Candia News

Sheep mauled in Candia incident

2008-07-02T13:09:00Z

BY TOBY HENRY

A High Street couple, horrified after a coyote attack on one of their sheep, said the run-in with the canine was the only predator attack they’ve had in more than 30 years of raising animals.

“It was terrible,” said Francis Huard. “There was no way to save (the sheep), really. We’ve seen coyotes out back once in a while, but nothing like this has ever happened before.”

Huard and his wife, Cindy, were at home around 7 p.m. on June 22 when Cindy said she noticed one of their two sheep was missing. Francis said the animals were loaned by a friend to help keep their grass down as an easy alternative to a mower, and typically the two stayed together as they roamed the property. “The other sheep was calling for it, looking for the other one, and we knew that was strange,” Francis said.

Cindy said she then saw a large coyote dart by, and she immediately feared the worst. She went outside to the rear of the house to investigate, and, to her shock, discovered the badly injured sheep.

The couple both said the animal’s back leg was badly chewed, and the animal attempted to move but could not stand up. They soon called the police, and they later asked officer Rick Langlois to shoot the suffering animal.

Cindy said the attack took place in broad daylight. Francis said that in years past, they had other sheep, turkeys and even cows that were never harmed, but he added that the two placid sheep probably seemed like an easy job for the coyote because no larger farm animals were around to intimidate a would-be predator.

“We’ve had cows out there with our sheep before and never had a problem, but cows are very big and they probably kept the coyotes away,” Francis said. “I’ve never seen one in broad daylight like that before, so it might have been pretty hungry.”

The Huards said the remaining sheep appeared upset after the traumatic event, and it was brought to the nearby Charmingfare Farm to be with the other animals behind the petting zoo’s heavy fencing. Police Chief Michael McGillen said the incident was an unusual one for Candia and warned that residents should keep a close watch on pets that venture outdoors and to also make sure that trash is stored in secure containers.

In New Hampshire, coyotes may be shot at any time of the year. According to online Fish & Game and animal control resources, most New Hampshire coyotes average about 35 pounds and the animals are increasingly being seen in suburban areas, such as Portsmouth.

New life for old library

2008-06-25T18:59:00Z

BY TOBY HENRY

There could be a new life in store for an old gift bestowed on the public decades ago by one of Candia’s most well-known historical figures. Selectmen Chairman Fred Kelley said it’s been many years since anyone has checked out a book from the old Smyth Library, a brick building off of High Street (Route 27). Although the nearly 80-year-old building is regarded as the first made specifically to function as the town’s public library, it has remained largely unused since the opening of the newer Smyth Public Library, about five years ago.

“Right now, it is pretty much only used to store the town’s voting booths,” Kelley said.

For many, the building is one of several symbols of the town’s heritage and it is also one of two gifts given to the town by the family of former state Gov. Frederick Smyth (1819-1899). Smyth also purchased and donated the town’s Civil War Monument, which was fully restored last year and still stands in its original place, across the street from the former library.

And like the statue, which was repaired last year, Kelley sees hope for a similar renovation for Smyth’s other architectural legacy. Although warrant articles to set aside restoration money for the building have been shot down by voters in past years, the building is now listed on state and national historical registers, and Kelley said a new committee will soon be taking a fresh look at what it would take to bring it up to modern standards.

Kelley said the building, if renovated, could alleviate the already crowded conditions in Town Hall by providing Town Clerk Christine Dupere with her own office. As it now stands, Kelley said, as much as $5,000 is spent every year on heating and maintaining the building even though it remains largely unused.

Kelley gave a rough estimate of $125,000 for the renovation job and said he’s eyeing a warrant article request for 2009.

Summer rec program cut

2008-06-25T18:57:00Z

BY TOBY HENRY

Candia officials say it could be the end of the road for the decades-old summer recreation program after rising fuel costs and a lean budget year made selectmen give the program the axe.

Selectmen Chairman Fred Kelley said the program, which had been budgeted at about $20,000, was not included in the final run-through of the budget approved by voters in March.

He said the cut was prompted in part by rising gasoline costs, and at the time, officials were budgeting for fuel with an expected price of about $3 per gallon.

Kelley pointed out that since then, fuel costs have risen even higher. As of June 21, most regular fuel in the Candia area was selling for close to $4 a gallon, while diesel approached $4.70. Kelley said there is no guarantee the program will be re-slated for next year due to the unpredictability of the current market.

“It’s hard to say, and with the economy the way it is, we don’t really know,” he said. “The price of a lot of things has gone out of sight, and no one in Candia has a lot of extra money.”

Former selectman James Brennan, who resigned from the board earlier this year due to a move to Manchester, said the loss of the program could mean a summer of little to do for the dozens of children who had been looking forward to the program.

Brennan said he attended the program himself at age 6, working his way up to a paid counselor position when he was in his teens and later becoming director.

Brennan said the program typically had around 75 children enrolled, but it peaked at about 120 during his years as director. The six-week program, which specialized in team games such as rounders, flag football and capture the flag, was expected to cost $275 this year, he said.

After signs became clear that the program was not going to continue this year, Brennan said he hoped to organize a similar program through the nearby Candia Youth Athletic Association. But he said this option never panned out because of concern over insurance and liability. “I tried my hardest to get the Candia Youth Athletic Association to pick up the ball, but I can’t blame them for not wanting to,” he said. “They were afraid of unseen liability and didn’t want to get sued ... so I can’t be upset with them.”

Ultimately, he said it will probably be up to voters to decide if the program returns or not.

“When the correct budget was not voted in, things had to be cut,” he said. “I can’t say if it will be back next year, but if it is I guarantee it will be like starting all over again.”

Liquid Planet opens to positive reviews

2008-06-11T19:32:00Z

BY TOBY HENRY

The June 7 free day at the Liquid Planet Water Park drew hundreds of residents to a new attraction that many local families say they’ll be coming back to.

“It’s small enough, it’s clean, and I think we’ll be going for the season pass,” said Rhonda Thyng, Candia School Board member and mother of four.

“It really killed me to see the lifeguards in the splash area with huge life preservers when the water was only, what, 2 feet deep or something like that?” said her husband, Clark. “But I guess it’s better to be too safe. The really good thing is that this is going to bring a lot of people to our town, and they’ll also be buying gas and eating in our restaurants.”

Rhonda and Clark Thyng were among the more than 500 people who turned out for the park’s official “dry run.” The official ribboncutting for the park’s first official opening day for the general public is Saturday, June 14.

On June 4, Candia Planning Board members told building inspector Bill Hallock and park owner Kevin Dumont that the occupancy permit for the park could be issued, and by the time of the June 7 free day, the town’s biggest seasonal attraction was more than 90 percent complete.

