Benavides going for a 3rd term in Gilford

Published Date

GILFORD — Two-term Selectman Gus Benavides has signed up to run for a third. As of Wednesday morning, he has no opponent.
Benavides was first elected to the board in 2006, promising to bring transparency to local government as well a promising to keep the size of local government to a minimum while maintaining services at effective levels.
He said yesterday that should he be re-elected, his goal is to be the voice of reason and to make decisions based on facts and not emotions. He said he wants to continue to make sure the coal tar is completely removed from lower Liberty Hill and to continue to create "budgets that provided for the town and its employees."
"I love to serve and want to pass the idea of service on to my children," he said.
So far, the list of people seeking other offices is short, with the exception of a race between two heavy trucking experts John "Jack" Lyman and Philip "Pat" LaBonte for the Board of Fire Engineers.
With only two days to go until the final sign up time of Friday, February 1 at 5 p.m. there are no candidates for the three openings on the Budget Committee.
The three-year term held by LaBonte expires this year as does the seats held by David Horvath Sr. and Dale Dormody.
Dormody said yesterday that he is not inclined to seek an additional term, however he said he'll be keeping his eye on the sign up list on Friday to make his final decision.
In the Gilford School District, incumbents Rae Mello-Andrews and Karen Thurston are both seeking reelection. Also running is Allan Demko — a former school business administrator for the Winnisquam School Regional District.
This years elections will be held at the Gilford Youth Center on Potter Hill Road.