Pelham - Windham News | March 9, 2012 - 5 More Letters to our Editor continued from page 4 It is therefore important the moderator knows and follows


the relevant statutes. I have attended a number of statewide trainings for moderators. I have also learned a lot about the “art” of moderating by attending every annual school district meeting since I moved here in 1972 - except the 1976 meeting on the day my youngest son was born. (I think I get a pass on that one!)


I have attended statewide trainings on election procedures and I stay attentive to any changes in election statutes. When I worked as an Assistant Attorney General, I was often assigned to monitor elections throughout the state. I do not intend to add to the clutter of signs along our


roadways. Instead, if you would like substantive information about my qualifications, my work experience, and my history of service to the town, or information about the statutory duties of the School District Moderator, please go to my Website: www.bettydunn.com. If you have any questions, please contact me at EADunn30@aol.com. I trust that you will remember my proven record of reliable


performance as School District Moderator and I respectfully ask for your vote on March 13.


Elizabeth A. (Betty) Dunn - Windham


Dirty Politics in Windham Have Gone Too Far


I am compelled to write this letter to the editor to express my disgust for the dirty politics and display of hate that I have witnessed in the past few weeks. Te misguided actions taken by a candidate for public office attacking another candidate are inexcusable and completely unacceptable. Te impact of what has transpired leaves me with a sick feeling. We need our town leaders focused on getting the job done, not undermining others by implying things that simply are not true. Tese actions also discourage potential future candidates


from ever considering a run for public office in Windham for fear of repercussions. As in this case, even where accusations are unfounded, they could wreak havoc on a person’s livelihood. We have all either made the decision to stay in Windham


after growing up here or moved to this town because we saw so much possibility, but now some people are inserting personal agendas and harmful tactics which in no way benefit this community. When you approach the voting booth on Election Day, please remember why you invested in Windham. Vote for those that you believe will act responsibly toward the greater good and move forward with a positive vision for the future. Te best investment we can all make is to our community. We are in this together. Keep in mind this one reality, no one else cares about Windham except those of us that call it home. We need to make this work by working together, not against one another. Tere is no place in this town for what has happened. I


sincerely hope I never see this occur again. Tara Fitzgerald – Windham


Experience Counts, Re-elect Ross


McLeod and Roger Hohenberger Tere is no doubt that Windham is a desirable place to


live with all of our forests, ponds, parks, Canobie Lake, the Rail Trail and all of our unique shops and restaurants. Windham is truly one of southern New Hampshire’s gems. Windham has grown dramatically over the last 10 years and will continue to do so given our convenient access to Boston and Interstate 93. Te town’s growth and its interconnections with the surrounding communities are critical to maintaining our exceptional quality of life. It is for this reason that I strongly endorse Ross McLeod and Roger Hohenberger for re-election to the office of Selectman. Tese gentlemen have unparalleled experience in Town government, they are frugal and continuously research the details of issues that come before them. Tey ask intelligent questions and evaluate each issue on its own merits. Although I may not always agree with them, I know that any issue that comes before them has been completely and thoroughly vetted. Please join me in casting your ballot for Ross and Roger for Selectman so that we may continue to enjoy this wonderful town we call home.


Gary M. Garfield - Windham


Support Paul Terrien for Planning Board


I am glad to hear that Paul Terrien is running for the


Planning Board. I have known Paul and his wife, Carolyn, for over 30 years. Paul is a very nice and talented, hardworking professional who spent many years in foreign countries. He has an appreciation of the beauty and esthetics of the places he visited, and every time he came home from his trips, Paul and Carolyn would visit our farm. Paul would talk about how much he enjoyed coming back to Windham from his foreign assignments, and would always comment on the changes to our town and often remarked that he hoped Windham would never lose its culture and charm. I remember when they razed the old camp they were living in on Cobbetts Pond and built a new home. Paul was the designer and architect and Carolyn was the general contractor. Tey both worked closely for months with our Zoning and Planning Boards to get the job approved and completed. Paul has an outstanding ability to communicate, focus on challenges, thoroughly analyze problems and provide solutions. He has the experience and time to dedicate to keep Windham as the wonderful place we all know and love. He is fair minded, and would do a great job to balance the needs of our residents with the needs of our town. It is an easy decision for me to support Paul Terrien for the


