POISED, POLISHED & READY

 On November 3, Claremonters will be asked to elect a new Mayor and Council.  Their job is to serve as the City’s governing body and set policy. So, as we round the final stretch of the 2015 Municipal Elections and particularly the race for mayor, it might be worth our time to ask “What is the job of mayor?”  

As someone who was Claremont’s mayor – I recall the job as being akin to - Chairman of the Board – primarily you oversee and chair Council meetings, as well as represent the City at various functions. The Mayor is among the first to meet with businesses interested in locating here, and regularly interacts with the Governor and other state and federal officials.

The Mayor should be one of Claremont’s biggest champions, and the person we chose should be poised, diplomatic and able to communicate effectively. Our job is to compare/contrast the candidates and elect the person who can best represent Claremont. Now, I could concentrate on the qualifications & shortcomings of the two candidates but that feels negative and disrespectful of two good people.  So I will attempt to be positive and focus on why I will be voting for Charlene Lovett as mayor.

 

Until its recent end a couple of months ago, I had been Claremont’s representative to the NH Passenger Rail Authority. It was a mayoral appointment, however Mrs. Lovett was the first member of the City Council who ever demonstrated an interest in its activities and saw the value of Claremont being the only Amtrak stop in western NH.  

This past year, as a member of the Amtrak Committee, I’ve seen Charlene Lovett chair meetings with Members of Congress, meet with federal and state (NH & VT) agency heads where she clearly outlined the economic development potential for Claremont and the region.  Also, I have observed her work with private sector business leaders engaging them to help with the construction of the Amtrak Waiting Pavilion.  Each time, I have been impressed by Charlene Lovett’s ability to rise to the occasion and represent the best interests of Claremont. Interestingly, I have also seen her interact with regular people, such as veterans, with the same poise but with the added characteristic of compassion. 

Mostly, the Mayor is responsible for overseeing and chairing Council meetings.  In this age of government transparency – the mayor needs to efficiently coordinate Council actions.  An effective mayor must be a “public-relations” expert with the general public, as well as communicate the City’s intent to the larger community regionally and statewide.

Therefore, on Nov. 3 – I will be voting for Charlene Lovett as our next mayor – because she possess the qualities to best represent the city, chair council meetings and be the better champion for Claremont. Raymond Gagnon,