Rep. Deborah Aylward; wow! What a Day in Concord and Beyond. . .

Representative Deborah Aylward is a native of Washington, D.C., and resident of NH since 2006. A former private investigator and detective agency owner (VA, DC and NH), she served as a regulatory advisory board member having approximately 4000 constituents and championed two bills that were passed into law in VA.

Proud to have earned the trust and confidence of voters, she was elected to the New Hampshire legislature in 2022 and 2024.

A community activist, Aylward has worked with state agencies to solve problems, such as arranging with the Dept. of Environmental Services for PFAS testing for water wells in South Danbury that are located near a closed, unlined landfill at no charge. Those who stand for truth and freedom appreciate and support her efforts, those who seek to oppress the people, or to engage in waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars do not.

Standing firm to protect property owners from higher taxes, as a Merrimack County delegate, she previously voted against significant and undue raises for county officials, and as a member of the Municipal and County Government Committee, made a motion to defeat a proposal brought by the House Speaker that proposed property tax exemptions for non-charitable organizations and despite obvious political pressure.The proposal subsequently failed to pass.

After two years of field and other research, she provided extensive evidence to support two proposals to deregulate homemade foods laws, that convinced the Environment and Agriculture committee to pass what is fondly known as the ‘Pickle Bill”, brought by Rep. Matt Coulon, that allows for ‘acidified canned foods’ to be made in residential kitchens and sold to the public without a Food Service License. Her more extensive proposal exposed a ‘double standard’ whereby non-profits routinely sell ‘homemade, potentially hazardous foods’(think, pumpkin pie and cooked meat products) without regulation, but the same person donating that pumpkin pie or beef stew cannot turn around and sell the same food as a vendor, or from their home —that is neither fair, nor reasonable.

Aylward believes it is her responsibility to promote democracy, preserve conservative values and assure that government does not infringe on constitutional rights. Her candidacy was endorsed by the National Rifle Association in 2022 and 2024, the newest survey not yet processed.

The cost of living in New Hampshire remains among the highest in the nation. According to first-quarter 2026 cost-of-living data, living expenses in New Hampshire are approximately 10% higher than the national average, making New Hampshire the 13th most expensive state in America. A family of four with two working parents now needs roughly $134,000 in annual household income to meet basic living expenses.Highly concerned about inflation, the economy, and lack of affordable housing, she supported, and will continue to support proposals that provide relief.

When re-elected, Aylward will not support significant restrictions on abortion, infringement on Second Amendment rights, and will oppose bills that promote illegal immigration that threatens national and local safety. The favorite part of her job is researching and compassionately solving problems in response to constituent requests -- with her successes, and bright visions for the future again making her the right candidate for the job in 2026-2028.

Newfound School District Meeting

Attending the Newfound School District board meeting on Monday, August. 10th, with Diane Blassato (of Danbury) also attending, there was interest in ‘New Business, Danbury Elementary School Update' on the agenda.

The following is comprehensive information contained in a report referred to at the meeting, and pertaining to the handling of the Danbury Elementary School building disposition, and potential charter school. Furthermore, Chairwoman Suckling stated: "There will be nothing on the ballot in March. . ."

NASD Financial Report 10.08.26
Page 11 of 11

Considerations for Managing a School Closure
Step 1: Determine Whether the Building Is an "Unused Facility"
Is the building/property no longer being used for educational, extracurricular, administrative, or athletic
purposes, and does it not have a school-board-approved plan to use it within two years?

If the above is true, the School Board must complete the following:

• Formally declare the building surplus or unused.
• Authorize the sale or lease of the property.
• Approve leasing objectives.
• Approve evaluation criteria for prospective tenants and/or buyers.

Step 2: Report the Property to the New Hampshire Department of Education
The superintendent reports the unused facility to the New Hampshire Department of Education for inclusion on the state's list of unused school facilities by July 1, 2027.

Step 3: Market the Property to Businesses and Negotiate a Commercial Lease Agreement

The business office recommends that the board engage an attorney or firm that specializes in the
marketing, sale, or lease of commercial properties like Danbury Elementary School and solicit interest
from businesses, nonprofits, developers, medical providers, day-care operators, municipal users, or other
tenants.

1. 2. The firm will determine target uses and establish a fair market value for the property, generating:
• Market rental comparables
• Highest and best use analysis
• Occupancy cost estimates
• Local vacancy data
• Recommended asking rent
Issue a Request for Proposals.
Include:
• Property description
• Floor plans
• Site information
• Allowed uses
• Lease term options
• Insurance requirements
• Evaluation criteria

3. Evaluation criteria should include:

• Financial strength
• Proposed use
• Community benefit
• Compatibility with the surrounding area
• Tenant experience
• Ability to maintain the premises4. Select the preferred tenant.

5. Negotiate a commercial lease: For a governmental owner, the business office recommends a triple-net (NNN) lease whenever marketable. The tenant would be responsible for:
• Utilities
• Maintenance
• Insurance
• Repairs
• Property-related operating costs
This is consistent with the statutory framework for charter school leases, which places responsibility for utilities, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and taxes on the lessee.

Key lease provisions should include:
• Use restrictions
• Maintenance obligations
• Environmental compliance
• ADA responsibilities
• Insurance requirements
• Hold-harmless provisions
• Default remedies
• Capital improvement provisions

NOTE: The lease agreement would be contingent on RSA 194:61 charter-school rights.

Step 4: Charter School 60-Day Notice Period
Once the district has an accepted offer, it must notify the state's charter school administrator.
The notice must include:
• District name and location
• Facility square footage
• Contact information
• Expiration date of the right of first refusal
Charter schools then receive a 60-day window to exercise that right.

Step 5: If a Charter School Matches
If a charter school exercises its rights, the district must engage in good-faith negotiations. If an agreement
cannot be reached, the law provides an appraisal and mediation process to establish fair market value or
fair market rent.

Step 6: If No Charter School Exercises the Right
The district proceeds with the private business lease as negotiated.

The report mentioning the school was requested per RSA 91-A, the Right-to-Know law.

Pavilion at Danbury Elementary School

Meanwhile, I visited the school property and took a photo of what looks like the unfinished ‘pavilion’, and about which the school principal recently approached the Danbury Select board about financing it’s completion. Appearing as if only needing minimal materials, I can’t help but wonder if there are experienced tradesmen willing to donate their time and skills, and local materials provider willing to donate materials for it’s completion? Anyone willing to step up?? If so, contact the Newfound School District to make an offer.

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Deborah Aylward is a resident of Danbury, and serves as a State Representative, Merrimack District 5. She can be reached at: deborah.Aylward@gc.nh.gov or 603-217-7842.