LaDaSun-Meredith election

[fatlazyless]

From page 8 of the Saturday Feb 3 Laconia Daily Sun, an article about the upcoming election in the Meredith selectboard. The Laconia Daily Sun does a terrific job of covering the local governmental issues; good writing, lots of details, various local boards and the LaDaSun is not on the internet. As a newspaper article on page 8, how many interested people get to read it? By starting a Winnipesaukee.com thread, it potentially can hang around from now till the election and many more interested people get to read it and comment.
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Juve and Flanders challenge incumbents on Meredith selectboard

By Ed Engler, The Laconia Daily Sun

MEREDITH - Bob Flanders and Richard Juve have decided to challenge incumbents Miller Lovett and Peter Miller for their seats on the Selectboard. A pair of three year terms will be up for election in March and the two candidates with the highest vote totals will be seated on the new board.
The filing deadline for 2007 passed last evening and the clerk's office reported that Flander's waited until the final day to throw his hat back into the ring. Miller long ago declared his intention to seek another term, while Lovett and Juve formally entered the race earlier this week.
Flanders previously served two terms on the board but was upset last year by 19 votes in his bid for a third. Newcomers Peter Brothers and Colette Worseman finished ahead of him. They both have two years remaining on their terms.
Juve ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the board in 2004, when Miller was elected for the first time.
The two incumbents are both retired college professors but they are far from a team, clashing often on matters that seemed more related to management style than anything. Miller has served as chairman of the board for the past year and Lovett has open expressed displeasure at the way his colleague has organized and run things.
Lovett, who had found little support for his ideas, won a one-year term on the board last March, when membership was expanded from the traditional three seats to five. The one-year term was made avalable in order to ensure that no more than two seats would ever come up for election in the same year.
Flanders owned a construction company that is now operated by his son. He remains active in the field doing consulting work and serving as the building code enforcement officer for the Town of Gilmanton. He is an alternate on the Planning Board and is currently chairman of the committee planning for renovations to the central fire station.
Juve is a retired business and school administrator who worked in just about every corner of the globe. He holds a Ph.D in economics from Rutgers University and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army reserves/special operations.
The fifth member of the current board is Frank Michel, whose term expires next year.
Mark Donahue filed for an open three-year term as Library Trustee. No one apparently wanted to be a Trustee of the Trust Funds so that position will be wide open for a write-in vote.

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Thankyou Laconia Daily Sun and Ed Engler.

Isn't the Meredith election held on the first tuesday evening in March at the community center, way late at night, after the town meeting?

If anyone wants to attend the next Selectboard's meeting which will be discussing the town budget, the town website says it will be held on Monday Feb 5 at 5:30, at the community center.

Not knowing much of anything about any of the candidates, I have absolutely no idea who to vote for. Out of the four candidates for the two three-year terms there will be two winners and two losers. Considering my property taxes have gone from $2800. to $10,000./year in the last three years, does it even make any real big differance who serves in the position of selectman. What's it matter.....have property taxes ever gone down?

I know, I know....the funding mechanism for all of NH's local gov, local school, state school, and county is determined at the state level, by the state legislature. But, it is budgeted, collected, and spent at the local level and that's where the select board comes in. So, whom to vote for.......huh?

So, there must be something worthwhile that I/we are getting for my ten thousand dollars/year that I/we were not getting for my two thousand eight hundred dollars.................right?

[fatlazyless]

I know...I know, everyone here has been holding their breath and awaiting for me to report on tonight's Meredith selectboard meeting to report how the four guys and one lady are hard-at-work keeping that budget free of any excess fat. Well, I decided to skip the meeting and go to a Pilates class instead. Hey, better to work on the abs and glutes, than to sit around for three hours in a very uncomfortable steel chair and listen to a group of old duffers as they posture and pontificate about the the money that Meredith will save by not having a receptionist at the new fancy-dancy community center. Plan B was to hire a receptionist for fewer than 28 hours/week and avoid a massive benefits package.

It would seem to me that all five current selectboard members plus the two new challengers in the March election are all very well qualified. So, it don't really matter who wins! Almost all of the Meredith budget is preordained, due to contractual obligations, so there will be very little budget trimming, anyway or anytime!

Both the new police station and new community center are done-deals and have mortgage bonds that must be paid. What's next? The new fire station and new aerial ladder truck.

Attention all Meredith property tax payers: Abandon all hope while living in Meredith! The time has past, it is too late. Just, bury the good silverware out in the backyard, somewhere, and hide your wallet. It's too late! Good night and good luck!

[Island Girl]

Ok FLL... so report on the Pilates class instead.. How many people go to a Pilates class in Meredith, in the dead of winter... or in WVV?

IG

[rrr]

actually I was hoping for film - of the Pilates class

[SIKSUKR]

FLL and Pilates .....hmmm.I know there's a joke in there somewhere!

