Let's keep Moultonborough the great, affordable place it is now

To The Daily Sun,

As I previously announced at last year’s Town Meeting, I’m running for the one Moultonborough Selectboard seat available this year. Several people have suggested I’ve lost my mind — I hope they’re wrong.

During my working career, time constraints prevented me from considering elective office. Now that I’m retired, I have the time to devote to community service. After watching the performance of the current two-term seat-holder, I feel it’s time for a different direction.

I’ve been following Moultonborough politics closely for the last year in an effort to understand what goes on. I’ve learned a lot, some good, some not so good. I’ve also been on the Advisory Budget Committee for the last three months, reviewing both the school and town budgets. This year, our total budget — both school and municipal — will increase by over $1,000,000, to somewhere around $27M. The school system will rise almost $700,000 (if the new teacher contract — CBA — is approved at town meeting), while the municipal increase will depend on Town Meeting results. The combined total will represent close to a 5 percent total increase, compared to the 2.8 percent cost-of-living increase Social Security recipients will receive.

Moultonborough is in a somewhat unique position financially, in that we have close to $3.2B in assessed property value (one of the highest in the state, including our largest cities) while having relatively few full-time residents. While we currently have no outstanding debt, when spending is discussed, the prevailing attitude seems to be “we can afford it.” However, that shouldn’t be the determining factor for any spending decisions. Our current tax rate is $7.72, but you’ll probably see that rise to nearly $8.00 this year as the school increase alone should add about $0.22. Keep in mind that the recent reassessment has raised property values about 5 percent, which could also increase the actual dollar amount of your tax bills. And then there’s the ongoing Community Center fiasco that now has a $7.0M price tag. Voters have repeatedly rejected this, but Selectman Shipp continues to push it forward — hard. All present significant challenges going forward.

With regard to myself, I’m a New Hampshire native who grew up in the White Mountains (Twin Mountain). I’ve been a resident again since 2009. Honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps. Owned and operated a very successful sales & marketing business until retiring four years ago. I now have the time and energy to devote to the Selectboard position if voters so choose.

Quality of life here in the Lakes Region is outstanding. I’d like to see the character of Moultonborough continue as the great, affordable place it is now. Please feel free to stop by my “campaign headquarters” (the barn across the street from Buckey’s restaurant) for coffee and conversation. I’ll be more than happy to share where I stand on the issues. If elected, I’ll work hard to represent the interests of everyone fairly. I respectfully ask for your vote on March 12.

Chuck McGee

Moultonborough