Windham Planning Board and I hope that you will too. Rep. Mary Griffin – Windham


Terrien Has the Planning Experience Windham Needs


I have had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Terrien and


I share his vision for a strategic long term growth plan in the town of Windham. Paul has had firsthand experience with building his own home in Windham and obtaining all of the necessary permits, approvals and zoning permissions that go with it. His previous work experience involved a career in engineering and long term strategic planning as well as serving on various boards. During this time he developed the skills that will be invaluable as a member of the Planning Board in deciding the long term development of our town. Paul is the type of person that is an excellent listener, and strives to find a win-win solution. He will do the same when trying to balance an individual’s property rights against maintaining the town’s charm and character. Paul is a fellow Veteran who has served his country proudly and now wishes to serve his town with the same pride. Please join me in voting for Paul Terrien as a candidate for the Windham Planning Board.


Addison Hartmann – Windham McLeod for Selectmen


Te most important issue facing us in this year’s selectmen race is what kind of town politics we want for our town. Do we want Windham to become like Washington where the politics of personal destruction are the rules of the game or do we want to remain the small town community we have always


been? In the past week I have been slandered in anonymous blogs were it was stated that I have been disbarred for ethical reasons and that I should not be allowed to teach. (I have not been disbarred; I let my license lapse when I stopped practicing.) Tis anonymous attack came after I publicly supported Ross for selectmen. As bad as this attack was against an individual resident of town, the attack on Ross has been much more severe; they tried to get him fired from his job. Are these the people we want running our town? I do not socialize with Ross and only know him as a lawyer,


town volunteer, father and selectmen. On all fronts he has been a good man. He is extremely intelligent, generous with his time and money, and has always put the good of the town first. I have never had any reason to doubt his integrity or work ethic. I support him for those reasons. Tis year I am much more passionate in that support because some of the people who oppose Ross will ruin our town. I have a long history of being slightly opinionated on town matters and have had more than a few public fights. By and large almost all of these issues were argued on the merits. I believe 95 percent of all members currently on the boards, including candidate Roger Hohenberger, are great people with impeccable ethics. For instance I never agree with Roger politically, but I know he would never violate the public trust or play dirty politics, he is a man of integrity. Unfortunately there are many running for town and school offices who do not subscribe to those rules. Ross will always do what is best for the Town. I also know that Ross will respect those who disagree with him and would never play the games we have witnessed this week. Do we want to live in a town where we fear that publicly


expressing our views will result in personal attack and family stress? Or do we want to live in the small town where we all can feely get in the fight and know the game isn’t fixed. Ross has displayed the intelligence and integrity that has kept our town’s character positive, our taxes low, and he has done it without ever disrespecting or attacking those who oppose him. Let’s keep him in office and keep out those who want to see Windham looking like DC.


Michael Hatem - Windham


Endorsing Joanis for School Board We are writing to endorse Mike Joanis for School Board.


We have known Mike and his wife Wendy for over 30 years and have watched their family grow since moving to Windham 10 years ago. Mike has been an active participant in the education of his


three girls who now attend Windham High School, Middle School and Center School. He is familiar with all Windham school facilities and his experience as a fire protection engineer, who regularly works with architects and contractors, will be a great compliment to the skillset of our existing school board members. His work ethic and commitment was proven when he served on the WHS Building and Strategic Planning committees. Mike’s love of his children and our town has once again


motivated him to step up and serve all Windham children and all Windham tax payers. We hope you will join us in voting for Mike Joanis for School Board on Tuesday, March 13.


Jane and Bob Higgins – Windham


Bring Change to Windham, Vote Michelson for Moderator


It’s time for change … isn’t that what some of us voted


for four years ago? Its time for change in Windham! Kurt Michelson will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the position of moderator. He is a man of honor and trust. A man who has the courage to maintain the course in the midst of these challenging times in Windham. Vote for Kurt March 13.


Allen and Judy Johnson - Windham


Resident Has Confidence in McLeod


I am writing to enthusiastically


support Ross McLeod in his bid for reelection to the Board of Selectmen. I have known Ross for many years and am confident that he is on the board to serve the town’s interests and not those of some special interest. I have always known him to be open to citizen input, making sound judgments after weighing all the facts. His background as a lawyer, engineer, and long-time member of the Planning Board are invaluable. Ross’s goals for the Board of Selectmen are right on target: to preserve and strengthen Windham’s character while exercising fiscal responsibility. I have lived in Windham for 23 years and I believe that it is more important than ever to elect qualified and independent-minded selectmen. Please join me in voting for Ross McLeod.