Some minor changes were made to the site in comparison with the site plan the Planning Board approved last year, but Hallock said these were due to ledge at the site, a common problem in many Candia construction projects. The position of the park’s two large water slides had to be changed from an east-west to a north-south orientation, and the main entrance building, originally designed straight, was built with a chevron-shape.

While a few landscaping touches still remained on June 7, residents appeared oblivious to the few bare patches of ground and instead focused their attention on the spray ground. Scores of children and adults gathered around the playground-type amusements as water shot in all directions, and numerous lifeguards and staff members could be observed supervising the scene throughout the day.

“Everything so far is great, and the staff is very attentive too,” said local mother Stacy McKissick, who went to the park with her 6-year-old daughter, Sarah. “She can meet up with her friends here, and the size of the crowd is just perfect.”

Nearby, Sarah seemed excited at the prospect of having a water park in her own hometown. “It’s great! I really like the big orange slide,” she said. “But when I went down the tube slide and landed in the pool, it was so cold!”

Local father Joe Vallaincourt agreed. “It’s really nice, very family- oriented,” he said. “So far, it seems very good.”

Nicole Ferron, a Candia mother, said the park’s modest size makes it relatively easy to keep track of her children, age 3 through 8, as they played at the spray ground.

“It’s so small that you really can see everything, and it seems like it is geared toward smaller kids,” she said.

Staff members across the park reported no major incidents that day, with the few issues being some older children who were issued warnings not to run and some disappointed younger children who did not meet the 4- foot minimum for the big slides. Dumont explained that because the splash-down pool itself is 4 feet deep, regulations dictate that the slide riders also have to be at least 4 feet tall.

Dumont said the park’s ribbon- cutting is scheduled for Friday, June 13, with the first official day of public admission to follow on June 14. The park will be open until Sept. 1, he said, and one new attraction might be added every year or two.

Parents, kids ready for Liquid Planet opening

2008-06-04T19:02:00Z

BY TOBY HENRY

Parents say their children are paying close attention to the opening of the new Liquid Planet Water Park as the deadline for a free locals-only day approaches.

“Assuming the weather is as nice as we’ve been having, I think we’ll be going,” said School Board Chairman Karen Smith, also the mother of twin eighthgrade students at the Henry Moore Elementary School.

“We’re psyched about the water park, and it sounds like it’s going to be very family oriented. We hope it does well.”

On Saturday, June 7, the family- owned water park that has been the subject of many public meetings for nearly three years and several months of construction will celebrate its grand opening with a free “Candia-only” day, said park president Kevin Dumont. On May 30, Dumont said that nearly the entire park was complete, with only some landscaping and other minor details remaining.

A number of local parents questioned over the past few weeks said they plan on taking advantage of the freebie as a test run to see if they’ll return to the park later this summer. Of the families questioned, all said their children are aware of the new attraction being built on Route 27, but most said that their pre-teens and younger children were more enthusiastic about the park than teenagers.

“They’re all very interested in it, but they like different parts of it,” said Rhonda Thyng, the mother of four children ages 5 through 12. “My oldest son already knows about the two waterslides, and my two youngest ones keep talking about the splash area.”

According to the plan OK’d by the Planning Board last year, the park will feature two 30-foot slides as a main attraction, along with a 25,000-gallon swimming pool. Dumont said the park will also boast New England’s largest “spray ground” -- a water-themed playground with amusements that shoot mist and water -- and this attraction is geared toward younger children.

Most parents said they had no overwhelming concerns about safety or other issues at the park, and some parents pointed out that Dumont’s relatively small park will make it easier to keep track of their children in the crowd.

After Saturday’s opening, Dumont the park will begin its regular seasonal operating schedule on June 14.

Candia firefighter charged with arson

2008-05-28T19:09:00Z

BY TOBY HENRY

Court documents say a 21-year-old local firefighter charged with two felony counts of arson admitted to police that he set the blaze which destroyed $125,000 worth of logging equipment.

Christopher Millspaugh, a Flint Road resident, was arrested and arraigned on May 21 following a weeklong investigation into the May 14 fire which destroyed logging equipment belonging to the Brookfield-based firm Moose Mountain Logging. At his arraignment, Millspaugh was released after posting $5,000 cash bail.

Fire Chief Rudy Cartier said Millspaugh had started his time with the Candia Volunteer Fire Department as a 14-year-old Fire Explorer, later becoming a fullfledged member at age 18.

The young man was placed on administrative leave shortly after his arrest, and Cartier said the entire department is “shocked and saddened” by the recent events.

Cartier said he met with Millspaugh briefly to explain the administrative leave process. “He seemed OK about it,” said Cartier. “I basically told him that we’ll wait and see what happens and how the process goes through. Everybody has kind of been in a state of shock over this. It’s not something you expect or want to happen. The department is kind of a big family ... and it’s nice to see everybody pulling together.”

According to police, two Candia officers reporting to the fire off Flint Road found Millspaugh, who lives nearby, in fire protective gear at the scene. Under questioning, Millspaugh allegedly told investigators that he could smell “the odor of burning plastic” shortly after coming home at about 12:15 a.m., and that he could see an “orange glow” coming from the woods.

Court documents state that there were early indicators that indicated the fire may have been arson, and the remains of what appeared to be a self-igniting road flare were found near one piece of burned equipment. Later that morning, investigators from the state Fire Marshal’s office investigated and determined the fires had probably been set intentionally.

An affidavit states that “Millspaugh had changed his account of how he found the fire” during a May 20 interview, and state investigators asked him to be honest about what had happened.

He allegedly then “provided a detailed confession” and admitted using road flares and rags to set the fires.

Officials said Millspaugh was in good standing as a firefighter at the time of his arrest and had no prior record. Shortly after the incident, Candia police said only one person appears to be involved and that the motive appeared to be the “excitement factor.”

Cartier said Millspaugh had a good record as an emergency responder. At only 16 years old, Millspaugh and Fire Explorer Jeff Gagnon tried to save the life of Candia resident Carolyn Carnright after her vehicle collided head-on with their school bus, and the two were later dubbed heroes for their attempt.

Millspaugh recalled the tragedy in a 2006 interview on the life-and-death risks faced by firefighters, and he said that responding to the scene of an injured friend, neighbor or fellow firefighter was one of the hardest aspects of the job. “But we are rescuers, and we get called to the scene to make things better,” he said, then age 19.

At the time, Millspaugh said he planned to pursue a career in firefighting, and praised in influence of Chief Cartier and the other experienced members of the department.

