Retiring Gilford moderator, selectboard chair honored for decades of service

GILFORD — A pair of longtime town leaders were honored for their service during the March 11 selectboard meeting, which came the day after town elections.

Vice Chair Chan Eddy thanked Sandra McGonagle for her time serving as the school and town moderator since 2010.

“It’s been such an honor and privilege to serve our town in so many ways, but this is special,” McGonagle said. “This was special, because it is the freedom to greet citizens and voters. Everyone generally is happy in this community when they come in to vote, and grateful for all we have.”

Eddy joked the former schoolteacher and principal was prepared for her role, as teachers and principals are the ones who can freeze someone in their tracks when doing something wrong with “the look.”

McGonagle laughed and said, “It’s a friendly look.”

McGonagle just wrapped up her final election the day before on March 10, and spoke about a tradition they recently brought back. She heard from Arthur Tilton that in the early days of Gilford, the selectboard members would go to the door of Town Hall and ring a bell to signal the polls were open.

“I felt it was a great tradition to bring back, and that’s what we’ve been doing the past few years,” McGonagle said. “The theory is that all the farmers on the hillside be reminded to come down and vote.”

McGonagle also said she loves election day for the educational experience involved in the community. She said it has been wonderful to bring middle school students to the polls, to tour the facility and learn about the process, each election. She has enjoyed not only seeing their joy and interest, but also years later, seeing them come back to register to vote.

“Thank you all for this honor,” McGonagle said. “I’m truly appreciative.”

Selectboard Chair Kevin Hayes was honored by Clerk Gus Benavides, who noted he was retiring for the second time. Hayes was first elected to the selectboard 18 years ago, then took two terms off before running again. He most recently served from 2020 until this year.

Benavides called Hayes a “dedicated public servant,” who embodies what it means to be a citizen volunteer. He noted Hayes sacrificed time with his business, wife, grandchildren and more, to serve the town, and has done so knowledgeably and efficiently.

Hayes and Benavides served many years together, and Benavides stressed how important it's been that Hayes is prepared, well versed and asks plenty of questions.

“He has shown me how to be a better selectman,” Benavides said. “He cares about what he does. He is prepared before he makes decision. He is very knowledgeable in so many different ways. The Town of Gilford has been best served by having him in that position for all these years.”

Hayes said it has been a pleasure to serve in a town where all employees work as a team. He said whether it is a firefighter, someone from public works, tax collector or member of the rec department, Gilford’s employees understand their job to support the taxpayers. He's grateful for his 12 years on the selectboard, and urged people to get involved with the town.

“For anyone who doesn’t serve, you don’t know what you’re missing,” Hayes said.

Benavides said the town is blessed, and he’s sad to see him go, as he has served not only on the selectboard, but also the school, planning, and zoning boards. Judging by the closing comments from Hayes, Town Hall probably hasn’t seen the last of him, though.

“It’s been a pleasure,” Hayes said. “I will miss it, and I’ll probably come back in some capacity.”