Daphne Kenyon – Windham


Please Vote “Yes” on Articles 16 and 17 in Windham


I am respectfully requesting your


support in approving the two warrant articles listed below. Te first, Article 16, simply allows the town to accept a parcel of land at Spruce Pond with no cost to the town. Te second, Article 17, provides the funding necessary to build a multi use sports field that will be utilized by soccer, football and lacrosse. Te plan includes all site work including parking as well as installation of a new full size grass field (approximately 400 by 400) including irrigation. Funding for this field is $250,000. Te project has already been given material and construction donations at a value of $260,000 which does not include the value of the land that will be acquired with Article 16 being passed. Te tax impact associated with passage of these two articles is a one-time cost of about $40 per household. Tere will be little ongoing cost with regards to field upkeep and maintenance . As a coach being involved with all of these sports I am well aware of the shortage of available field space that we are faced with. I have held soccer practices on softball fields because of limited space, and we have all seen the over-crowding at Griffin Park. With the addition of the Windham Wolverines Football program with five new football and cheerleading squads we will require more field space than ever. I believe that all of our town’s youth should have


Registered Voters and Residents of Windham Endorsing


Ross McLeod For Selectman


A Record of Fiscal Responsibility and Standing Up for the Quality of Life of All Windham Residents


Joanne Ago


Gina Anderson Bruce Anderson Rob Andrews


Patricia Barstow Tom Barstow Holly Breton Mabel Brown


Stacey Bruzzese Diane Carpenter Alan Carpenter Margaret Case Tom Case


Robin & Paul Cino Barbara Coish Ruth Coole Bob Coole


Margaret Crisler Jon Colvin


Joe Connelly Christie Davis Debi Desrosiers Andy Desrosiers Kathleen DiFruscia


Bev & Tim Donovan Betty Dunn Neil Fallon


Michelle Farrell Ed Gallagher


Neelima Gogumalla Noreen Gallo Chris Gallo Lisa Haswell


Sue & Ken Hebert Mike Hatem Jane Higgins Bob Higgins John Hollinger Teresa Kahn


Judi & John Kelly Daphne Kenyon Don Kuehl


Beth Lippold Lee Maloney


Debbie Mackenzie Shalini Maripuri Beth McGuire Jim McGuire


Bill Merrill


LeeAnn Merrill Patti Michal Andy Michal Bruce Moeckel


Ellie Rouillard Bernie Rouillard Jennifer Simmons David Simmons Pat Skinner


Donna Zimmer Mollica Bob Skinner Karen Moltenbrey Jay Moltenbrey Wayne Morris Tracey Mulder Vanessa Nysten Patrick Nysten Heath Partington Tara Picciano Louise Peltz Claude Peltz


MaryAnn Pfeiffer Tony Pfeiffer


Ruth-Ellen Post Carol Pynn Amy Regan


Christine Rogers Mike Rogers Jason Rogers


Vote


Ross McLeod Selectman


Please cast your vote on March 13th at Windham High School. Polls open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Candidate Ross McLeod, 4 Nottingham Road, Windham, NH Fiscal Agent Ross McLeod


Kimberly A. Smith Mike Specian Deb St. Jean Ron St. Jean


Kristi St. Laurent Galen Stearns Laurie Sweetser Rick Sweetser Beth Talbott


Nancy & Roger Tullo Marcia Unger Lisa Vivinetto Carolyn Webber Stephanie Wimmer


Debby Yennaco-Peretz Glen Yergeau Elaine Yourtee Ed Yourtee


the available resources and field space to provide them with a safe place to play. Tis is our opportunity to provide that for them. Please join me on Tuesday March 13th and vote yes on both of these important articles. Tank you in advance for your support.


Cliff Marotta – Windham


Vote For Walter Kolodziej For Selectmen


Tis is a key election year for Windham and it is important


to vote for the person that will balance our needs while striving to keep our costs down. Walter Kolodziej is a fiscal conservative that will bring his responsible decision making skills to this important position. I encourage you to vote for responsible government, and


elect Mr. Kolodziej as one of our Selectman. Kevin McCarthy – Windham


Re-elect McLeod to the Windham Board of Selectmen


I would like to ask for your support as I seek election to a


second term as a member of the Windham Board of Selectmen. In 1997, my wife and I moved here with our young


