“I certainly found the Institute rewarding and instructive in many ways. Problem solving exercises, role-playing, networking, dynamic speakers on everything from legal issues to dealing with the media contributed to time well spent. I would recommend the Institute without reservation, and found the spread of years of experience represented by the participants to be another positive factor. Keep up the good work!”
—Fran Menard, Town of Deerfield
”I personally feel that all newly elected Selectmen should attend this course and that all re-elected people should attend every three to five years to get ‘back up to speed’. Being in the office of selectman requires that you deal with the day-to-day ‘brush fires’ and unless one of those requires you to look at new laws, court cases, etc. I find that some of those very issues are not faced until it absolutely becomes necessary, sometimes almost too late.“
—Harold Wood, Jr., Town of Raymond
“Another valuable benefit was the chance to see how other towns handle various problems and situations. The opportunity to meet and speak with others who are ‘in the trenches’ helped me realize that there is a support network out there – I’m not in this alone!”
—Deborah Kardaseski, Town of Loudon
“Many of the issues discussed at the Institute are just beginning to appear on our town’s horizon. Discussing the pros and cons with people who have already dealt with many of these issues gives me more confidence that I can deal with these issues in a proactive manner. In addition, I now have a broader network of people with experience to draw on for ideas and solutions… I would not hesitate to recommend this program. It offers new selectpersons a broad perspective on their duties and allows them to benefit from the experience of others. Those of us who have been serving for awhile recognize how much more there is to learn, and this is a great opportunity for us.”
—Joan H. Sundberg, Town of Madbury
“Our community was facing opposition by a few vocal individuals in the building of a grocery store by a major supermarket chain. I was able to utilize some of the citizen participation and empowerment models from class to garner grassroots support and a petition drive that led to more than seven hundred signatures being submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers and subsequent approval of the project.”
—James Hadley, Town of Northwood
“As a graduate of the first year’s Selectperson Institute, I want to let you know how much I appreciated the opportunity to participate. I believe this will not only help us to deal with the challenges facing our own communities more effectively, but will also help community leaders in our region to work together more effectively.”
—Lawrence Robinson, Town of Marlborough
