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Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Seabrook voter election guide 2025: Will voters support town spending cap?
SEABROOK — Voters will decide the candidates for Select Board, School Board and other contested races on the ballot at the March 11 town election. They will also decide on a citizens' petition that would cap future town spending, as well as whether to go along with the recommendation to have Seabrook schools remain in SAU 21. Here is key information on voting, views of candidates, and a look at the top issues on the ballot: Seabrook: Seabrook Recreation Center, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11. Residents who are not already registered to vote can register at the polls on Election Day. To register to vote, you need to fill out a Voter Registration Form with your local clerk or supervisor of the registering to vote should bring documents showing proof of citizenship; proof of identity and age, such as a driver's license or government ID; and proof they are domiciled in that town, which can be done with a driver's license, resident vehicle registration, rental lease agreement, or utility bill, the secretary of state's office said. Selectman Srinivasan 'Ravi' Ravikumar is not seeking re-election, and four candidates are competing to fill his seat. Former Selectwoman Ella Brown, former Selectman Aboul Khan, Planning Board member Paul Knowles and Justin Gregory Packard are all running for the three-year term. Seacoastonline sent questionnaires to all four candidates, asking questions about their top priorities. Seabrook Select Board candidate answers questions on the issues Seabrook Select Board candidate answers questions on the issues Seabrook Select Board candidate answers questions on the issues Seabrook Select Board candidate answers questions on the issues In other contest races, four candidates are vying for two spots on the Planning Board. They are Dennis Sweeney, Bob Albright, George Dow and John Kelley. There is a seven-person race for three constable positions on the ballot. The candidates are James Sanborn, Dennis Sweeney, William Fowler, Jason Janvrin, Paul Knowles, Sherrill O'Gorman and Timothy Rooney. The position of constable, or peace officer, is considered mainly historic and New Hampshire state law, constables have the power to serve and return 'writs and other civil precepts.' Seabrook Town Manager Bill Manzi said those services are handled by the county sheriff's department, and he's not aware of constables in Seabrook performing those services. The position is held for only one year and carries an annual stipend of $100. Uncontested races include Rio Tilton for moderator, Gary K. Fowler for supervisor of the checklist, John Giarrusso Jr. for Budget Committee, Paul Kelley for trustee of the library and Carrie Fowler for trustee of the trust funds. Voters will face 42 warrant articles on the upcoming ballot, including the town's proposed $26,547,873 operating budget — an increase of $198,773 over the default budget. For the first time, the water and sewer departments will have separate funding articles, rather than being included in the overall town operating budget. These departments will be funded exclusively through water and sewer rates and fees, rather than property taxes. Article 9 proposes a $2,345,042 budget to support the Water Department, funded solely by water rates and fees. If rejected, a default budget of $2,282,142 will be implemented. Article 10 seeks $3,037,903 to fund the Wastewater (sewer) Department, also covered exclusively by sewer rates and fees. If rejected, the default budget will be $2,883,043. A citizens' petition in Seabrook could fundamentally change the town's budgeting practices and potentially limit town services in the years ahead if approved. Article 41 proposes a 2% cap on the town's annual tax levy — the total amount of revenue raised from property taxes each year. The tax levy is determined annually based on budget expenses, bonded debt, and voter-approved warrant articles. If Article 41 passes, next year's tax levy would be limited to a 2% increase over this year's figure. The proposed cap does not allow for overrides or warrant articles to address emergency or unexpected expenses. To stay within the limit, the town would need to cut existing spending and services. The only way to lift the cap would be through another warrant article, which would require a 60% supermajority vote. Former selectman Aboul Khan said the concept of a 2% cap on spending appears to be one that could benefit taxpayers financially. But, he said, there's been little if any public input, debate or information on the topic, leaving voters with a lot of questions as to how it works and what it means. Khan, a state legislator representing Seabrook in the House of Representatives, said when bills are proposed for new laws, research is done, and hearings are held when debate brings up the pros and cons of both sides. Legislators listen and discuss all aspects, he said, sometimes finding ways to avoid detriments and enhance benefits. But that didn't happen with this 2% spending cap. 'The citizens' petition just arrived written on a piece of paper,' said Khan, who is also running to return to the Select Board. 'There should be a public hearing where residents and department heads can speak, so everyone understands what it would mean. Perhaps the cap should be 3%, perhaps 1½%; we haven't had the opportunity to discuss it.' Paul Knowles, another candidate for selectman, expressed similar concerns. 'I think things should have been discussed in a public hearing,' Knowles said. 'I think everything should be out in the open.' Selectman candidate Justin Gregory Packard doesn't believe the tax cap would be effective. 'I understand the concerns about rising property taxes, but I'm voting no on the local tax cap Article 41,' Packard said. 