Two run for same seat on Cemetery Commission
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Newcomer Sammi Dawley and incumbent Peter Munro are seeking the same seat on the Cemetery Commission.

Both Munro and Dawley agree finishing up the urn garden that was started a number of years ago and planning for the future are two of the priorities for the commission.

Munro said the urn garden had been started by two former commissioners, who are both now deceased.

"My mission is to get that completed," Munro said.

He said a lot of the work for that has been done on the weekends and through volunteer efforts, so it is taking a number of years.

He said keeping the cost of the department down is one of the things important to this commission, so they try to optimize the plot fees.

"We didn't want to go to the town for money," he said.

Munro added that growth of the town and space issues in the cemeteries, especially at Mount Pleasant. He said he is always trying to keep his eyes out for possible land swaps and other land issues.

"As we grow we have to pay attention to all areas in town," Dawley said. "There needs to be smart preparation so we are not caught unprepared."

Dawley said she likes the work that Cemetery Superintendent John Gronroos has done during his time in the position.

"I just want to be able to support him in that," she said. "There are things would like to help him see through."

Munro has served for one three year term on the Commission. Munro was the town caucus's nominee and Dawley submitted nomination papers to get on the ballot.

Munro, who is usually the assistant building inspector, is currently filling in for Robert Thorell as the full-time inspector. He is also a member of the Board of Health and a former member of the Planning Board.

"Every time I join a board in Westminster I don't have an agenda," he said.

Dawley said the commission would be a good fit for her because the meetings are in the morning, so she can attend before work and the other time commitment can be structured around her schedules.

Dawley said this was the right time in her life to get more involved as she has lived in town for 47 years and had been active when she was younger.

"It's a good fit for me right now," she said. "I have the time and I believe in the mission. I have no personal battles with anyone. … I wanted to get back into being involved for quite a long time."