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March 3, 2010

Derry has 10 candidates for 3 council seats

Council hopefuls speak on Exit 4A, economic development

By Julie Huss

DERRY — Ten candidates hope to earn a seat on the Derry Town Council when voters head to the polls Tuesday. Voters will pick three councilors from the field.

All the candidates gathered at Derry's cable television station Sunday, part of the channel's "Political Connections." They fielded questions from local media representatives as to why they want to serve on the council and what direction they hope Derry is headed.

Pointed questions included candidates' stance on Exit 4A, economic development, services for the homeless, and what qualities the next Derry town administrator should have.

All 10 agreed a lot is going on in town and the next council should reflect a desire to make positive changes while keeping taxpayers in mind.

The new council will hire Derry's next town administrator, replacing Gary Stenhouse who retires in July. Some candidates said that new leader should have energy and spark economic growth.

"We need a professional who has done this before," Joel Olbricht said.

Frank Santiago agreed and said the council should work hard to "get it right" this time.

"We need someone with a proven track record, an out-of-the-box thinker," he said.

Several candidates agreed with the town's commitment to forge ahead with the proposed Exit 4A, but some said the plan should go away.

"I believe in Exit 4A," incumbent Brian Chirichiello said. "It's been talked about since the 1980s and the goal was to create economic development."

Others said it was a complete waste of money.

"Exit 4A is like the 'Big Dig' and (there are too many) vague questions," Frank Farris said.

Doug Newell agreed and called the plan a "bottomless pit" for Derry taxpayers.

"I think it's a terrible idea," Newell said. "I would not vote for one more dime for 4A."

Al Dimmock said Exit 4A was a "dead dog" and has outlived its usefulness.

Candidates offered opinions on what they felt were the best and worst decisions made by council.

"Selling the Upper Village Hall to the East Derry Village Improvement Society, and the Route 28 (TIF) is one of their better decisions," David Milz said. "The worst is delaying the TIF district."

Olbricht said the current council lacked leadership.

"There has been no leadership for economic development," he said. "Town Council did not have a definite plan."

In addition to those running for council, others seeking election Tuesday include incumbents Denise Neale and Margaret Ives, for town clerk and town moderator, respectively; Rita Correia, treasurer; Michael Gill, trustee of trust funds; Joan Crimlisk and Elizabeth Ives, Derry Public Library trustees; and Candace Andrews and Benjamin Hamblett, Taylor Library trustees.

Incumbent Bruce Neale goes up against Judy Strakalaitis for a Supervisor of the Checklist spot.

Polls will be open March 9 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters in Districts 1 and 4 will cast ballots at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School. Districts 2 and 3 residents vote at West Running Brook Middle School.

At-large candidates

Vote for one

Joel Olbricht

Age: 53

Occupation: Certified public accountant

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: Derry School Board, East Derry Fire Commissioner, New Hampshire Board of Education

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

In 2010, we need a new administrator and the budget will become more difficult to balance. I have daily experience with clients recruiting top level management and budgeting.

Doug Newell

Age: 57

Occupation: Managing director, Calexus Solutions LLC

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: Charter Commission, Trustee of the Trust Funds

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

Choosing an excellent town administrator. The new town administrator will be responsible for the efficient day to day management of our town and, more than anything else, can save taxpayer dollars.

James Webb

Age: 51

Occupation: Tech planner at Anheuser-Busch

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: None

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

The most important issue facing our council, it is out of touch with the rest of the community with regards to our economic down swing. We need to control spending.

District 2

Vote for one

Frank Farris

Age: 42

Occupation: IT consulting company

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: None

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

I bring a fresh face (to the council) and promise transparency and accountability. (People) just want to know where their money is being spent.

Frank Santiago

Age: Not given

Occupation:

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: None

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

We need change. Civility is a must and we must push forward. It's not "us" or "them." I am neither. We need someone to think out of the box. I am for the town of Derry.

David E. Milz

Age: 60

Occupation: Retired general manager of Continental Airlines

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: East Derry Fire Commissioner (chairman)

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

To provide a business friendly environment to encourage economic growth. Large commercial businesses bring jobs and help alleviate the commercial/residential tax base imbalance.

Tom Cardon

Age: Not given

Occupation: High school teacher

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: 2007 Charter Commission

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

With a budget deficit of $1 million to $1.5 million, difficult choices are going to have to be made. Hopefully, it can be done with minimal disruption in town services.

District 4

Vote for one

Brian Chirichiello

Age:47

Occupation: Realtor

Incumbent: Yes

Elective experience: Two terms as District 4 councilor

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

We need to get control of local taxes with a combination of cuts and bringing economic development to offset residential taxes.

Albert Dimmock

Age: 72

Occupation: Retired

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: None

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

The $7.5 million we are going to lose with the schools. And I will go to vote for the town of Derry. If it's right for the town of Derry, it's right for me.

Joseph DiChiaro

Age: 73

Occupation: Retired lawyer/minister

Incumbent: No

Elective experience: Chairman of Board of Education (California)

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry Town Council?

You can't get economic development in this town if you keep doing it this way. I've watched a series of bad decisions, and voter apathy is a big issue.

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