[SAMIAM]

Oh.come on FLL....where's your civic spirit?....Hopefully you'll support the purchase of a helicopter for the MPD....and ,of course,the pilot will need full retirement,health and dental benefits.

[fatlazyless]

Here's a news report from today's Feb 6 Laconia Daily Sun covering last night's Meredith selectboard meeting. With two selectboard positions soon up for a vote, maybe this will be helpfull in learning something about the four candidates; challenger Robert Flanders, challenger Richard Juve, incumbent Miller Lovett, and incumbent Peter Miller.

Hey, isn't the LaDaSun a terrific little paper what with its' in-depth coverage on local government issues, and very compelling writing. It has lots of display and classified ads, plus it comes at my favorite price........it's FREE....just like this totally terrific website......winnipesaukee.com! Here's to another totally terrific thing........freedom of speech!

From the top of of page 1...
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Majority holds firm on proposed Meredith budget

By Michael Kitch
The Laconia Daily Sun

MEREDITH - The two dissenting selectmen - Miller Lovett and Colette Worseman - were echoed by residents who expressed concern at the pace of increased spending when the board held its public hearing on the budget last night. But, after listening patiently, the majority reaffirmed its budget without change, leaving the pair in the minority where they began.
The $12.3-million spending plan for 2007 is 6.08-percent higher than the one adopted for last year.
No sooner had chairman Peter Miller opened the hearing for public comment than Miller Lovett, who distributed a seven page memorandum entitled "The 2007 Budget Can Be Reduced!" before the hearing signaled that he would again seek to persuade his colleagues to reconsider and reduce the budget. "I do have comments to make, but I will reserve my comments and I'll go sit in the audience and speak as a citizen," declared Lovett, leaving the table.
Lovett bided his time during a discussion of the board's decision against making the front-desk position at the Community Center a full-time job, then stepped to the microphone where he announced he was "speaking as a private citizen" as his fellow selectman Frank Michel left the room.
Lovett said that the board had failed to study compensation and benefits, which represented the lion's share of the $706,408 increase in the budget. He said that because the board declined to address the rising payroll without a dialogue with employees "We haven't done our homework on a major piece of the budget," Lovett said. "It is a fatally flawed budget process and must be revisited." He said that he would propose reducing the budget by $100,000.
"My concern is the level of spending," agreed resident Bob Ambrose, who called the 6-percent increase in the budget "signifigant." He explained that the budget process began with the requests of department heads which were pared down by Town Manager Carol Ganfield, whose recommendations were in turn trimmed by the selectboard. "It seems to me that the selectmen are playing the whole game on defense." he said, asking if any consideration was given to beginning with a level funded budget and requiring department heads to justify any increases. " You should be putting things in instead of taking things out," Ambrose said.
When Richard Juve, a candidate for the Selectboard, joined the chorus, selectman muttered "it's candidates night already." Referring to the re-classification of nine positions included in the budget, Juve said "if your job classification is inadequate, change it" and asked what was the cost of the adjustments. Brenda Vittner, the town's financial wizard, came back with the answer of $20,290.
Meanwhile, David Sticht challenged the board's decision to set aside money for future projects in expendable trust funds. "Money should not be set aside without any definate plans for when it will be spent or for what," he said. "It should be in my savings accout earning interest for me, not in the town's saving account." He also questioned the decision to promote the planning director to community developement director and add a position in the Planning Department. Saying he had nothing but praise for Edgar, he remarked that"if he is so over-qualified for the job that we have to make a new one, then we can't afford him. He should go to Laconia or Concord."
Pat Mack was puzzled by the use of $750,000 from the fund balance to reduce the tax rate."Aren't we making the increase look lower by taking money out of our saving account?"she asked. Miller replied that without the use of fund balance, the $750,000 would have to be raised from taxpayers, moving Mack to wonder if it had not already been raised from taxpayers. Miller said that the fund balance consisted of "unanticipated revenues," referring to vehicle registrations fees and the like.
Once Miller closed the hearing, Lovett rejoined his colleagus and immediately moved to reconsider the "bottom-line" and was seconded by Worseman. "What is your motion? asked Miller impatiently, explaining that the board was reconsidering the budget. "Make a specific motion."
Lovett then moved to allow that Vint Choiniere, Director of Parks and Recreation, to transfer funds within his budget to fund a full-time front-desk position, and when no one seconded his motion turned to Miller to ask why the board was unwilling to make an adjustment that would not affect the budget.
"If we do it for one department, we'd have to do it for all departments." Miller snapped. "That's not the way this town works!" With that Lovett suggested the board simply authorize Choiniere's adjusted department budget incorporating the full-time postion."You're saying the same thing," said Brothers, who called for a vote, adding "this is a tactic Mr Lovett is using that is not productive." Finally Lovett, seconded by Worseman, moved to cut the budget by $125,000 and was outvoted by three-to-two.
When the board turned to vote on the budget itself, Miller remarked "this is an opportunity for the board to get on the same page and put a united front to the public."Worseman was quick to counter "sorry to disappoint you," while Lovett huffed "I'm voting no!"

