By Susann Foster Brown Candidates’ forum coordinator

MILTON — Two dozen people came out the evening of Feb. 18 snowstorm to meet candidates for local office and discuss the Town budget, town warrants, and the issues Milton voters face this year. Chris Jacobs served again as Moderator for this annual event. Because of the weather, work schedules, or other commitments not all candidates attended. Most candidates are running unopposed. A full list of town candidates and details of the budget and warrants is on the Town of Milton web site: http://miltonnh-us.com/

Information about the school district can be found at: http://www.milton.k12.nh.us/

Andy Rawson, for Selectman, who has served six months as an appointed Selectman spoke about what he has learned about town departments and services. He works for the DPW in Portsmouth, knows a good deal about the cost and condition of equipment and believes we are at the breaking point for Safety and Service for our own plow trucks and equipment.

John Katwick and Gordon Maness are running unopposed as Cemetery Trustees. John, as present chair, talked about the Town’s need for a true public cemetery and our productive relationship with the Milton Mills Cemetery Association. He hopes to expand online genealogical data. Gordy, back from Germany, was a trustee several years ago and worked with John to develop GPS data for many of the small family gravesites. Their mutual goal is respectful care for all those now at rest.


Paul Steer and Tim Long are running for separate positions on the school board. Paul has served a one-year term and does not favor new partners or busing our students out. Tim Long described his community history as teacher, administrator, and local business owner. He hopes to offer that experience and roots in the community to benefit the school district and the children the district serves.

Tim Long is also running for a Planning Board seat.

Pat Smith, for Road Agent, emphasized the 15 years he has spent as steward of the Town’s roads, equipment and town owned buildings. In particular, he “costed out” the benefits to the Town for the purchase of a new grader – its year-round- as needed use and his record of careful maintenance for maximum equipment life. Rental costs more and doesn’t buy anything to benefit the Town.

Larry Brown, who has served on a variety of committees for Town and School, is looking to return to the Budget Committee. He talked about the history of the budget as he has seen it for the last ten years. He feels that this budget is the best clear and open common effort he has seen. The Selectmen, department heads and budget committee worked together to provide the necessary services of the Town at a fair and prudent cost. He also supports the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) as a steady, solid way to fund “Big Ticket” costs year by year.


The Town and School District vote will be held Tuesday, March 10, at The Emma Ramsey Center, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

(Susann Foster Brown is the spouse of candidate Larry Brown.)