“Our chief (Rudy Cartier) is a really great guy, a huge influence, along with the rest of the department,” Millspaugh said. His hearing will continue on June 4.

Jesse Remington students host Colonial Faire

2008-05-21T18:22:00Z

BY TOBY HENRY

British Redcoats opened fire on local residents in an incident that many say will mark the beginning of a revolt of epic proportions.

This recreation of the historic Boston Massacre of 1770 was one of many historical events that was recreated in real life by local youth and staff members of Jesse Remington High School. The school’s Colonial Faire was the result of more than a month’s worth of research for dozens of students at the small private Christian school, and May 17th’s warm summertime weather provided the perfect backdrop of comfort for the many area residents who attended the event.

Among those who took part were JRHS student Zachariah Horton, 14, who played the role of famous “midnight rider” Paul Revere. Horton pointed out that although most Americans know Revere helped to raise the alarm against the British during the famous April 1775 ride, few are aware that he didn’t actually make it as far as he was supposed to.

“He was assigned to ride to Lexington and Concord to warn against the British troops, and he was also supposed to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming,” he said. “But between Lexington and Concord, he got captured by the British, and he later had to walk all the way back without his horse.”

Nearby, JRHS senior Jacob Cross took on the guise of frontiersman Daniel Boone and recreated a historic scene from the founding of Fort Watauga, which is in present day Tennessee.

The fort, built in 1775, helped to defend Colonial settlers from raids by Native Americans.

Cross said he had long been an admirer of early American settlers, adding that he had been looking forward to playing the part of his hero.

“When I was growing up, Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone were always my favorite characters,” he said. “I really wish I could have lived back then. It was an amazing time.”

While Colonial Americans figured prominently, other students also took on the role of British Redcoats, who remained loyal to the king, and JRHS professor Ray Cresswell adopted a Tutonic accent and stepped into the shoes of a famous German who played a role in “whipping the patriots into shape.” Cresswell portrayed Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a veteran German military figure who helped train Gen. George Washington’s troops at Valley Forge, Pa.

Cresswell said that without the famous baron, who was legendary for both his skill and his angry outbursts, it may well have taken much longer for the United States to rid itself of the oppressive British.

“Through the help of Benjamin Franklin, he got a position offered to him by Washington to train the troops, and he actually arrived here in New Hampshire, in Portsmouth, in 1777, before making his way to Valley Forge,” Cresswell said. “He whipped the American ‘rabble’ into a fine fighting unit.”

The Colonial Faire is one of a series of four historical re-creations that JRHS students perform annually. Other events in the series, which alternate each year, also focus on the Victorian era, medieval Europe and the American 20th century.

Candia sues to stop trucks on Route 27

2008-04-30T19:04:00Z

BY TOBY HENRY

Candia town officials said they plan to join a Raymond lawsuit against a gravel pit approved for an area of Route 27.

Last month, Raymond Planning Board officials approved a two-year extension on a gravel pit project for the Londonderry based Thibeault Corporation, which owns a 315-acre quarry on Route 27. An abutter’s group later called for a re-hearing, and when this was denied, abutter representative and attorney John Vetne took the case to local selectmen and asked for their support.

Vetne said the approval of the gravel pit means that an average of up to 150 trucks a day could access the gravel pit, and he said that 40 percent of this truck traffic would be coming through the Candia portion of Route 27. Selectmen Chairman Fred Kelley said a major influx of heavy trucks could give Route 27 the biggest traffic problems it has seen in many decades.

Route 27, sometimes known as old Route 101 or Business Route 101, was at one point the main route to New Hampshire’s coastal beaches. While Kelley said the town cannot control how this state-maintained road is used, he said a significant increase in traffic would still be a major concern because Route 27 will soon be the main roadway to a new town transfer station, a new district court and a seasonal water park.

Kelley said officials had turned the case over to town counsel for analysis and a recommendation.

Although no official decision had been made as of press time, Kelley said the town will likely file for “amicus,” or “friend of the court” status, in order to have access to information on the proceeding while being shielded from potential counter-lawsuits.

Chasse’s is back, but country store is up for sale once again

2008-04-09T19:43:00Z

BY TOBY HENRY

Patrick Chasse, like the small variety store near the Hooksett border that bears his name, is a survivor.

Although his store has been a literal “last stop” for cars headed out of town for some 40 years, the newly re-opened Chasse Variety on High Street almost became history this year. The 85-year-old Chasse said that after surviving a series of apparently unenthusiastic owners, the store he started in the 1960s stood vacant for about two years and came dangerously close to losing the “grandfathered” status that allows it to be open for business in the rural residential area.

But Chasse, who has survived a bout of cancer and a near-fatal bulldozer roll-over accident, said he still has hope for the family business he started in 1968 and later rebuilt in 1996 after the original store was destroyed in a fire. As deliverymen filled the once-empty store shelves, he said he is looking forward to selling the store in preparation for his final project.

Chasse, a professional mason for the past 60 years, said he plans to start a free school for masonry on his nearby property to pass on the lifetime of skills he’s learned. One of his trademark New England fireplaces adorns the store’s interior today, and he has built countless hundreds of others in many homes across the region over the past six decades.

“The house and the next lot, I bought that for $100 down and $10 a month back in 1959,” he said. “Try finding a deal like that now. I have been planning a school there for four years, free, for anyone 12 and up to come learn masonry. It is hard work. Not many people know how to do that anymore. That is something I want to do before I say ‘goodbye,’ you know.”

For the coming months, Chasse said he will be assisted in the store with daughter Yvonne while he awaits an opportunity to sell the store, but he admitted that he will also be busy answering scores of calls from the customers who continue to request more work from the longtime mason. As the word spreads about the store’s return, Yvonne and her father said they’re keeping busy greeting their returning store customers and letting people know that Chasse Variety is back.

“Due to what’s happened, we didn’t want to lease it out again, and this type of work isn’t for everyone,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of people coming in to shake my dad’s hand, and they all say ‘it’s good to see you back.’ It’s a nice feeling.”

Hooksett Banner editorial and letters to the editor for March 13, 2008

2008-03-16T18:29:00Z

Editorial: The vote was ‘no’

In town after town, the vote was no on so many items. The Auburn-Candia middle school, the Allenstown sewer bond, the Allenstown and Epsom town and school operating budgets ... virtually every money item in Allenstown.
We can only speculate on why the vote went as it did, but we would guess it’s the economy. People are worried for their jobs, prices are going up and the message they have sent is that they simply do not have any more to give. It’s bound to make some things, like road maintenance, cost far more to fix in the future, but that’s a problem that won’t be faced for another year or two or three.
In Candia, the vote was surprisingly strong against the new middle school. Money was undoubtedly an issue here, but so was local control. We think supporters should try again, and let Candia representatives have some say.

