By SARAH LEBRUN

Dunbarton resident and selectmen Chairman Les Hammond was recently elected and sworn in as a Merrimack County commissioner on July 6.

Hammond will fill the remainder of JD Colcord’s term. Colcord stepped down as commissioner after six years in office. Hammond’s term will end in January 2011.

“County government is run very professionally with very dedicated employees, and I am looking forward enthusiastically to working with all 700 county employees to continue providing county services,” said Hammond.

When Hammond saw a notice in the paper that the county was accepting resumes and letters of interest to fill this position, he decided to throw his hat into the ring.

State Rep. Stephen Shurtleff at state, a friend of Hammond, then nominated him.

According to Hammond, the Republican and Democratic parties each nominated a candidate. The Republican candidate pulled out, and Hammond was left to run against another Democrat. Hammond is a lifelong resident of Dunbarton and has served as a selectman for 16 years. Prior to that, he was the town moderator for 14 years.

He also worked for the state of New Hampshire for 14 years.

“I was in charge of financial planning, accounting, audits, computers – all the management activities,” said Hammond.

He also owns a small business for 23 years, Great Meadow Enterprises, a land excavation and development company.

“I have a pretty comprehensive financial background,” said Hammond.

Hammond is one of three Merrimack County commissioners. The other two commissioners are Leo Bernier of Concord and Elizabeth Blanchard of Penacook.

For questions or concerns about county government, residents can call Hammond at home at 774-4026, or at the county offices at 228-0331.