Voters will have some easy choices to make this year when it comes to their elected officials. Most of the elected positions in town are uncontested, but still it’s important to know who these people are and why they are running in the first place. From Town Council to the Trustee of the Trust Funds, each citizen vying for office is dedicating his or her time to serving the community at large.
Jim Butler is seeking reelection for Town Council, but did not respond to requests for comment in time for print.
Howard Bookman originally ran for the trustee of the trust funds because he was looking for a way to give back to the community he’s called home since 1973. The 69-year old retired dentist saw there was an opening and took the opportunity. He calls the job more of a “cemetery committee,” because the official title can be confusing. He and the other two trustees make sure the cemeteries in town are properly cared for and funded. They are also in charge of making sure those buried in town are following the proper protocols.
“It’s a good group of people,” said Bookman. “I’d like to continue doing it for the next couple years.”
Rep. Betsy McKinney is running for reelection as a library trustee, and serves as the current chair. The 78-year old retired accountant and current state representative has lived in town most of her life. She watched the library program grow from its humble beginnings to what it is today.
“I really want to see the library prosper and grow and keep up with the new technology,” said McKinney.
She said her greatest achievement in her 10 years as a library trustee is helping to get the online catalog up and running. People can request or renew a book, pay a fine or look up other information through the catalog.
“I think it helps the patrons the most,” explained McKinney. ”It’s the biggest improvement we’ve had” in 10 years.
Kirsten Hildonen is pulling double duty by running for reelection as both supervisor of the checklist and the budget committee. The 38-year old likes to keep busy by working for the New Hampshire Historical Society while finishing a PhD program in history. She grew up in Londonderry and considers herself a “researcher by profession.”
She was first elected to the Budget Committee in 2017 for a one year term and decided to seek reelection because she felt the first year was good for learning, but another term would allow her to do more for the community.
“I liked the idea of being on an independent advisory board to both the school and town,” said Hildonen. “It gives you an overall picture of the community and helps me to see and think about the diverse needs of Londonderry residents.”
Hildonen was appointed to be the supervisor of the checklist when Gerry Van Grevenhof retired.
“I chose to step up to fill the position when Gerry retired because I believe that maintaining accurate and updated voter records is absolutely crucial to ensure that citizens both are able to execute their right to vote and follow the laws governing voting in New Hampshire,” said Hildonen. She wants to continue working with voters and preserving electoral integrity in her next term.
Kyle Ramon Foden is running unopposed for the other open position on the budget committee, but could not be reached for comment.
Carole Introne is seeking another term as a library trustee, but could not be reached for comment.
Hildonen will be at the Town Clerk’s Office on Saturday, March 3, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to update and correct the voter checklist before the March 13 election.