Wishing Michelle Bonsteel the best in her new job

To the Editor:
I want to wish Michelle Bonsteel the best of luck and I was saddened to see her leave.
I want to tell the residents of Hooksett a bit about Michelle. I moved to Hooksett in 1986 and have been involved in politics since then. She is the best code enforcement officer Hooksett has had since I moved here. When her resume came across our desk and I saw she worked in West Chester County, N.Y., and all were top-notch communities.
I hoped she was truly as good as she looked on paper. I am blessed because my husband is a native of West Chester County and many family members and friends live there. I called a dear friend who is a captain on a police force in one of the towns there and ask him to get references for me. They were stellar. Another councilor checked his sources in Laconia and they did not want her to leave.
But – and there is always a but – some of the men did not want to hire a woman and I just shake my head that in 2008 gender bias and racism still exist. One of the men remarked, ”Can you see her climbing up a ladder in a skirt and high heels?” I will say some of the Good ‘Ole Boys complained about her because she would not deviate from the law.
In the old days, a small town could operate on a handshake and you scratch my back and I will scratch yours. We are not a small town anymore and the world is too litigious to do handshakes.
Thank you, Michelle, for being the best, and I wish you great success.

Pat Rueppel
Town Councilor District 1, Hooksett

Thanks for understanding during this winter season

To the Editor:
First, I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding this winter season. We have seen an unprecedented amount of snow and I am grateful that we have been able to stay on top of it as well as we have.
Next, I would like to ask that you begin to prepare for what will probably be another flood season. Please make sure your culverts are clear. Also, find your storm drains outside your house and keep them clear. Check these every few days to remove any debris that may clog up the drains. This will help to keep things moving once the snow begins to melt.
Finally, I would like to let everyone know that we are doing everything we can to maintain roads in a safe condition. It is very difficult to keep potholes filled during the winter when traffic and the next storm’s plowing just empty them out a day or two later. We are planning work to begin on some of the worst roads as soon as the weather allows. I appreciate your patience and understanding and I ask that you continue to direct all questions to me or the Board of Selectmen.
Gordon Ellis
Road Agent
Epsom

Congratulations to all who worked on Epsom meetinghouse

To the Editor:
Preservationists around the country are applauding Epsom for saving one of our most valuable treasures, the Old Freewill Baptist Church Meetinghouse. The Friends of Epsom’s Historic Meetinghouse committee has worked for two years to relocate and preserve the one of the oldest buildings in town.
I am only the chairman of the committee; the real credit goes to our members. Each one has contributed in their own unique way.
Penny Graham, our treasurer, took over as secretary, and has done a tremendous job. She designed and presented the PowerPoint presentations at our public meetings and represented the committee at the BOS meetings. She filled out applications and applied for grants, recorded our minutes, made phone calls and researched Epsom’s history.
Bruce Graham, Penny’s husband, supported her as she spent so many late hours on this project. Bruce has spent many hours in committee meetings and has donated his time and the use of his equipment.
Harvey Harkness has been our spokesperson and presented our project at our public meetings. He set up the meetings with the NHDHR, and the NHPA. As president of Epsom’s Historic Association, he helped us to handle the finances. He and Ed Nutter met with Gov. Lynch, trying to get us his support. He also coordinated the excavation and foundation work done at the new site.
Sharon Burnston brought to our committee a wealth of historical preservation experience. She has given us invaluable input as we developed our strategy. Sharon is our PR person and writes our press releases.
Ed and Glenna Nutter and Phil and Charlie Yeaton gave us their years of wisdom as well as their financial support.
Even though George Carlson isn’t an official member, in the past year he has done as much work as we have. He has worked with the NHDOT, designed the topographical maps, engineered the blasting and excavation work, and he and his son, Dean Carlson, designed the foundation which was approved last year. George has agreed to be the project coordinator for phase two. He will be consulting with a preservation architect and administering the LCHIP grant.
I would also like to thank everyone who donated their time and talents, equipment and material. The total combined value equaled almost $100,000. The support from the many Epsom residents made an impossible task possible.
Receiving the grant from the Land Community and Heritage Investment Program was the icings on the cake. This grant will assure the town that the building will be restored, upgraded, and prepared for public use without the use of tax dollars. I thank the committee for the time and hard work that went in to the preparation of the application and the presentation to the LCHIP board of directors.
Congratulations on an excellent job.
Richard Frambach
Epsom
Chairman, FEHMC

I thank Joanne McHugh for her years of public service

To the Editor:
Many times it’s the people behind the scenes that make such a big difference. When you think about the good reputation of the Hooksett schools, you of course think about the teachers; they are on the front line making a difference. Administration also comes to mind; they keep everything running smoothly. Something you might not think about, however, is the School Board. For a small stipend, these individuals volunteer their time to keep the schools running and moving forward.
As with all positions, people come and go. Well we have one School Board member who came to us a long time ago, who just made her last appearance on the Hooksett School Board Tuesday night. Twenty-two years ago, Joanne McHugh won a position on the School Board and she has been there ever since.
I have only had the privilege of knowing Joanne for the last five years. I first met her while volunteering in a classroom when the School Board was visiting. It didn’t take me long to figure out that she was interested in everything to do with the Hooksett schools. I started seeing her popping up everywhere -- attending school events, at meetings and seminars, and I even saw her running the popcorn machine at Underhill.
Joanne served as chairperson of the board many times and I always found her to be a total professional, truly interested in the concerns of the public.
Joanne has often been referred to as the “historian.” When an issue would come up, she often had all the details about how it had to be dealt with many years ago.
Joanne’s favorite saying was a quote from our former superintendent, David R. Cawley. Whenever things got very complicated or heated, she would often say, “We have to think about what is best for the kids.” Seems simple, but often that’s what the discussion needed to get it back on track.
She is one person in school who does her homework. I lost count of how many three-inch three-ring binders she pulls out of her bag before each board meeting. Just in the time I have known her, I have seen her work on building a new school, remodeling a current school, hiring a superintendent or two, and dealing with issues ranging from “new math” to “white rice vs. brown rice.”
As a resident of Hooksett and a parent with three Hooksett students, I would like to thank Joanne for her many dedicated years of public service to the Hooksett school system.

