I just signed up for another run at Dist#4 Councilor. After thinking about this very hard for the last three weeks, I decided to once again run for the Dist 4 seat. I think it will be very important for someone with experience on the budgets to be able to handle a very tough upcoming budget process.
Services will no doubt be effected in the next budget and I plain on using my six years of knowledge to make the least amount of interruptions to core services. We all know the economy is still trying to find its way to some positive news and right now its tough for many. However, people expect certain services in a town our size and I believe I know where we could save some money.
Also, once again, we will need to find a new Town Administrator. I have had the chance to work with 3 Town administrators and 2 acting administrators and so I will be able to help select someone with experience and knowledge in municipal affairs.
I am asking for support of the people who live in District 4. I will need sign locations support so please let me know if I can have your support.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Talking Business
The latest buzz all around town is once again economic development and last night the town council and Derry's state reps got together to see how we can all communicate better to help bring business to our community! The meeting went well and some actions plans came from the meetings that I think will benefit all of us.
Last night I thought about something that hit me while sitting on the planning board while dealing with the Robert Frost Farm issue. You may of read that the planning board was dealing with land surrounding the Robert Frost where some owners wanting to change zoning to Commercial zoning and then the issues of where and what that does to the historical site!
We had many people making a stand but what I did learn was that people from all over the world will come to Derry to see the famous poets old homestead. We should be promoting this in our town a little bit better and getting to those people who do come to stay and spend money in our town!
These are just some of the little things we can be doing to attract business. Sometimes we over think and think too much about the big picture when in fact its these small things that are right in front of us that we are missing.
I'm sure others have good ideas that they want to share and here is a good forum to see what others are thinking and want to share.
Last night I thought about something that hit me while sitting on the planning board while dealing with the Robert Frost Farm issue. You may of read that the planning board was dealing with land surrounding the Robert Frost where some owners wanting to change zoning to Commercial zoning and then the issues of where and what that does to the historical site!
We had many people making a stand but what I did learn was that people from all over the world will come to Derry to see the famous poets old homestead. We should be promoting this in our town a little bit better and getting to those people who do come to stay and spend money in our town!
These are just some of the little things we can be doing to attract business. Sometimes we over think and think too much about the big picture when in fact its these small things that are right in front of us that we are missing.
I'm sure others have good ideas that they want to share and here is a good forum to see what others are thinking and want to share.
Friday, January 01, 2010
March Elections
I want to start by saying Happy New Year to everyone! I'm excited about a optimistic 2010. In the Chinese New Year, Its the year of the tiger! Chinese New Year starts around Feb 14th this year.
So to start off my New Year, I received a Google e-mail alert which came in because the Derry News wrote an article which stated that I had already made my decision NOT to run for Dist 4's Council seat. What I do not understand is that NO one from the Derry News called or e-mailed me to ask if I was running for re-election.
I immediately sent an e-mail to Bill Gilman, editor of the Derry News to tell him how irresponsible he and the paper were to print that without first checking with me. No response back from Mr.Gilman as of this posting.
I will say this.. I have not made up my mind as of yet and will be thinking about it over the next few weeks.. I have in the past said that I believe in term limits and that still holds true, however it doesn't have to be two terms, it could be three.
I will also try and become more active in the blog postings as they once were more frequent in the past and I would like to keep things going in a positive direction as much as possible. I do think that this current council has made strides in being more civil lately and I believe we have been able to get better results for the community. Not that everyone always agrees, however we do get to listen to both sides and think things through better without personal attacks for the most part.
I did also read that Mr.Newell will put his hat into the ring for a council seat this year. I will be interested to hear some of his ideas as to where he thinks the budgets direction we should go in for 2011.
Not sure if Councilor Carney has made up his mind yet if he will be running for re-election or Councilor Metts as well.
I would like to hear from you who you would like to see run for council. Anyone??
So to start off my New Year, I received a Google e-mail alert which came in because the Derry News wrote an article which stated that I had already made my decision NOT to run for Dist 4's Council seat. What I do not understand is that NO one from the Derry News called or e-mailed me to ask if I was running for re-election.
I immediately sent an e-mail to Bill Gilman, editor of the Derry News to tell him how irresponsible he and the paper were to print that without first checking with me. No response back from Mr.Gilman as of this posting.
I will say this.. I have not made up my mind as of yet and will be thinking about it over the next few weeks.. I have in the past said that I believe in term limits and that still holds true, however it doesn't have to be two terms, it could be three.
I will also try and become more active in the blog postings as they once were more frequent in the past and I would like to keep things going in a positive direction as much as possible. I do think that this current council has made strides in being more civil lately and I believe we have been able to get better results for the community. Not that everyone always agrees, however we do get to listen to both sides and think things through better without personal attacks for the most part.
I did also read that Mr.Newell will put his hat into the ring for a council seat this year. I will be interested to hear some of his ideas as to where he thinks the budgets direction we should go in for 2011.
Not sure if Councilor Carney has made up his mind yet if he will be running for re-election or Councilor Metts as well.
I would like to hear from you who you would like to see run for council. Anyone??
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Wishing all my blog readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Let me know what topics youd like to discuss!
Let me know what topics youd like to discuss!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Exit 4 A
The special meeting has some interesting debate over funding for the final EIS studies that are mandatory before going to the State and Feds for monies to make exit 4A a reality.
