Charlie Sherman Wants To Tighten Town's Belt

Charlie Sherman is looking to bring some “fresh blood” to town government in Amherst.

The former media personality has thrown his hat in the ring for one of two open selectmen seats up for grabs this year. He is running against incumbents Bruce Bowler and Brad Galinson for the three-year position.

“I think I bring a fresh perspective, some new ideas and an energetic philosophy,” said Sherman.

He said his main focus will be making the town’s government more efficient and making tougher cuts to its budget.

“I think people are fed up with the constant increase of taxes and I will be a tax fighter for the people,” he said. “Every nickel and dime will be looked at.”

His plan to “tighten the belt” of town government includes looking at each town department and seeing how they can be re-organized and where further cuts can be made.

For example, he says that the current leadership is “obsessed with roads” and the town needs to reconsider whether or not it is necessary to continue putting money into their maintenance. He is also concerned with the town adding personnel in areas like the police department, which he sees as a downhill slope to more spending.

“I don’t know of places that are adding employees,” he said. “Most cities and towns are tightening their belts and laying off employees.”

Sherman has lived in Amherst for over 20 years, initially coming to the state to help lead The Indian Head Bank. His career path led him to become sports director for WMUR -TV for 14 years before leaving to star in the The Charlie Sherman Show on WGIR-AM. He is currently the executive director of New Horizons, an adult homeless shelter, soup kitchen and food pantry in Manchester.

His experience working with people in media and at New Horizons has given him the ability to forge important connections and understand the importance of working with citizens, says Sherman.

“I think I am a communicator who can communicate with people on all levels,” he said. 

The Amherst resident originally applied to the open selectman seat that was left when former Chairman Jim O’Mara became town administrator last year, but he was passed over for Galinson.

“It is another example of the “good ol’ boy” network in town,” said Sherman. “There are the same old familiar names on the school board, board of selectmen and Souhegan board. They are just moving around.”