David Pearl
Hooksett

A winter to forget – thanks for your patience

To the Editor:
Thank you for being patient. It has been a winter I would like to forget – 35 snowstorms and it is only the 1st of March. The Highway Department has 210 streets or 304 miles of road to plow, not including all town buildings; Town Hall, Station One, Court House, Library, Village School and the Safety Center. We also do all of the schools; this alone takes eight hours. We do all of this with 10 big plow trucks and a 1-ton.
The town also has 9 miles of sidewalks. We only plow 3.43 miles of the state sidewalks. The reason being if we were to plow all 9 miles, this would take us three weeks. We only have one sidewalk machine. Unfortunately, just like your driveways and walkways, we have no more room to push back snow banks but we are trying.
With 210 streets to plow and all of the corners and intersections that must be kept clean it is hard because we only have one backhoe and one loader. Please know that this will take time but we are out there every day pushing snow banks back, cleaning intersections and filling in potholes.
I just wanted to again thank you for your patience. If you do see a problem out there, please give us a call at 668-8019. Just a reminder that Route 3, Route 3A, Route 28, Route 27, Mammoth Road, Londonderry Turnpike By Pass 28, and Pleasant Street are state-maintained roadways, so if you should see a problem on one of those please feel free to contact the state.
Dale Hemeon
Hooksett Highway Manager

Let the market decideTo the Editor:
Congratulations, Gov. Lynch. You have now put more people out of work. Thank goodness we have such wise and learned politicians who know us so well that they can decide for us, since we don’t seem to know any better, that we are not smart enough to read a contract and understand it before we sign it.
If people are getting caught in a “debt trap,” it is because someone is making a bad decision without careful consideration. People learn from their mistakes. They should probably know better, but if the Democrats keep bailing people out of their bad decisions, they will never learn, and we will keep paying.
Let the market take care of people who made mistakes. People learn. They are smart. Stop telling us that we don’t know any better!

Joanne Randall
Epsom

Candia’s ‘no’ vote takes away Auburn’s choice on joint school

2008-03-12T19:09:00Z

BY JENN McDOWELL

Candia residents decided against the tuition agreement for a joint middle school with Auburn in a 278-766 vote.

The article for a $25 million bond will now come off Auburn’s warrant, being void.

Candia School Board Chairman Karen Smith said she was disappointed with the result, but that the School Board would continue to explore options to upgrade the Moore School.

“I frankly didn’t think the middle school vote was going to be so overwhelmingly against,” Smith said.

Last year, voters approved Candia’s portion of the engineering and design costs to draw up the plans for the 102,000-square-foot school, which included a high-school-sized gymnasium, serveral sports fields, extra class space, an upgraded media center and community spaces.

The plan was for Auburn to make the bond payments with Candia paying yearly for building and operating costs. Based on current enrollment, Auburn taxpayers would pay 62 percent of the building and operating costs and Candia the remaining 38 percent.

Candia School Board member Ingrid Byrd has been joined by other residents against the project from the beginning, saying it would take control away from Candia parents and school officials and that the town wasn’t ready for the tax increase the 20- year tuition agreement would bring.

“I think the major reason it didn’t go is because we have no control over anything at that school,” said selectmen Chairman Fred Kelley, adding the tuition agreeement did not allow Candia residents on the School Board for the new school.

The school was initially proposed to remedy program and facility shortfalls in both Auburn Village and Moore schools as well as projected enrollment jumps in the coming years.

Auburn, now facing the task of instituting public kindergarten by September, designated the existing technology education classrooms for two kindergarten classrooms.

In addition to the middle school, voters in Auburn would have to approve the costs to establish kindergarten.

The Candia School Board gained two new write-in members, Rhonda Thyng and Melissa Madden, after Smith was the sole candidate for one of three open seats following the filing period.

Voters also turned down a warrant article asking for $91,855 to purchase and install a generator at the Moore School, 484-527.

The School Board was triumphant in passing their proposed $7,486,408 operating budget with 697 approving and 302 voting against. The proposed budget was $39,753 less than the default.

On the town side, voters passed the proposed budget of $2,321,660 for 2008-09, a number Candia voters grappled over at the deliberative session in February.

The town also voted to keep the Budget Committee in place, 565-420, after tensions between the Budget Committee and the selectmen surfaced during budget deliberations.

The sale of a 12-acre parcel at Exit 3 for a grocery store also passed with voters, 692-320. Voters also agreed to raise $30,000 for the Candia Youth Athletic Association in a 581-445 vote.

Allenstown election results

2008-03-12T02:27:00Z

Allenstown School Candidates
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

School Board Member, for three years, vote for two
• Stedman Holton – 379
• Carl Shaefer – 424
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School District Clerk, for one year, vote for one
• (write-in)
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School District Treasurer, for one year, vote for one
• Henriette Girard – 564
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School District Moderator, for one year, vote for one
• Dennis Fowler – 542
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Voter turnout: 676
Registered voters: 2,720 Turnout: 25%

Allenstown School Warrants
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

Article 1: Shall the District vote to raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant article and other operations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $9,954,853? Should this article be defeated, the operating budget shall be $9,838,008, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the school district, or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only.
(Approval of the proposed School District budget will result in a projected $3.20 per $1,000 increase in the tax rate. Rejection of the proposed budget will result in a projected $2.80 per $1,000 increase in the tax rate under the Default Budget.)
Yes................................244     • No................................404
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Article 2: Shall the District vote to raise and appropriate the cost items set forth in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the Allenstown School Board and the Allenstown Paraprofessional Association for the 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, and the 2001/12 fiscal years which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits:
    Year 2008/09    $58,802
    Year 2009/10    $40,745
    Year 2010/11    $40,960
    Year 2011/12    $47,628
And further raise and appropriate the sum of $58,802 for the fiscal year, such sum representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation at current staffing levels paid in the prior fiscal year?
(Approval of the collective bargaining agreement will result in a projected .20 per $1,000 increase in the tax rate.)
Yes................................274     • No................................373
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Article 3: Shall the District vote to raise and appropriate the sum of up to $10,000 (from surplus) to be added to the Building Maintenance Trust Fund previously established, with such amount to be funded from the June 30, 2008, unreserved fund balance available for transfer on July 1, 2008?
Yes................................314     • No................................330
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Article 4: Shall the District vote to raise and appropriate the sum of up to $10,000 (from surplus) to be added to the Facilities Acquisition Capital Reserve Fund previously established, with such amount to be funded from the June 30, 2008, unreserved fund balance available for transfer on July 1, 2008?
Yes................................276     No................................368

