Londonderry Leadership still accepting applications

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September 7, 2007

Suzanne Laurent

LONDONDERRY — New to Londonderry or curious about the workings of the town? Londonderry Leadership has extended its application process until Sept. 14.

Now in its fourth year, Londonderry Leadership guides participants through various aspects of the town. Residents are given an overview of town government, public safety, planning and economic process, finances and budgetary process, environmental management, the airport and Interstate 93 expansion, quality of life in Londonderry and a master plan review.

“We welcome anyone with an interest in the community and how we govern it,” said Mark Oswald, a town councilor and co-director of the leadership program. “It’s our hope that the program produces knowledgeable and well-informed people who will want to serve the town on committees or maybe run for office.”

Oswald said the ideal class size would be 12 to 15 residents, and so far nine have signed up.

Tricia Herrmann attended the class during its second year and said it was a great experience.

“You get to know all kinds of people, from riding around in a police car, to a tour of the Fire Department, and getting up close and personal with the town councilors,” she said.

Her husband, George Herrmann, went through the program during its first year in 2003, and she said it helped him become more involved with the town.

“He used to work a lot out of state and didn’t have time, but when he was transferred to Manchester, this gave him the opportunity to meet people,” Tricia Herrmann said.

George Herrmann is now on the School Board, the Conservation Commission and is director for ALERT, the town’s search and rescue team.

Last year, the Herrmanns’ oldest son, Michael, a 23-year-old graduate student at Franklin Pierce College, took the leadership course.

“It encouraged him to get more involved in school affairs,” his mother said.

The program costs $100, which offsets the cost of meals catered by local restaurants each month.

The May graduation dinner is provided by the Town Council.

The group meets Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m., mostly at Town Hall, from Sept. 20 through May 2008.

Applications are available in the town manager’s office and must be submitted by Sept. 14 for review.

A selection committee of Londonderry Citizen of the Year recipients reviews applications and selects qualified candidates.

For more information, visit www.londonderrynh.org or call 432-1100, ext. 120.