Bob Eastman Running to 'Keep Exeter Exceptional'

Editor's note: The following was submitted by Bob Eastman, who's running for Selectman in the March 13 election. Check out our election guide . If you are running for office and would like to be featured in this column, e-mail jason.claffey@patch.com.

By Bob Eastman

The Selectman is part of a five-member team in which you place your confidence, to oversee and manage a multi-million dollar business. This business is the Town of Exeter. It is an interesting business because it is diverse, complex and governed by state laws. It is really your business.

What you pay for property taxes is directly related to how much money is raised and spent to operate the town.

As a former Selectman, I need your help to keep Exeter an exceptional place in an ever growing part of the State. As a team we can continue to make that happen. That is why I am asking for your vote on March 13.

A little about myself:

I am an Exeter native who returned home 20 years ago after serving 26 years in
the Navy’s Seabees, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. I have been married to my
wife, