News alert: Grenier wins Gilford Selectboard seat, voters approve all but 1 warrant article

GILFORD — Richard Grenier will be reuniting with current selectboard members Gus Benavides and Chan Eddy, after defeating Jim McIntire in Tuesday’s town election, to capture a third, non-consecutive term.

Grenier, a former selectboard member who served the town from 2014 to 2019, won with a tally of 573-371, and said he is excited to get back into town leadership.

“We had 1,202 people come out and vote, and I’m grateful for anyone who voted, but also thankful for those who made the choice to put me back in office,” Grenier said.

Grenier opted not to run for reelection in 2020, and during his time away from the board, he was no stranger to town politics. He has been a member of the budget committee, as well as chair of the public works building and solid waste committees. He is also a member of the capital improvements committee and the zoning board of adjustments.

Grenier feels the work of Town Administrator Scott Dunn, the selectboard and the supporting committees have done a great job running the town, and said he supported the $22.1 million budget, a 5.1% increase.ß

Grenier will be sworn in next week, and is looking forward to getting started. He's pleased with the way the town government works under current leadership, but residents shouldn't expect him to always vote in lockstep.

“I do get along with Gus and Chan Eddy very well,” Grenier said. “But do we always think alike? No. There will absolutely be times where I vote against the other two if it is something I believe in.”

Grenier feels they all have that is in common, but added voting in unison is also important.

“It is truly a collaborative effort,” Grenier said. “I think we are going to do well.”

Grenier said major issues in the near future are the search for a new town administrator, and Governor’s Island Bridge maintenance, as the town just completed a couple major projects.

While he ran unopposed in 2014, Grenier said he was very happy  McIntire decided to run, and felt it made him a better, more prepared candidate. He knows McIntire’s concerns with taxes are shared by community members, as he witnessed them talking to McIntire about it at the polls. He felt his last letter to the editor in The Laconia Daily Sun resonated with people, and it is important to hear those views.

Grenier and McIntire were both at the polls from start to finish, talking to voters the whole day, standing right next to each other, and even grabbing a bite together. At the conclusion, they shook hands, and he was happy to get the perspective of his supporters.

“I’ll be keeping this in mind the next three years,” Grenier said. “What I am going to do is pay attention and be mindful of spending, and avoid the expansion of government.”

McIntire, a Gilford High School alum who is currently chief deputy of the Belknap County Sheriff’s Office, agreed having a competitive race is good for the town. They both wished more people would get involved in local politics.

Voters also approved the operating budget of $22.1 million, by a vote of 675-300. The budget is a 5.1% increase over last year.

All other warrant articles except one were approved by voters. Town residents rejected a measure to subdivide land held in a covenant on Mitchell Road. The proposal was intended to add 11 single-family homes on 17 acres.

The school budget was approved 684-327, totaling $32.2 million. That budget was a 2.8% increase over last year.