March 4, 2010

10 Candidates talk 4A, TIF District, during forum

By CAROL ROBIDOUX

Union Leader Correspondent


DERRY – Interested in whether Exit 4A still has a chance? Concerned over the widening of Route 28? Curious who will be the next town administrator come July?

     Then you might be equally interested in knowing more about who is running for the three open council seats on March 9. All 10 candidates attended a 90-minute Candidates Forum Sunday, answering questions on a handful of hot-button topics including what they are looking for in a new town administrator; their stance on Exit 4A; and their opinion of the best and worst decisions made by the current town council. Here are some highlights.

Councilor-at-Large Candidates:

Doug Newell is an entrepreneur. Most recently served on the town's elected Charter Commission. He is a 25-year resident of the town.

On hiring a new town administrator: Looking for an innovator who thinks outside the box.

On Exit 4A: “It's a bottomless pit and I will not be voting for one more time for 4A,” Newell said.

Best decision made by current town council: Voting down the construction of a $5 million fire house and turning over the old town hall in East Derry to a non-profit group.

Worst decision: Reviving plans for Exit 4A.


Joel Olbricht, a former school board member and 22-year resident, owns a CPA firm in Hampstead.

On hiring a new town administrator: Looking for someone who has done the job elsewhere, and who would be allowed the freedom to run the town and not be “micromanaged” by the council.

On Exit 4A: “It's a good thing,” said Olbricht. “We need to watch what the state is doing with the Interstate project and make sure we're included in that... and be there when it's ready.”


Best decision made by current town council: Going forward with TIF district.

Worst decision: Making no decision about economic development. “There is no leadership. If it's their No.1 goal, there's nothing happening.”


James Webb Sr. is a current member of the Zoning Board and serves as a NH Justice of the Peace. He has lived in town since 1986 and works for Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack.

On hiring a new town administrator: Looking for someone who is fiscally responsible and can “handle” the town council. Does not feel there should be a residency requirement.

On Exit 4A: It will create safety issues and divert traffic from the downtown at a time when the town is trying to revitalize that area.

Best decision made by current town council: Voting to allocate $50,000 to challenge the state on shifting education funding from Derry.

Worst decision: TIF district and widening of Bypass 28.



District 2 Candidates:
David Milz is a 23 year resident of town, is a Vietnam Air Force veteran, former East Derry Fire comissioner and currently serves on the Derry Housing Authority board.

On hiring a new town administrator: Looking for someone with proven municipal leadership skills and a strong financial background, who will “be accountable in a transparent mode.”

On Exit 4A: “I believe it will be good for town, mostly to alleviate the horrendous downtown traffic at commuting times, and will add a corridor and avenues for economic development.”

Best decision made by current town council: Approval of the TIF.

Worst decision: To delay implelementing the TIF district a few years ago.


Frank Santiago, a 10-year resident of town, has worked for the same company for 15 years, has served on the Heritage Commission and is getting into politics “to help the town of Derry and to make a difference.”

On hiring a new town administrator: Looking for an out-of-the-box thinker with a dynamic personality and proven track record, who will be accountable for his decisions.

On Exit 4A: May have started as a good concept years ago, but there needs to be more “substantive” public information before he would support it.

Best decision made by current town council: Moving forward with the TIF District.

Worst decision: Allowing 4A to drag on without enough public information.


Frank Farris works for an IT consulting company and has lived in Derry just under two years.

On hiring a new town administrator: Residency is an “absolute requirement.” Would like to see someone with a strong background in accounting.

On Exit 4A: “It's the Big Dig.” There are much better ways to spend town money than on an exit.

Best decision made by current town council: Allocating $50,000 to challenge reduction in education funding by the state.

Worst decision: More of a mindset, of keeping closed-mouthed about everything going on in Derry.

Tom Cardon has been politically active for most of the 20 years he has been a resident. Past Charter Commission member and currently sits on the Energy and Environmental Committee.

On hiring a new town administrator: “It's something we need to get right … I'd like to find someone who will stick around for a while,” someone equipped to handle a $40 million budget and 250 employees.

On Exit 4A: “The whole 4A project is basically a mess.” Will not vote for one more dime for the project until it's known where the funding is coming from.

Best decision made by current town council: Keeping the tax rate low.

Worst decision: Going forward with 4A.

District 4 Candidates:

Brian Chirichiello, incumbent, has served as a councilor for six years. A 25-year resident, he has also served on Planning Board and several committees . He is a self-employed Realtor.

On hiring a new town administrator: Looking for a leader to drive economic development, someone to be “the face of Derry.”

On Exit 4A: “I believe in 4A,” because it will bring economic development and alleviate downtown gridlock.

Best decision made by current town council: Going forward with the TIF district.

Worst decision: “I have nothing against the bike path, I use it and enjoy it. But the worst decision was spending $250,000 on pavement in a bad recession.”

DiChiaro

Joseph DiChiaro, a retired Air Force coloniel, has worked around the country serving as a government employee in federal, state, municipal and local capacities. Pastor of Calvary Fellowship in Londonderry.

On hiring a new town administrator: “We need honesty, someone who can do the job, and who council will let do the job.”

On Exit 4A: “It's a waste of money. We've lost $5 milion dollars.”

Best decision made by current town council: Terminating the ongoing agreement with the Derry Economic Development Corporation.

Worst decision: The TIF district.

Al Dimmock, an 11 year resident of Derry, is a current member of the Highway Safety Committee and attends council meetings regularly. He is a retired construction worker.

On hiring a new town administrator: Someone who won't favor one councilor over another, and will listen to the people, as well as the councilors.

On Exit 4A: “ It's not feasible and not in the best interest of Derry. The idea of 4A has outlived its usefulness.”

Best decision made by current town council: Getting rid of the Derry Economic Development Corporation.

Worst decision: The Route 28 TIF district.

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