Hayes won't to seek reelection to Gilford selectboard, urges residents to get involved

GILFORD — Selectboard Chair Kevin Hayes believes more people should get involved in local politics, and for that reason has opted to let voters decide on a new member of the selectboard in the March election.

“I think it is important to run for one term, and then a second term, but let someone else run for the third term,” Hayes said. “My reason is that more people should know what elected office is all about, at the local level.”

This is not the first time Hayes has stuck by this mantra. He was first elected to the selectboard 18 years ago, served two terms, and then took two terms off before deciding to give it another shot. His most recent stint on the board was from 2020 to 2026. This was also a practice he lived by while serving on the school board, more than two decades ago.

Hayes loves serving the residents of the Town of Gilford. It's something he said he's really enjoyed, and Gilford has been in a unique situation where all three selectboard members have been around for many years, serving together.

“Gus has been around since 2007, the year before I got on,” Hayes said, referring to Gus Benavides, selectboard clerk. “Chan has been around quite a bit too, elected four or five times. It is interesting and we work really well together,” indicating Chan Eddy, the selectboard vice chair.

Hayes pointed out they are all fiscally conservative, some more than others, but have different viewpoints depending on the subject matter. This helps the board to see multiple angles, with different styles, but most importantly, lead the town effectively. He said the object has always been to work for the people.

“The big thing is to keep expenses and taxes down,” Hayes said. “We do the best we can given the expectations and services that the people of Gilford have come to expect. It’s a bit of a balancing act.”

When asked what he was most proud of, whether it was an accomplishment or something the town was able to achieve, Hayes said he didn't serve for the accolades.

“I just enjoy serving,” Hayes said. “I love the work and the interface with town employees.”

While he won’t be on the board next term, Hayes sees his successor handling some big projects in the coming years.

Repairing the Summit Avenue Bridge, which goes to Governor’s Island, is in the town’s capital improvement plan, with engineering slated for 2027, followed with construction over the next couple years. State Department of Transportation records show the bridge, which is on the Laconia/Gilford line, was built in 1981, and there were repairs in 2020. A bridge has been in that location since the early 1800s.

“We have 10 culverts needing repairs, and one bridge that will cost a fair amount of money,” Hayes said.

According to the capital improvement plan for 2022-27, $1.6 million will be invested into bridge repairs. This includes $350,000 in 2022, $250,000 in 2025, and another $1 million that will be requested in 2027.

Hayes said it has been wonderful working with the people of Gilford, saying they are demanding in some ways, but respectful of the process. He wishes more people took part in committees and boards, lending to his reason for not running again.

“There is always a need for people to serve on various committees,” Hayes said.

He isn’t ruling out serving on the selectboard again in the future, but at 78, Hayes is more focused on enjoying life with his wife, Pam.

“One thing about being a selectman is that if it is done right, it inhibits free time for traveling and vacation,” Hayes said. “And Pam and I like to do a fair amount of traveling.”

The three-year selectboard seat is up for grabs, with former selectboard member Richard Grenier, and James McIntire, a chief deputy with the Belknap County Sheriff’s Office, on the ballot. Grenier served 2014-19, when Hayes opted not to run.

Hayes didn’t voice a favorite for the election, and said they both appear to be “good, viable candidates.”

The voters will decide on the three-year seat on Tuesday, March 10, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Gilford Youth Center, at 19 Potter Hill Road.