Noise ordinance wouldn't help but rights of all are very important

To The Daily Sun,

In the last eight months, since my election to the Town of Gilmanton selectman office, I have read and studied more judicial and legislative functions than I ever thought possible. If I have learned anything it is the knowledge that it is the responsibility of all board members to help and guide taxpayers to comply with all regulations, give advice when needed, and to be impartial.

What does this mean? As board members we must be as human as possible. We must help residents to follow the town and state regulations and even at times tell them they are not complying and let them know what they must do to comply. We must be good stewards of our government, not enforcers.

Last Monday, Dec. 12, the Town of Gilmanton held a selectmen's meeting with a public input on the agenda, "Town of Gilmanton Noise Ordinance." Except for a resident who let us know that one resident, or taxpayer's, complaint did not matter, I found the meeting went very well. I enjoyed for the first time listening to residents give us good input, explaining why, and asking the Board of Selectmen to consider their point of view.

Having a vineyard in the town. I know firsthand how a noise ordinance would not help at all, but the rights of all residents are very important. As selectmen, we must listen and do our best to find a solution that would be beneficial for all. In this case, with the input of the residents, I feel a noise ordinance would not be beneficial to the town. However, I do feel there needs to be some ordinance that will hold the land owner responsible for all activity on his or her property. As one resident stated, "we need to have common sense, respect for each other and our neighbors."

I want to thank the lady and gentlemen who came to the meeting for their input and honesty.

Marshall Bishop, Selectman

Town of Gilmanton