Westminster Hay, an Oakmont graduate, enters race for seat on Board of Selectmen
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

Nick Hay, not Ken Burstall, will take on former Selectman Preston Baker in the upcoming town election for a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

Hay and Baker are running for the seat that Lorraine Emerson currently holds. Emerson has decided not to run for a third term.

The 26-year-old Oakmont graduate said he is hoping to give a burst of energy and new perspective to the Board of Selectmen and help generate new ideas to solve a series of problems affecting the town.

"My experience in politics is limited but my energy and ability to listen and learn is something that I take great pride in," he said in an announcement.

Burstall sought the nomination for the position at the town caucus in March and did not receive it. Baker received the nomination. Hey turned in nomination papers with the needed signatures to seek the office.

Hay said he would like to focus on issues such as balancing development and preservation, by taking advantage of the Westminster's location but not allowing development to destroy the town's character. "A well conceived zoning ordinance will enable many zoning issues to be resolved collectively by the townspeople instead of by the few persons on a municipal board," he said.

He said it is also important to concentrate on creating affordable housing for both younger residents and the elderly.

"With the continued rise in property tax we are burdening our residents on fixed incomes. These are also the people that add tremendously to our small town community," he said. "Although the state offers some relief, it is not enough. All possible solutions for tax relief should be explored."

Hay thinks it's important to try to help get businesses into the two established business parks to help with the tax base when the landfill closes in 10 years.

"Attracting new tenants will not be easy but it would be in Westminster's best interest to be proactive," he said. "Their locations to rail for one and major highways make them prime properties for future industrial expansion westward."

He also would like to see a long-term option developed for housing the police and fire departments, which are growing out their existing structure. Hey would also like to develop the Crocker Pond Recreation area, noting that new athletic fields care critical.

Hay said he is "strongly pro school" but noted the education budget must take into account the town finances. "As a selectman it will be important to work with our state representative and senator to get all the funding we deserve," he said.

The annual town election is Tuesday, April 24, at Westminster Elementary School.