ASHBY WESTMINSTER

Preston Baker

The two candidates running for the Board of Selectmen were asked to answer these four questions in 200 words or less as a way to give the residents a chance to hear their points of view as the election draws closer. The election is Tuesday, April 24, and the polls will be open at Westminster Elementary School from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What do you feel the role of a selectman is in leading the town and serving his/her constituents?

The goal of any selectman should be to become that of an educated decision-maker on any issue that comes before the board for consideration, whether that decision deals with a financial issue or a personnel matter. The role of a selectman should invariably involve obtaining information from the Advisory Board, the School Committee, town department heads, or other individual citizen groups. It is important that a selectman be willing to communicate with others in an effort to acquire as much knowledge as he/she can on any issue that may be before the board. It is also imperative that any decision be deliberated upon in an impartial manner with an eye toward what is best for the town of Westminster. The interests of any particular business or any certain group should never be placed above what is in the best interests of the town and all its residents.

Nicholas Hay

The Board of Selectmen performs the duties similar to that of a CEO of a large corporation. It is charged with responding to the needs of the town both present and longterm. The board works closely with the town coordinator to oversee the day-to-day operations of the town with an eye to the future needs of the town both financially and quality of life.

The Board of Selectmen, as the highest elected officers of the town, have the responsibility for the common good of all the residents of Westminster with sensitivity to the needs of the elderly and youth of Westminster.

One of the catch phrases in town right now is "preserving the local character." What is this character and as a selectman what can you do to preserve it?

My idea of the character of a "small town" is likely not much different than any person who grew up in a small New England town. I think of a downtown area with tree-lined streets and colonial style homes mixed with quaint stores and shops that serve the needs of the townspeople. I also think of outlying areas where people walk their land and enjoy the peace and solitude of a rural community. People are always there to help one another. The current dilemma that faces most small towns is the task of "preserving the local character" without placing an unreasonable tax burden on its residents. I favor an expansion of our industrial tax base. Without intending to offend any business by its omission here, Westminster has several large industrial partners, including Tyco/Simplex, Aubuchon Hardware, Raynor, and Pinetre Power Plant. We also have many fine businesses and quality restaurants that provide valuable tax revenues to the town in a manner in keeping with our local flavor. I feel that an expansion of our industrial tax base is much more consistent with maintaining our small town character than an open invitation to large retail box stores/mall sprawl, which would drastically alter the quiet rural character and quality of life of Westminster.

I believe the character of Westminster is that of a small New England town, always aware of its history. To continue this atmosphere I believe requires strong participation by its citizens. We must balance the small town atmosphere along with planning in order to keep it affordable for all.

What do you think the major issues facing the town are and if you are elected to the Board of Selectmen what will your role be in resolving those issues?

I believe that one major issue is stated in my answer to Question 2 involving the preservation of our local character while meeting the financial needs of operating the town. I think the board should be proactive in soliciting industrial business growth in the Industrial Park off Batherick Road and on Route 31 adjacent to the Pinetree Power Plant. I believe an investment in the upgrade of the town Web site would be dollars well worth the investment. Westminster should showcase what it has to offer.

Another important issue is the delicate balance between providing town services and the contribution to the regional school system needed to maintain a quality education for our children. Society has an obligation to educate its young and to provide for its elderly. I was the recipient of a fine education in our school system. I believe that this school system both enhances the property values in town and the quality of life of its students and their families. When any school override issue comes before the town, I believe that it will be my job to weigh the importance of that education in light of the then existing financial condition of the town and with a sensitivity to the many residents who are on fixed incomes.

One major issue that needs to be addressed is the use of the income from the landfill. We must use this money for any infrastructure updating and saving for the future. We do not want to use this income for our operating budgets or we may find ourselves with a large tax increase just as some other towns have. I would work to control the spending so this is not a burden in the future.

The town has moved forward with recreation through the purchase of the Crocker Pond Area, which I am proud to say I was very involved with the negotiations to purchase it. We still need to get some additional ball fields and recreation areas for our residents.

Another large unresolved issue is how to assist the elderly of Westminster to be able to afford to stay in this town, without having to sell out and move away from the town they helped to build. Why are you running for the Board of Selectmen?

I have been a resident of this town for my entire life, and I have been fortunate enough to have many people that I consider true friends and a great family. I feel that my personal experiences and countless conversations with the townspeople have provided me with insight as to the issues that are the most important to the town residents. I have abundant energy and I am willing to work extremely hard to listen to people's ideas/concerns and to educate myself in order to best serve our town. While I have no doubt that my opponent Mr. Baker could serve very capably as a selectman if elected, I think that it is extremely important to any organization, whether it be a corporation or a city/town, that new people be called to serve in positions of leadership. This tends to promote the presentation of fresh ideas and approaches, the cultivation of different relationships, providing of alternate viewpoints, and the infusion of new energy. I believe that my candidacy offers this, and it is the reason that I am running for election as a selectman of the town of Westminster.

The reason I am running again for the Board of Selectmen is the same as the past. I do not come with any agenda or special interest groups. I look to serve the town as in the past with common sense and good judgment. I believe I have the same strong interest in the future of Westminster as my family has had for over 250 years. Biography Age: 26 Education: Oakmont Regional, Class of 2000

Attended Unity College in Maine

for one year

Family: Father - James "Rick" Hay

Mother- Joan V. Hay Sister - Alison J. Hay Age: 61 Education: Four years of college Experience: 20 years as a member of the Board of

Selectmen, approx. 12 years as a member of the

Department of Public Works, Several other committees

Family: Son - Nathan , Daughter - Heather,

Both educated in the Westminster school system