board agendas and material is available to the public prior to meetings. In addition, I will advocate for proper complete minutes to be taken, even during non-public sessions. Finally, I will ensure that non-public meetings do not stray from the limited exemptions which our state “Right to Know” law allows

I have attended nearly all planning meetings for the last five years. It seems the board’s interpretations of the ordinance and regulations often favor the interests of developers over the interests of town residents. I want to ensure that the town allows, considers and acts upon public input to the maximum extent permitted by statute.

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The Select Board is intended to carry out the wishes of the voters. Political power in New Hampshire towns begins with the voters at town meeting and it is delegated to the Select Board so they may act only in areas defined in statute or specified by a town meeting warrant article. I will be sure that this hierarchy is understood and followed. I will advocate for positions that protect and defend Hollis's resources and the interests of its residents.  No Select Board member can act alone. I will rely on the volunteers, voters, and other Select Board members to build consensus and ensure the protection of Hollis interests and the preservation of its advantages as others in the past have done for our benefit

I live in Hollis in large part because of the excellent school system. When I chose to relocate from New York, I did extensive research on many other locations in the Northeast. I chose to move to Hollis because the schools were rated number two in the state at the time and the quality of life here in rural NH far surpassed other locations. Although not part of my role as Selectman, it is my desire as a parent and a resident that Hollis schools be number one in the state.

Free speech is a core freedom. Recently, I have seen a push to weaken this important right. I endorse this maxim attributed to French philosopher Voltaire, “I wholly disapprove of what you say and will defend to the death your right to say it.” A direct democracy such as ours requires that residents be free to speak their minds and share their thoughts.  Considering these ideas, I have organized an information session for petitioners of warrant articles and zoning amendments. I did this despite the fact that I do not support all of the petitions because to me the process of democracy is important, as is the fundamental right of free speech.

It would be my great honor to serve as your Selectman. I am driven to service by a desire to make positive contributions to our town. I understand that the benefits we enjoy as residents are the result of the hard work and sacrifice of those who came before us. I want to put my talents to best use providing leadership for Hollis.