Gilford election to be held at Gilford Youth Center

GILFORD – Although it didn't come to an official vote, selectmen last night agreed with Town Moderator Sandra McGonagle to change this year's municipal election from the to the Gilford Youth Center on Potter Hill Road from the Gilford Middle School.

McGonagle said the primary reasons for recommending the change is that the middle school has to cancel its physical education classes on election day and there is considerable traffic congestion at the beginning and end of the school day.

She also noted that teachers must find alternative parking on election days.

"We have a really efficient operation but this year with only one election it's a good time to try a change," she said. Town meeting and election day is March 12.

When Selectman's Chair Gus Benavides asked if her recommendation stemmed from the shootings at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., she said the safety of the students remains paramount but that the change in venue is primarily an attempt to avoid disruption.

Police Chief Kevin Keenan said he supported the change to the Gilford Youth Center for security reasons. He said there are 82 parking spaces at the youth center and his department would be on hand for parking and traffic issues if and when they arose.

He suggested poll workers park in the town hall parking lot and that people holding campaign signs also be told to park elsewhere.

"I like the idea of moving it away from the school," he said.

He said as far as placing police at the polls, at this past year's presidential elections he had officers other than the school resource officers at the polls, including himself and his two lieutenants to cut down on overtime.

Public Works Director Sheldon Morgan said the town would have to locate tarps to protect the floors of the Gilford Youth Center much in the same way they use tarps to protect the gymnasium floor at the middle school.

McGonagle said she would ask the school district administration if the town could borrow their tarps for the March election.