Allenstown Town Candidates
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

Town Clerk, for one year, vote for one
• Diane Demers – 620
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Town Treasurer, for one year, vote for one
• Bernadette Lafond – 582
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Selectman, for three years, vote for one
Larry Anderson – 17
Thomas Irzyk – 111
Richard D. Keeley – 132
• Roger A. LaFleur – 199
Robert Lee – 21
Sandy McKenney – 154
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Sewer Commissioner, for three years, vote for one
• Charles Martel – 549
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Trustee of Trust Funds, for three years, vote for one
• Larry Anderson – 512
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Trustee of Trust Funds, for two years, vote for one
• (write-in)
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Trustee of Cemeteries Fund, for three years, vote for one
• Larry Anderson – 488
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Trustee of Cemeteries Fund, for two years, vote for one
• (write-in)
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Road Agent, for two years, vote for one
David H. Bouffard – 151
James Rodger – 128
• Chris Roy – 369
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Budget Committee, for three years, vote for four
• Larry Anderson – 365
• Stephanie Cheney – 436
• (write-in)
• (write-in)
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Budget Committee, for two years, vote for two
• (write-in)
• (write-in)
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Budget Committee, for one year, vote for one
• (write-in)
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Library Trustee, for three years, vote for one
• (write-in) Paul Coviello – 10
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Town Moderator, for one year, vote for one
• Dennis Fowler – 545
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Supervisor of the Checklist, for six years, vote for one
• Gabriel Daneault – 564

Allenstown Town Warrants
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

Zoning warrants:
Article 2: Amends the zoning ordinance regarding the size and location of utility sheds and greenhouses.
• Yes................................374     No................................269
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Article 3: Amends the zoning ordinance regarding the location of manufactured housing in a manufactured housing park.
• Yes................................460     No................................179
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Article 4: Amends the zoning ordinance regarding the size and placement of parking spaces.
• Yes................................446     No................................179
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Article 5: Amends the zoning ordinance to comply with requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Yes................................451     No................................167
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Town articles:
Article 6: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate $15 million for the purpose of financing the upgrade and improvements to the Suncook Wastewater Treatment Facility; to authorize the issuance of not more the $14,750,000 of bonds or notes in accordance with the provision of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA Chapter 33) and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon; furthermore to authorize the use of up to $250,000 from the Dec. 31 fund balance for this purpose (this amount is equivalent to the interest earned on bond proceeds transferred to the general fund on or before Dec. 31); and further to authorize the town of Allenstown to contract for and expend any federal and state aid available for the project or for which the project is or may be eligible so as to reduce the town's share of the total cost; and to take all other action necessary to carry out and complete this project. Repayment of the cost of this project will be shared by the town of Allenstown and town of Pembroke, whereby Pembroke will reimburse Allenstown for Pembroke's share of the cost, under the terms and conditions of the Intermunicipal Agreement between the town of Allenstown and the town of Pembroke for wastewater service, provided that, consistent with said agreement, revenue received from septage permits and fees by Allenstown shall be used to help offset the costs of septage processing and any excess revenues may be used to offset the costs of operation and maintenance of the SWTF or necessary upgrades of the SWTF. Thereafter, surplus revenue received from septage permits and fees shall be applied to payment of the cost of the bond. The town of Allenstown's share of the total cost is $7.2 million (48 percent). The town of Pembroke's share of the cost is $7.8 million. 60 percent ballot vote required. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................264     • No................................388
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Article 7: Shall the town of Allenstown raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein totaling $5,057, 964? Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $4,865,968, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the town of Allenstown or by law, or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13 X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operations budget only. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................272     • No................................370
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Article 8: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500 to be placed in the Police Computer Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................316     • No................................345
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Article 9: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500 to be placed in the Police Cruiser Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................280     • No................................381
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Article 10: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $6,000 to be placed in the Police Safety Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................304     • No................................352
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Article 11: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,000 to be placed in the Special Revenue DARE Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................313     • No................................341
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Article 12: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000 to be placed in the Public Safety Revolving Fund established under the provisions of RSA 31:95-h to be used specifically for the response by public safety services to a disaster declared by the Board of Selectmen.
Yes................................303     • No................................306
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Article 13: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $191,000 to be offset by 25 percent to be raised by taxation in the amount of $47,750 as the town's 25 percent matching funds and expend an additional $143,250 from the state of New Hampshire, 75 percent matching funds through the Hazard Mitigation Grant (Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management). Said funds to be used to reconstruct the Mount Delight Road culvert and associated planning, engineering and construction costs. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................268     • No................................353
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Article 14: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500 to be placed in the Town Safety Expendable Trust Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................236     • No................................376
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Article 15: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $20,000 to be placed in the Allenstown Fire Department Safety Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................268     • No................................353
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Article 16: To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen into a 10-year lease agreement for $450,000 to replace the Allenstown Fire Department's 1976 American LaFrance (Engine 2), 1981 American LaFrance (Engine 1) and 1960 tanker with a new 2,500-gallon pumper/tanker truck and to raise and appropriate $55,700 for the first year's payment for that purpose. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................250     • No................................375
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Article 17: To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a five-year lease agreement for $36,800 to purchase a skid steerer and raise and appropriate the sum of $8,293 for the first year's payment for that purpose. This lease agreement contains an escape clause. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................92     • No................................523
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Article 18: To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a five-year lease agreement for $83,900 to purchase a Highway Department loader and raise and appropriate the sum of $22,800 for the first year's payment for that purpose. This lease agreement contains an escape clause. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................238     • No................................382
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Article 19: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 to be placed in the Highway Garage Capital Reserve Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................292     • No................................325
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Article 20: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 to be placed in the Landfill Closure Capital Reserve Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................308     • No................................339
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Article 21: To see if the town will vote to change the purpose of the Town Hall Roof Capital Reserve Fund to the Town Hall Repairs, Maintenance and Renovation Capital Reserve Fund. (2/3 vote required) This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................405 (62%)     • No................................248 (38%)
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Article 22: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500 to be placed in the Recreation Capital Reserve Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................272     • No................................374
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Article 23: To see if the town will vote to create a Capital Reserve Fund to be known as the Library Facility Capital Reserve Fund, for the purpose of planning, engineering, repairing and maintaining the portico and other parts of the exterior of the Allenstown Library and further to raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000 to be placed in the fund and to name the Board of Trustees of the Allenstown Public Library as agents to expend. This article is not recommended by the Board of Selectmen but is recommended by the Budget Committee.
Yes................................227     • No................................420
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Article 24: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500 to be placed in the Old Allenstown Meeting House Capital Reserve Fund. This article is recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Yes................................221     • No................................424
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Article 25: To see if the town will vote to change the current method from electing a Road Agent for a term of three years to authorizing the Board of Selectmen to appoint a Road Agent annually, pursuant to RSA 231:62. The appointment of a Road Agent will commence at the end of the current elected term in 2010.
Yes................................253     • No................................390
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Article 26 (by petition): The flooding of the Suncook in 2006 and 2007 was very costly to the residents and taxpayers of Allenstown. It is widely believed that the dams along the Suncook, including the Webster Mill Dam, could have been a major contributor to the severity of flooding in our town. This dam is owned and controlled by the Algonquin Power Fund, a corporation based in Ontario, Canada. The N.H. Dept. of Environmental Services claims that it cannot force the current dam owners to operate the dam in any different manner which could better control flooding. Therefore, in the interest of more responsive and responsible dam operation, we urge the town of Allenstown to petition the state and NHDES Dam Management Bureau to arrange for authorization and control of this dam by the NHDES Dam Bureau, both in anticipation of a declared state of emergency as well as during a declared state of emergency in Allenstown. Furthermore, we declare that the town petition the state to procure such control by whatever means necessary, including but not limited to, revocation of the right to operate the dam, and/or the taking of the dam by means of eminent domain. This is to be done in the interest of public safety. If passed, the Board of Selectmen is hereby authorized and encouraged to petition our local state representatives, senators and the governor to pursue such agreements with the dam's owners.
• Yes................................494     No................................145