'The cap would only limit what the Budget Committee can submit; the amount can be overridden at the deliberative session (according to the Official Ballot Law).' Articles 5, 6, and 7 ask voters to approve bonds totaling approximately $18 million for three major water- and sewer-related projects. These bonds would not be repaid through property taxes but through revenue generated by water and sewer rates and fees. The town also plans to pursue federal and state funding to help offset project costs. As with all bond proposals, all three articles require a three-fifths (60 percent) voter approval to 5 seeks $8.6 million to design and construct five new public drinking water wells off Stard and Weare roads and connect them to the town's water treatment plant. Article 6 requests $1.2 million to fund a federally mandated program to identify lead water pipes running from water mains to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses within the town's water system. Article 7 asks for $8.6 million to complete the second phase of upgrades to the aging Wastewater Plant. The project includes improving energy efficiency and replacing roofs on three buildings. Additional items on the ballot include Article 35, which proposes abolishing the town's three constable positions, and Article 37, which seeks to make Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) members elected by voters. A sample town of Seabrook ballot is here. There are two School Board seats on the ballot. Michele X. Knowles is running unopposed for one, three-year seat on the board, while Casey Hashem and Kelli Hueber are vying for one, one-year seat on the board. The reason why the one-year seat is on the ballot is because Hueber resigned from the board and then was appointed back to fill the term until the March 11 election. Seacoastonline sent questionnaires to all three candidates, asking questions about their top priorities. Seabrook School Board candidate answers questions on the issues Seabrook School Board candidate answers questions on the issues Did not return candidate questionnaire. Voters are being asked whether they agree with the Withdrawal Feasibility Study Committee, which recommends Seabrook schools remain a part of School Administrative Unit 21. The committee was formed after Seabrook School District voters approved Article 6 by a vote of 830-601 last year to explore the pros and cons of leaving the five-community SAU. The Seabrook School Board put forth the article to start the formal process of breaking away from the SAU in light of concerns brought up by parents and guardians regarding low test scores and the education of their children. The committee voted 4-3 against leaving SAU 21, noting that it would lead to higher costs and there was no assurance the district would see improved student test scores. If voters reject the committee's recommendation, a new planning committee will be formed. Other articles on the ballot include the school district's $18,634,589 budget and a $115,000 request to hire a behavior interventionist. A sample town of Seabrook ballot is here. There are three questions on the ballot, including the school district's $32.2 million operating budget, which reflects a 2.88% decrease compared to the prior year. Reductions in the budget are attributed to general cost-saving measures, the expiration of the 20-year bond for the school building project, the elimination of one teacher position due to retirement, and the currently unfilled associate principal position. Increases in the budget include salary adjustments for both union and non-union staff, higher health insurance premiums, and cost escalation across various accounts, including supplies and vocational programs due to higher participation rates and increased tuition. Special education expenses have also risen due to higher transportation costs for out-of-district placements to meet students' needs. Another item on the ballot is a $2.5 million request for phase two of three to replace and repair the roofs at the high school. The final article on the ballot is a citizens' petition requiring the school district to implement zero-based budgeting. This budgeting method requires that every expense be justified and approved for each new year. According to SAU 21 Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Matt Ferreira, the school district already utilizes zero-based budgeting. A sample Winnacunnet School District ballot is here. Tracy Emerton Williams is running unopposed to represent North Hampton on the Winnacunnet School Board. All towns in the SAU vote on the board positions. Winnacunnet School Board candidate answers questions on the issues This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seabrook voter election guide 2025: Will voters OK town spending cap?
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Seabrook Select Board candidate 2025: Paul Knowles
Name: Paul Knowles Town: Seabrook Occupation: Retired Political or civic experience highlights: I have been elected by the townspeople to the Planning Board, served as a member of the Budget Committee, and currently hold the position of vice chairman of the Recreation Committee. Additionally, I am a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a proud member of the Shriners Burn Institute Hospital, an organization that has helped countless children worldwide. How would you address concerns residents have about rising property taxes?: Our town is facing significant challenges, and if we do not take action soon, we risk losing the beautiful small town we have known and loved for decades. With my extensive experience in town politics, I understand what Seabrook needs to address these issues. This election is not a popularity contest; it is about the future of our town. We must curb unnecessary spending to prevent our taxes from continuing to rise. What are your top three priorities if elected?: Our town has evolved over the years, but it remains full of wonderful people, including our elderly residents who deserve to see Seabrook thrive. If elected to the Select Board, I will prioritize the needs of our elderly, children, and taxpayers. I will not make promises I cannot keep, but I pledge to do everything in my power to preserve the town we call home, just as my father, ASA Knowles Jr., did. What else should voters know about you?: The current leadership has had their chance and proven ineffective. It is time for new leadership that can bring about the necessary changes. My door will always be open, and my phone will always be on. I will never forget my roots and where I came from. Whether you love me or hate me, I will always have your back. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seabrook Select Board candidate 2025: Paul Knowles