children because of the character of the town and the good school system. Shortly thereafter, in 1999, I volunteered as an assistant coach with the Windham Soccer Association. Tat was the spark that ignited my drive for civic volunteerism. Since then I have had the true pleasure of working with many fantastic parents and volunteers, school teachers, and town employees as I have volunteered my time as a math tutor, ski chaperone, Planning Board member, Conservation Commission member, SAU withdrawal study committee member, and most recently, as a member of the Windham Board of Selectmen, where I have been able to draw upon my broad background in law, engineering, and business. I’ve spent considerable time learning about the needs and


desires of our community from many residents, businesses, and town and school employees. Upon consideration of the diverse views, I see that our greatest challenge is to protect and strengthen our Town’s character and desirability, which, in turn, drives our property values. While our homes currently have the highest average residential resale value in the State, we cannot take this for granted. To maintain their value, extra care must be given to anything that affects our property values. Specifically, we must protect our beautiful, unique resources such as Cobbett’s Pond and Canobie Lake, and carefully manage growth consistent with our Master Plan. What have I done and what do I feel are important goals?


1. Fiscal responsibility. Trough the Capital Improvements Program, we were able to construct a million-dollar salt shed and still provide responsible budgets that have been roughly flat. I continually support competitive bids for necessary expenditures so that we can be sure we are getting the most for our money. I also strongly support impact fees, including impact fees that have provided much-needed money to our schools over the years, for new development so that we – the existing taxpayers, are not shouldering the expense for needs required by others.


2. Open and accountable government. I consistently recuse myself from votes where I sense a conflict of interest, such as lights at Griffin Park and the Spruce Pond athletic field – because of my work with the Windham Soccer Association. Again, competitive bids are important.


3. Public safety. I strongly support our Police and Fire departments, so that our lives and property are protected by properly-staffed, well-trained, and well-run departments. As your Selectman, I will continue to bring independent thought and an open mind to the Board as I work with you to protect and enhance our quality of life. My goal, as always, is to act in the best interest of Windham to make and keep Windham a great place to live.


Tank you for your kind consideration. I urge you to make


your voice heard and ask for your vote on Tuesday, March 13. Ross McLeod - Windham


Supporting Scholz for Zoning Board


As the Chairman of the Windham Zoning Board of


Adjustment, I have enjoyed serving with Mike Scholz since he was appointed as an alternate in 2010. Mike’s approach to start as an alternate to learn about the functions of a ZBA has gained him an immeasurable amount of experience on the Board. Tis experience has prepared Mike to meet the challenges in serving as a full time member and more importantly representing the people of Windham. He attended nearly all of our meetings and workshops as well as conferences and lectures to further his knowledge of zoning and land-use regulations. Mike’s experience has been seen through his participation during testimony as well as on several applications when he was seated to replace regular members. His questions and comments have been insightful and proven to be valuable on many of our cases. Mike has become an astute and intelligent member of our Board. As a resident, I would like to see Mike elected to the ZBA.


I believe he will continue to provide the Board with impartial and selfless leadership and will give all applicants a fair and unbiased hearing. Please join me in voting for Mike Scholz to the Windham


Zoning Board of Adjustment on March 13. Tom Murray - Windham


In Support of Scholz and Tierney in Tis Election


I would like to voice my support for Mike Scholz and Jim


Tierney; both are Zoning Board of Adjustment alternates that have decided to run for election March 13. I have worked with both of these men over the past two years during nearly all of the board meetings. Both offer thoughtful consideration to the facts presented at the meeting without bias caused by outside influence. Tis allows them to render a fair and impartial decision that every citizen deserves. Tey have both put the time and effort in, attending on a regular basis despite not being able to sit on the board at every meeting, and deserve your consideration. In one word Mike Scholz is a thinker. His eagerness to learn the sometimes cryptic set of laws and rules that govern what the ZBA has been an asset to the board since day one. His attention to detail when discussing process and consistency is a valuable asset to both the Zoning Board and the Community Development Department. Jim Tierney’s experience as a building inspector and his general knowledge of land use applications not just in Windham but also in surrounding communities has become an invaluable asset to the board. Often Jim proactively corrects issues that may go unnoticed by some of the lesser trained eyes at the meeting. If you see either Mike Scholz or Jim Tierney campaigning


over the course of the next couple of weeks let them know they have been doing a good job. I hope that both will continue to help the board moving forward.


Heath Partington - Windham


Vote For Pam Skinner and Carolyn Webber on March 13


In addition to new applications for commercial and


residential development, your Planning Board has challenging and important major projects coming up this year, including (1) the review and potential revamping of the town’s Site Plan


continued to page 6 - Letters to our Editor


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