Epsom election results

2008-03-12T02:05:00Z

Epsom School Candidates
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

School Board Member, for three years, vote for two
• Michael S. Wiggett – 582
• (write-in)
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Voter turnout: 933
Registered voters: xxx Turnout: xxx%

Epsom School Warrants
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

Article 1: Shall the district vote to raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by the vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $8,071,443? Should this article be defeated, the operating budget shall be $7,904,002, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the school district, or by law, or the governing body my old one special meeting in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. Approval of the proposed school district budget will result in a project $1.25 per $1,000 increase in the tax rate. Rejection of the proposed budget will result in a projected 88 cent per $1,000 increase in the tax rate under the default budget. The School Board and the Budget Committee recommend approval.
Yes................................382     • No................................536
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Article 2: Shall the district vote to raise and appropriate the sum of up to $25,000 (from surplus) to be added to the Building Maintenance and Repair Trust Fund previously established, with such amount to be funded from the June 30, 2008, unreserved fun balance available for transfer n July 1, 2008. The School Board and the Budget Committee recommend approval.
• Yes................................570     No................................347
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Article 3: Shall the district vote to raise and appropriate the cost items set forth in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the Epsom School Board and the Epsom Support Staff Association for the 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 fiscal years, which calls for the following increase in salaries and benefits:
    Year 2008-09    $36,292
    Year 2009-10    $32,726
    Year 2010-11    $35,671
    Year 2011-12    $32,583
and further to raise and appropriate the sum of $36,292 for the 2008-09 fiscal year, such sum representing additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation at current staffing levels paid in the prior fiscal year? Approval of the collective bargaining agreement will result in a projected 8 cent per $1,000 increase in the tax rate.
• Yes................................482     No................................428
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Article 4: Shall the district vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $34,884 for the 2008-09 school year for the purpose of providing bus transportation to Epsom students attending Pembroke Academy? Approval of this article will result in a projected 8 cent per $1,000 increase in the tax rate.
Yes................................394     • No................................521
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Article 5: Shall the district vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $78,069 for removal of asbestos flooring and installation of replacement flooring at Epsom Central School? Approval of this article will result in a projected 17 cent per $1,000 increase in the tax rate.
• Yes................................467     No................................446

Epsom Town Candidates
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

Selectman, for one year, vote for one
• Keith Cota – 732
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Selectman, for two years, vote for one
• Robert H. Blodgett – 684
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Selectman, for three years, vote for one
• Joanne Randall – 703
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Treasurer, for one year, vote for one
• Paula Smith – 760
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Overseeer of Public Welfare, for one year, vote for one
• Lee Margosian-Bartlett – 727
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Trustee of Trust Funds, for three years, vote for one
• (write-in) Tim Harkness – 5
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Library trusteee, for three years, vote for one
• Cherylann Arvanitis – 743
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Planning Board, for three years, vote for two
• Philip Demeritt Jr. – 614
• John F. Hickey – 584
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Cemetery Trustee, for two years, vote for one
• (write-in) Gary Kitson – 7
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Cemetery Trustee, for three years, vote for one
• Carol McGuire – 690
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Budget Committee, for one year, vote for one
• Larry Yeaton – 704
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Budget Committee, for three years, vote for three
• Marylou J. LaFleur-Keane – 475
• Carol McGuire – 469
• David Fiorentino – 451
Greg (Whitey) Foss – 433
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Supervisor of the Checklist, for two years, vote for one
• Valerie Long – 733
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Supervisor of Checklist, for six years, vote for one
• Joshua Virgin – 436
Mary E. Frambach – 365

