Collins' resignation leaves vacancy on Gilmanton selectboard

GILMANTON — After Evan Collins resigned from the selectboard at the Feb. 2 meeting, the town is now seeking applicants to fill his seat, which will be up for election in 2027.

Collins said in an interview on Wednesday he would love to finish his term, but he found a good opportunity to build on a parcel of land in Belmont.

“When I started, I didn’t foresee myself leaving Gilmanton, but this opportunity arose,” he said. “I have no regrets and I would continue to serve to this day if I could, or was legally allowed.”

Collins wrote a formal letter of resignation to the selectboard, stating his time on the board would end, effective Feb. 3, as he moved to another local community.

“Serving the people of Gilmanton has been an honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this town,” Collins read from the letter during the meeting.

During the last selectboard meeting, Collins thanked the residents for their engagement, trust, and commitment to the town. He also praised the “dedicated” staff of Gilmanton, directly mentioning Town Administrator Heather Carpenter, with praise for her “professionalism, hard work, and commitment” to the town’s residents.

“The effort of our staff is invaluable, and I appreciate all that the do,” Collins stated in the letter. “I would also like to thank my fellow selectmen past and present for their collaboration and dedication. I am grateful to Chairman [Vincent] Baiocchetti, Selectman [Meredith] Kelley, Selectman [Mark] Warren working with me during my time on the board. It has been a privilege to work alongside each of you.”

The remaining selectboard members, as well as town staff, thanked Collins for his six years serving the board.

Collins filled a vacant seat in 2019, and was subsequently elected to two, three-year terms before his resignation. He doesn’t have any plans to seek office in Belmont, saying he will be focusing on his new property, his electrical company, and being a father to his four children.

Following the resignation, the selectboard voted to make Kelley the new vice chair.

The town posted on social media on Feb. 4 that it is seeking a qualified applicant to fill the vacancy on the selectboard, and asks interested Gilmanton residents to submit a letter of interest and application.

The advertisement for the position on the town website states the letter may be brief, and should include the applicant’s interest in public service, as well as any relevant experience. It should also include the perspective and contributions they will bring to the position.

Collins said a good replacement for him on the board would be someone with “experience” and “fortitude,” noting those are both important qualities.

Baiocchetti, who chairs the selectboard, said Collins was great to work with over the years, and exemplified the type of person they want on the board.

“I appreciate his service to the community,” Baiocchetti said. “He is a great guy, level-headed, and looked out for the best interest of the town. This is something we’re looking for in his replacement.”

Materials must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, to the Town of Gilmanton, with attention to the town administrator, sent to hcarpenter@gilmantonnh.gov. The application can be found at gilmantonnh.org/jobs.

Submissions will then be distributed to the selectboard and interviews will be held with all applicants during a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Academy Building, 503 Province Road.

The selectboard will appoint the new member, who will serve until the 2027 election.