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Thankyou Laconia Daily Sun and Michael Kitch.

[Weirs guy]

I'm with you FLL on the LaDaSun being superior to the craptackular Citizen. I'd even pay for the Sun over a free Citizen any day!

[fatlazyless]

From the top of page 5 in today's Wednesday Feb 7 LaDaSun, a letter from candidate Richard Juve.
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The Laconia Daily Sun - letters to the editor


Senior citizens in Meredith are entitled to some property tax relief

To the editor:

Higher taxes make the poor poorer in Meredith.
Monday evening three Selectmen voted to give us a general tax increase of over 6 percent. Miller Lovett and Colette Worsman, bless their hearts and my pocket, voted for a $125,000 reduction in the budget. They were outvoted by the big spenders who gave little consideration to the consequences of their decision.
Now how many of us have received or given ourselves a 6 percent wage increase. Not many. With global outsourcing we might be happy to just have a job. From what I've been led to believe we are experiencing more retirees moving to Meredith. With average annual medical insurance costs increasing at 10-15 percent a year they will be hard pressed to pay their mortgage and taxes. Big tax increases force some seniors to dig into their savings and turn to credit cards to pay their bills. Seniors are struggling in retirement to pay off loans they took out for a child and grandchild's college education.
Retirement should be a time to enjoy life, not worry about growing debt, and soaring health care costs. People are living longer and seniors subsist on fixed incomes. A high tax increase is an unexpected expense and seniors have no way to boost their incomes. A fat tax increase increases their overall debt load and puts them at risk.The Seniors in Meredith expect and deserve better.
A 6 percent tax increase does not bode well for Meredith's senior financial health. It contributes to unmanageable debt, forces seniors to seek bankruptcy-court protection and may nudge some others back into the work force. It raises rents in the town, discouraging young and older people to live elsewhere or move from the State. A booming stock market does not always boost the wealth of seniors on paper because they have their assets in conservative investments, such as certificates of deposits and bonds.
Rising property taxes are crushing to those on fixed incomes. I know couples that must live on Social Security payments of $1,800 a month. Another couple lives on $1,100 a month from pension and Social Security. These constitute limited incomes. Seniors and the very young are vulnerable to inflation and property tax increases. Some are refinancing their homes and cashing out their home equity. Others are taking out home equity loans and borrowing to create an income stream. Rising property taxes pose a serious threat to senior's financial well-being.
Unexpected high tax increases are a core problem in our town. In Meredith we are contributing to a financial crisis and a diminishing quality of life. We hear too much bravado from our chairman of the board about the 23 hours he spent on developing a municipal budget and too little concern for the senior citizen. The key to a good budget is setting budget priorities, stopping unnecessary or wasteful spending and generating greater revenues.
My congratulations to Mrs. Worsman and Dr. Lovett for their strong back bone and efforts in safeguarding our tax dollars. I'm optimistic that with another 23 hours of concerted work the chairman can cut another $100,000 out of the budget. Please do not sacrifice the future of our seniors. Afer all, the seniors in this robust community are entitled to some tax relief.

Richard G. Juve
Meredith
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Thankyou Laconia Daily Sun and candidate Richard Juve


According to the nice lady behind the counter at Meredith town hall, the election is scheduled for Tuesday March 13, from 7am - 7pm at the Community Center.

[fatlazyless]

Big news about the Meredith March 13 election in today's Tuesday Feb 13 LaDaSun. Three items: an article and two letters.

Most signifigantly, Peter Miller the current chairman of the selectboard has found it necessary to withdraw his name from the election due to a recent injury. He regrets that he will not be able to devote the time and energy needed to run for reelection and is endorsing Bob Flanders.

So, this means that now there will be three candidates; Lovett, Juve and Flanders who are running for the two three-year postions. It definately changes the dynamics of the race for reasons that I do not understand, but none the less, this definately makes some type of big differance, or something! In order to clarify this dynamics issue, I'd have to know what I am talking about, which I do not. So there, understand!

Peter Miller wrote a letter to the editor explaining why he is dropping out.

Richard Juve wrote a very lengthy letter about a wicked expensive school bus deal with First Student that was made by the school district with no shopping around, and everyone who has any brains knows that it always pays to shop around. Like, why pay $1.25 for a Coca Cola when you can get a Sam's for 25 cents that tastes the same........right!