Epsom Town Warrants
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

By petition: Are you in favor of increasing the board of selectmen to five members? Majority vote required.
Yes................................275     • No................................495
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Article 1: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by the vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $2,882,220? Should the article be defeated, the operating budget shall be $2,469,882, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the town or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. Approval of the proposed town operating budget will result in a projected increase of $1.19 per $1,000 over the 2007 operating budget. The default budget will result in a projected increase of 28 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................304     • No................................601
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Article 2: In the event that Article 1, the operating budget, fails and the town received a default budget, shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $15,264 to pay the third annual payment of the four-year lease/purchase agreement for the Highway F550 truck? Majority vote required; this appropriation is in addition to the default operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 3 centers per $1,000.
• Yes................................645     No................................259
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Article 3: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $57,054 to pay six months' salary and benefits, and the cost of uniforms and equipment, for one additional full-time police officer and one additional full-time firefighter/paramedic? $4,500 would come from the Police Department part-time line of the approved operating budget and $52,554 would be raised through taxes. If this article passes, it would become part of the future operating default budgets. Majority vote required; the appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen, not recommended by the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 12 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................334     • No................................576
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Article 4: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate $82,815 for a one-time pay adjustment to the annual salary for all full-time fire and police personnel totaling $72,000 plus $10,815 for Social Security, Medicare and retirement? If this article passes, it would become part of future operating default budgets. The increase would be as follows: Police chief and two supervisors would receive $8,000 each and eight full-time employees would receive $6,000 each. Majority vote required; this appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen, not recommended by the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 18 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................367     • No................................539
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Article 5: Shall the town of Epsom vote to establish a capital reserve fund, per RSA 35:1 and 3, for the purpose of constructing, purchasing or renovating Town Offices and raise and appropriate the sum of $75,000 to be placed in this fund, and appoint the Board of Selectmen as agents to expend this fund? Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 16 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................288     • No................................617
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Article 6: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $150,000 to be added to the capital reserve fund previously established for the purpose of reconstruction and improvements to town roads? Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and it appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 33 cents per $1,000.
• Yes................................565     No................................352
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Article 7: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000 to be added to the capital reserve fund previously established for the purpose of bridge replacement and repair? Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 3 cents per $1,000.
• Yes................................604     No................................307
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Article 8: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000 to be added to the capital reserve fund previously established for the purpose of acquiring motorized vehicles and equipment for the Highway Department? Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 3 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................431    • No................................476
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Article 9: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $71,000 to construct a portable or permanent salt and sand shed by raising the sum of $39,000 from general taxation? The sum of $32,000 would be withdrawn from a previously established capital reserve fund for that purpose. Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 9 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................248     • No................................661
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Article 10: In the event that Article 9 does not pass, shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 to be added to the capital reserve fund previously established for the purpose of erecting a salt and sand storage shed for the Highway Department? Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 2 cents per $1,000.
• Yes................................547     No................................361
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Article 11: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $63,000 to prepare and pave the section of New Orchard Road from house number 584 to the Pittsfield town line that was reclaimed in 2006? Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 14 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................346    • No................................562
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Article 12: Shall the town of Epsom vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a long-term lease/purchase agreement in the amount of $70,398 payable over a term of four years at a rate of $17,600 per year, to purchase a backhoe-loader for the Highway Department, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $17,600 for the first year's payment, and authorize the withdrawal of $17,600 from the Capital Reserve Fund for Highway Vehicles and Equipment for that purpose? The lease does not contain an escape clause. If this article passes, the Highway Department rentals and leases line of the voted operating budget would be reduced by $17,600. 3/5 ballot vote required; this is a special warrant article. Recommended by the selectmen; not recommended by the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase $0 per $1,000.
Yes................................361     • No................................540
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Article 13: Shall the town of Epsom establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of purchasing land for a Highway Department facility, and raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 to be placed in this fund, and appoint the Board of Selectmen as agents to expend this fund? Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 11 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................274     • No................................631
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Article 14: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 for the Planning Board to hire a planner to review applications to the Planning Board prior to consideration by the board? Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 2 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................232     • No................................674
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Article 15: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $18,000 to purchase and install equipment to record and transmit meetings held at the Town Offices? This will be a nonlapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and will not lapse until the equipment is installed or by Dec. 31, 2011, whichever is sooner. Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 4 cents per $1,000.
Yes................................206     • No................................700
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Article 16: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500 for the installation of an electric meter and the purchase of materials for the beautification and maintenance of the Epsom Traffic Circle? Majority vote required; this is a special warrant article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen; not recommended by the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 0.3 cent per $1,000.
Yes................................260     • No................................652
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Article 17: Shall the town of Epsom raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000 to hire a webmaster to maintain the town's web site? Majority vote required; this appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Recommended by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. Estimated tax increase 0.2 cent per $1,000.
Yes................................351     • No................................547
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Article 18: Shall the town of Epsom vote to require that the numeric tally of votes by the Budget Committee and the Board of Selectmen relative to recommending the operating budget and special warrant articles be printed on the warrant? RSA 32:5, V-a. Majority vote required.
• Yes................................555     No................................316
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Article 19: To see if the town will vote to approve the following resolution to be forwarded to our state representatives, our state senator and our governor: Resolved: We, the citizens of Epsom, N.H., believe in a New Hampshire that is just and fair. The property tax has become unjust and unfair. We call on our state representatives, our state senator and our governor to have an open discussion covering all options, and adopt a revenue system that lowers property taxes.
• Yes................................659     No................................230
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Article 20: No invoice to the town of Epsom shall be privately made by a selectperson. By petition.
• Yes................................684     No................................181
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Article 21: All contracts for work needing to be done for the town of Epsom by an independent contractor will be cost-estimated for budget purposes. If the budget estimate is for $2,000 or more, then the job will be put out to bid by obtaining sealed bids from a minimum of two bidders. As to which bid is selected, the Board of Selectmen will open the bids and make their decision in a public meeting.
• Yes................................723     No................................171

Epsom Zoning Warrants
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

Article 1: Are in you favor of adopting an amendment to the Floodplain Ordinanc to comply with Naional Flood Insurance Program requirements? (Recommended by the Planniing Board)
• Yes................................665     No................................228
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Article 2: Are you in favor of adopting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances which would require a driveway to be located outside the minimum required setbacks from side and rear property lines, except the property line at which the property meets the road unless it is a shared driveway? (Recommended by the Planning Board)
Yes................................367     • No................................500
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Article 3: Are you in favor of adopting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to require junkyards to comply with the most current New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services' Best Management Practices for Salvage Yards? (Recommended by the Planning Board)
• Yes................................755     No................................138
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Article 4: Are you in favor of adopting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to permit intermally lit on-premise signs in the Commercial Zone, to provide that signs shall be measured by the face of the sign, and to limit signposts and/or decorative displays to one foot on either side of the sign and not more than three feet on the top?(Recommended by the Planning Board)
• Yes................................533     No................................343
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Article 5: Are you in favor of adopting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to prohibit building on Class 6 roads? (Recommended by the Planning Board)
Yes................................419     • No................................430

Pembroke election results

2008-03-12T01:43:00Z

Pembroke Town Candidates
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

Town Clerk, for one year, vote for one
• James F. Goff
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Treasurer, for one year, vote for one
• John B. Goff – 323
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Town Moderator, for two years, vote for one
• Thomas A. Petit – 299
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Selectmen, for three years, vote for two
• Larry J. Preston – 310
• (write-in) Justine “Tina” Courtemanche – 222
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Sewer Commission, for three years, vote for one
• Paulette A. Malo – 301
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Water Commission, for five years, vote for one
• Christopher R. Culberson – 302
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Library Trustee, for three years, vote for two
• Theresa M. Caplette – 261
• Patricia A. Fowler – 290
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Trust Fund Trustee, for three years, vote for one
• Gerard E. Fleury – 301
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Checklist Supervisor, for six years, vote for one
• Patricia Y. Crafts – 307
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Voter turnout: 335
Registered voters: 5,117 Turnout: 6.5%

Pembroke School Candidates
Unofficial returns, • denotes winner

School Board Member, for three years, vote for two
• Clint Hansen – 238
• Richard Mitchell – 277
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School Moderator, for one year, vote for one
• Tom Petit – 309
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• School District Clerk, for one year, vote for one
Cindy Menard – 309
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Treasurer, for one year, vote for one
• Peggy Topliff – 303

All seven Pembroke zoning warrants passed.