Hosmer to take job in Lebanon, resign as mayor

LACONIA — Mayor Andrew J. Hosmer intends to resign his position before the November election. He’s likely the next city manager of Lebanon in Grafton County.

Hosmer said Wednesday the City of Lebanon, the only city in that county and home to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, may hire him to fill the office of city manager later this month, and therefore, he intends to resign at a future meeting of Laconia City Council in late summer or early fall. 

According to Laconia City Charter, a vacancy in the office of mayor is to be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by a qualified person selected by a majority vote of councilors. That vote must occur within 30 days of the vacancy. Councilors could either record the vote at the next regular meeting, or by calling a special meeting to do so. 

Hosmer assumed office in 2020, succeeding Edward J. Engler. He previously served in the New Hampshire Senate, representing District 7, from 2012 to 2016. His term as mayor was set to expire at the end of this year.

He’s expected to take up residency in Lebanon and will move there with his wife, Donna, in order to take the city manager position. 

“Being the mayor of the City of Laconia is the best job I’ve ever had, by far,” Hosmer said Wednesday afternoon in an interview, noting he’s been personally enriched by the challenges of the office, the support he’s received from city residents, and the opportunities he's had to work with the people who serve the city each day.

“Just a really joyful experience for me, and I’m going to miss that.”