And, the LaDaSun has an article on the front page about Peter Miller and his decision to drop out of the race.

If I get the time, I will copy two letters and one article later on, if anyone is interested.

" Local politicians may come and go, but property taxes just keep on a-going up & up & up, no matter what!" ... Franklin Pierce, 14th US President & native of Concord NH

[Sunrise Point]

I am a huge fan of the Laconia Daily Sun. FLL please keep the articles coming. I am a taxpayer in Meredith and a town employee (and taxpayer!) in MA. Budget discussions and decisions are always of interest to me.

[dpg]

How bout FLL running for the board in Meredith! He can make the town uniform a Wal Mart checkered Flannel!:eek: :laugh:

[fatlazyless]

from page 4 Laconia Daily Sun, Tuesday, February 13
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I must withdraw from selectman's race


To the editor,

It is with regret that I inform Meredith voters I must withdraw from the race for selectman for health reasons.
The week before Christmas, I suffered a bad fall while hiking with my dogs in the woods. Since then, I have been virtually unable to walk. I had assumed I could campaign and serve if re-elected while this problem was being diagnosed and treated.
However, while meeting with my doctor on Friday, I learned my orthopedic problems are more complicated than we first perceived. There may be multiple cause for my inability to walk, and I face a potentially long, difficult, and uncertain road to recovery.
For the sake of my health and my family, it is essential that I take a breather from public office after the completion of my term. I am no longer a candidate for re-election. I encourage voters to elect Bob Flanders my successor.
I greatly appreciate the trust that Meredith voters have placed in me these past three years. I have tried to give wise and dedicated service 100 percent of the time. It as been a very productive three years for our town, and I am gratefull I could help contribute to that. I am sad that I must step away from public office. If I can find my way back to good health, I will consider running for selectman in the future. Meanwhile, I will continue to serve on the Meredith Conservatuion Commission, as I have for the past seven years.

Peter Miller
Meredith

[fatlazyless]

...from page 19 of yesterday's Feb 15 LaDaSun

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Meet Meredith selectman candidates Wednesday night, February 28

MEREDITH - A candidate's night will be held on Wednesday, Feb 28, at 7p.m. at the Communty Center.
Three candidates, Bob Flanders, Richard Juve and Miller Lovett are running for two selectman positions. Peter Miller has wihdrawn due to health reasons.
Anyone who has any questions they would like to have asked should submit them to Town Manager Carol Granfield in writing or via e-mail at cgranfield@meredithnh.org. Lou Kahn will moderate the session which wll also be televised. For further information contact the town manager at 677-4205.
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thankyou Laconia Daily Sun

[fatlazyless]

To the three candidates,

On page 1 of the Feb 15 Laconia Daily Sun, there's the following advertisment.
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Meredith Voters

VOTE to delete "Cluster" from the Forestry and Conservation District section on the zoning ordinance.

"CLUSTER" gives developers a bonus of ten percent more building lots than are available through the use of conventional developement methods.

PROMOTION of development in the Forestry and Conservation District contradicts the stated use.

Paid for by Marc Abear
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I'm a Winnipesaukee waterfront Meredith voter and I have no idea how to vote. How do you suggest I vote and why?

Thanks for your service!

[fatlazyless]

Maybe this is a rewritten version of the ad above and maybe not? If it is then the two ads describing the same thing are not the same, or something. I wonder if both ads are aimed at the same referedum vote item? Any third year law school students out there who can translate?

Is there an armchair election ballot expert on board? What is this all about?

As Paul Harvey used to say, what is the rest of the story?

an advertisement from page 1 of the Feb 16 LaDaSun..........................................

Meredith Voters

Vote to change the minimum lot size in the Forestry and Conservation District from 10 acres minimum to 12 acres minimum.

As currently written, allowing 10 acre minimum lot size voids the possibility of current use because once the home site and driveway are subtracted from the total lot size making Current Use is no longer available to the property owner.

Vote to change the minimum lot size in the Forestry and Conservation District from 10 acres minimum to 12 acres minimum.

Paid for by Marc Abear

[fatlazyless]

Yesterday's LaDaSun had a paid political ad from Miller Lovett. Later on today sometime, I'll ad it to this post. Have not seen any poitical ads or letters to the editor from Bob Flanders and know almost nothing about the former selectman. In New Hampshire, there is now a large group of 'formers'. We have a relatively large number of former selectmen, former state reps, former state senators, former governor's councilors, & former US congressmen. What's exactly happening here, I'm not sure I understand?

Everywhere I go, to the laundramat, to the car repair, to the super market checkout, to the chairlift; I hear all the old folks just snapping nasty about their property taxes, big-time.

The Meredith 'Meet the Candidates' event is this coming Wednesday, Feb 28, 7pm at the Community Center. See post above for details about emaiing a question to the town manager.