Notes (2016)

  • Gone from where both the Nashua Telegraph and Union Leader criticized the Amherst Board of Selectman to one where all of the press knows they can ask a question and get an honest answer
  • Transitioned from when the voters defeated the operating budget and warrants due to a distrust of the Board of Selectman to one where our budget and warrants pass by a 2 to 1 (or greater) margin
  • Transitioned from a "what do you want" to a "how can we help you" mentality
  • Employees feel positive about working for the town and are excited about the direction the town has taken / is going.
  • Have avoided press firestorms despite opportunities - Webster, Reserve Deployment
  • Significant improvement in Community Development, Finance and Recreation.
  • Fire / Rescue and DPW are moving in a positive direction
  • All board members have equal input
  • Decisions are discussed and made at board meetings - not by a few selectmen outside the meetings
  • Have avoided having the Board of Selectman become partisan (Hassan & Pipeline)
  • Being a board member needs to be (and continue to be) about maximizing stakeholder value
  • Thorough and open process with expert input to evaluate Fire / Rescue and the DPW
  • Initiated annual Strategic Planning across all departments
  • Had the legislature / governor pass a law to allow reimbursement of the Old Manchester Road Bridge