Lewandowski Announces Candidacy for Town Treasurer

In the first of what is expected to be a wave of candidacy declarations in the next two weeks, Corey Lewandowski is officially throwing his hat in the ring for Windham treasurer.

Lewandowski, who currently serves as director of Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire, said that his no. 1 goal in town is transparency.

He said that as of now, there isn't good enough communication as to where the town's money is going.

"I will guarantee the voters that I will post all invoices and checks online within 24 hours," Lewandowski said.

He called it "insane" in this age of technology that the information is not readily available.

He went on to note three other principles that he will focus on, those being an increase of efficiency, accountability and integrity.

Lewandowski said that it's about looking at a "top-down analysis" of town spending.

In terms of experience, Lewandowski said that he has dealt with large budgets in the past, and is very familiar with budgeting issues.

Last year, he was also the first to initiate and execute a townwide audit. After assessing a decade worth of spending, he presented recommendations to the town.

"I started to look some more at it and said jeez, where's the town treasurer in all of this?," said Lewandowski.

He went on to say that if people fully understood where their money was going, "there would be a revolt in town."

Lewandowski has already begun to make phone calls to friends in town about his candidacy. His wife has also begun to help him out as a member of the Windham Moms Club.

He said that it's difficult to go door-to-door in such a short campaign period, especially with the winter weather.

As for the treasurer's annual compensation, he added that he doesn't care what it is.

"I will donate it to a 501(c)3 charity," said Lewandowski. "That's a promise."

Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Bruce Breton challenged the treasurer's compensation during budget negotiations in November,

The position is one of 14 elected official openings in 2012. Bob Skinner, who currently serves as treasurer, has finished his three-year term.

There is no word yet whether Skinner will run for reelection, but Lewandowski said that should Skinner contest, he would gladly welcome a debate at town hall.

The filing period for candidates, , will run from Jan. 25 until Feb. 3 at 5 p.m.