My values & beliefs will guide my actions as your selectman

To The Daily Sun,

Thank you for considering me as a selectman, representing you in the Town of Gilmanton. My platform is my values.

A selectman is one of three people who has been elected to have overall responsibility for the general operations of our town government. You may be asking where I stand on the current issues, which I am open to sharing my positions, but this only gives you insight into what is currently a hot topic in the town. I believe it is more important that you understand my values and beliefs that will guide my service to you in the role of selectmen in the future. These values and beliefs will offer a better foundation allowing you to know the framework of which decisions will be made. If you relate to many of these statements, I am the best candidate for your vote.

1. The position of selectman is an elected position representing the townspeople and especially the people who have placed you in that role.

2. Stewardship is a guiding principle — looking after the collective property of the town with preventative and regular maintenance (a stitch in time saves nine) and investing in the future allows operations to run smoothly, and when an unexpected event happens, we are prepared.

3. Spending money on the efficient and effective operation of the town is important. However, spending should be limited to providing better services and accessibility that support the greater good of the community.

4. How you care for your family and care for your own property is a reflection on how you will care for other people and other people's property.

5. Every person has value and all people should be treated with dignity and respect.

6. Change is hard and we like the “good ol’ days”, but what made the “good ol’ days” is often the good memories. Change is inevitable, so let’s create some great memories as a town, so we can talk about the good ol’ days again.

7. A community is formed when people come together with a common goal and objective. Let’s make us a community again by making Gilmanton a great place to raise families, do business, and a great place to retire. "Community" is spelled Comm “UNITY” let's find the common ground.

8. It is hard to move toward something greater when negativity and division are present. We only have so much energy and we get to choose where we place that energy. Placing it in a positive direction, treating people with kindness, and focusing on common goals, allows us to accomplish more good and brings greater unity.

9. We are all human and mistakes happen. It is important to own your mistakes and own them quickly.

10. Building trust comes over time by doing what is right, and always being honest. Trust is earned, not demanded.

Gilmanton is a great town and it has served my family well. It is time for me to give back to my community and serve it well. Please vote on Tuesday, March 12.

Mark Warren

Gilmanton