James McIntire: Holding line on Gilford’s rising town operating budget

To The Daily Sun,

I am a 24-year resident of Gilford, a former owner of a residential construction company, an Army National Guard veteran, a career police officer, former police chief, and currently a “not retired” chief deputy. Throughout my career I have held many assignments where I learned, embraced the task at hand, and always worked to leave things better than I found them. With my candidacy, I offer the Town of Gilford a fresh choice.

Continuing with the status quo of increased taxes year after year, with the same returning, revolving, long-standing selectboard members and their time-tested experience, is certainly an option. However, the reason for my candidacy is that I firmly believe change can be a good thing. If elected, I will strive to make an impact by holding the line on the Town of Gilford’s swelling operating budget.

Since 2021 (the last five years), the Town of Gilford’s operating budget has steadily increased from approximately $15 million to this year’s 2026 proposed request of $22 million. This trend of continued, unchecked spending represents an increase of 41% — to the tune of $6.5 million.

Voters entering the booth often place their trust in the unanimous 3-0 recommendations of the selectboard printed at the bottom of each article on the ballot — often without fully understanding the long-term financial commitment required to maintain each new adoption.

Voters in Gilford can continue to follow the time-tested and highly experienced leadership by approving all of the warrant article requests on the ballot and choosing the course of an ever-increasing operating budget, or…

Vote for fiscal responsibility.

Vote for greater transparency and accountability in town spending.

Vote for a fresh perspective on the selectboard.

Vote for change.

On March 10, vote James “Jim” McIntire for Gilford Selectboard.

James McIntire

Gilford