As a councilor who has been here for almost 6 years, I can tell you that I thought I knew most of the 4 A history and how it has become the single biggest political issue in Derry for well over 20 years and Just like the delaying of the widening of I93 because of legal stalling tactics, the projects end up costing us more in the long run. But lets stop for a second and really look at the issues and not the same old scare tactics the ADT group applies to grow their own ranks. I realize now that after a meeting with a Boston North representative and all the documents they possess and the town does not ( whole new story there) that I can say with certainty the following statements.
#1) The town has already obligated itself to spending $5 Million Dollars back in the late 80's by two prior Mayors and boards of selectman. There is documentation to prove this.
#2)Just because the total costs which is estimated to be around $30 million to complete the off ramp DOES NOT mean Derry will have to pay any more than its obligations. ( That is, IF no lawsuit comes up on the town for reneging on its obligation. Then in my opinion, we could be on the hook for a whole lot more.)
Lesson learned is Londonderry tries to back out and was sued and lost in a court of law which cost the Londonderry taxpayers an additional 1.5 Million in damages and told they must contribute their $5 million.
#3)The new exit will allow for Rte 102 downtown to escape heavy traffic burdens now and in the future. Projections for future growth in Derry and Auburn/Chester will effect the flow of traffic in our downtown.
#4) Southern NH Planning Commission has exit 4A as a high priority on its list. This is the regional planning board which is important to gaining fed dollars.
So, no matter how you slice it, whether or not you personally support or don't support 4A, it comes down to the fact that we are obligated to pay for this. We have not expended the 5 Million dollars and the last vote was for $600K which comes out of the total we owe to this project.
Lets stop kicking this political football around to scare townspeople and understand its not in our best interest to halt funding until we have reached our obligations because to do so would place a burden on the taxpayers of Derry.
And lastly, why some councilors were quick to criticize others for going to this meeting with Boston North is beyond me. 4 councilors went ( not 3 as the UL reported) Why would any councilor NOT want to go to see the full history, look at all the documents and make a judgement based on knowing the FULL story is beyond me.
Janet said in the meeting on the TIFF that she didn't do her homework when she voted for it and then voted against, why would she make the same mistake by not viewing the whole issue herself and follow Kevins lead by refusing to go? Only they can answer that question.
What are your thoughts on this subject?
As a councilor who has been here for almost 6 years, I can tell you that I thought I knew most of the 4 A history and how it has become the single biggest political issue in Derry for well over 20 years and Just like the delaying of the widening of I93 because of legal stalling tactics, the projects end up costing us more in the long run. But lets stop for a second and really look at the issues and not the same old scare tactics the ADT group applies to grow their own ranks. I realize now that after a meeting with a Boston North representative and all the documents they possess and the town does not ( whole new story there) that I can say with certainty the following statements.
#1) The town has already obligated itself to spending $5 Million Dollars back in the late 80's by two prior Mayors and boards of selectman. There is documentation to prove this.
#2)Just because the total costs which is estimated to be around $30 million to complete the off ramp DOES NOT mean Derry will have to pay any more than its obligations. ( That is, IF no lawsuit comes up on the town for reneging on its obligation. Then in my opinion, we could be on the hook for a whole lot more.)
Lesson learned is Londonderry tries to back out and was sued and lost in a court of law which cost the Londonderry taxpayers an additional 1.5 Million in damages and told they must contribute their $5 million.
#3)The new exit will allow for Rte 102 downtown to escape heavy traffic burdens now and in the future. Projections for future growth in Derry and Auburn/Chester will effect the flow of traffic in our downtown.
#4) Southern NH Planning Commission has exit 4A as a high priority on its list. This is the regional planning board which is important to gaining fed dollars.
So, no matter how you slice it, whether or not you personally support or don't support 4A, it comes down to the fact that we are obligated to pay for this. We have not expended the 5 Million dollars and the last vote was for $600K which comes out of the total we owe to this project.
Lets stop kicking this political football around to scare townspeople and understand its not in our best interest to halt funding until we have reached our obligations because to do so would place a burden on the taxpayers of Derry.
And lastly, why some councilors were quick to criticize others for going to this meeting with Boston North is beyond me. 4 councilors went ( not 3 as the UL reported) Why would any councilor NOT want to go to see the full history, look at all the documents and make a judgement based on knowing the FULL story is beyond me.
Janet said in the meeting on the TIFF that she didn't do her homework when she voted for it and then voted against, why would she make the same mistake by not viewing the whole issue herself and follow Kevins lead by refusing to go? Only they can answer that question.
What are your thoughts on this subject?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Derry Housing Market
The Derry Housing market is starting to come back! The above chart shows the inventory levels that we presently have today. A 5.8 Months supply is truly amazing from where it was over a year ago. The above chart shows inventory levels from 8/08 to 8/09.
Now, this in no way means that times are not tough but lets look at the facts. The housing market crash of 2006 led the demise of the economy. From there banks started having trouble, credit lines tightened, retail and hospitality services suffered and end results with unemployment being the last of tough times. Now we still need to create jobs in this country, what I would like to point out here is that the end is near for this recession. Housing had 6 months in a row of growth! Retail sales were unexpectedly high in Aug, and the Feds are saying its over in the papers.
This is good news for us! We need to stay positive and just like the new England weather, its bound to change for the better.
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