Ken Knowlton

To the editor,

Dear Belmont Voters;

I would first like to thank all of you who voted for my re-election to the Budget Committee. Though it is not always easy, I will continue to work for the best town services that we all need, at a price that we all can afford.

Secondly, I would like to thank the voters who (also) felt that it was time that Belmont had a noise ordinance. I honestly believe the only people that this ordinance will “hurt” will be those selfish, irresponsible neighbors who don’t care what they do, when they do it, or who will be adversely affected by their activities. You have exercised your right to expect reasonable hours of peace and quiet, and have created the means to ensure it.

And finally, I would like to thank those people who voted to ban the use of sewer sludge in Belmont. This became a contentious issue that pitted the Planning Board and Conservation Commission against our local farmers. The Conservation Commission was accused of being “anti-DES” and “anti-farmer.” On behalf of the Commission, I want to assure you that we are neither. We work closely with the NH DES on many issues; we respect their authority, rules and personnel. We also have a great respect for our farmers, their hard work, and the fiscal pressures that they are experiencing. Their very existence ensures that productive, undeveloped open space is preserved which benefits us all. However, we would have been remiss in our duties to only acknowledge the opinions of the NH DES, RMI and NEBRA, and ignore the studies and scientific opinions that point to the possible negative impacts that the application of sewer sludge could have on the environment, our water quality, and the health of our citizens. In the end, we urged the Planning Board to err on the side of safety. Though our decision was controversial, it was made after having conducted careful research on this practice.

I urge the citizens of Belmont to become more involved with the boards, commissions, and the many activities that take place in Belmont. Take an interest, voice your opinions, and make a difference!

Ken Knowlton

Belmont