With Richard Bouchard and Frank Swirko not seeking re-election, there are two open seats on Chichester’s Board of Selectmen. Bouchard’s vacated seat is for a three-year term, and Swirko’s is for a one-year term, after he replaced Mike Williams, who resigned last year.
Jeremy Letendre and Corie St. Germain are facing off for the three-year seat, while Gilbert Vien, Chris Weir and Carrianne Wood are going head-to-head for the one-year seat. For treasurer, incumbent Andrea Deachman is running against Robyn LeBreton. Voting will take place on Tuesday, March 10 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Grange Hall, located at 54 Main St.
The Monitor sent questionnaires to all Select Board and School Board candidates running in towns within our coverage area. Chris Weir declined to submit a form. Jeremy Letendre did not submit a form upon request.
What is your occupation or experience?
St. Germain: I am a Community Based Registered Nurse. Prior to becoming a nurse, I worked in the health insurance field. Experience includes developing policies and procedures, process improvement, website development, team leader. I currently serve on the Planning Board (three years) and served on the Budget Committee for two years.
Vien: I own and operate Gil Lawn Care Service LLC and am also a retired Fire Chief for the town of Chichester.
Wood: Medical assistant. I have served on Budget Advisory for School Board. Soccer coach for 10 years.
Why are you running and what do you see as the most pressing issues in town?
St. Germain: I am running to bring a fresh start approach and renewed energy to the town. To bring cooperation and civility to the board and all departments of the town. To promote better oversight of the town office functions and modernize processes for efficiency and improved accuracy. The most pressing issue in town would be the need to restore unity and civility to our meetings and relationships within the community, our boards, committees and departments.
Vien: I’m running because the townspeople have made it very clear they want to see a change. I believe I can help with that change. I also want to help the residents of the town.
Wood: To help bring the community back together. Helping us work together to bring about positive changes within the administration.
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
St. Germain: If elected, my goals are to provide honest and time-appropriate communication with residents, employees and departments. Improvements in town hall processes including, but not limited to, budget review, posting of meeting minutes and announcements. Initiate process improvements that reduce errors, provide transparency and create a better working environment for all town employees. Work in partnership with fellow Select Board members. Improve relationships with the residents. Focus on fiscal responsibility with the budget and spending. A long-term goal would be to help initiate growth in our commercial/industrial zones to increase on commercial tax revenue.
Vien: I hope to bring back the values to the town that the townspeople want, as well as keeping the taxes affordable for our residents to live here with out struggling.
Wood: Help bring about accountability within the selectmen office and the town administration. Helping us to bring the policies and producers up to date to ensure we are running efficiently.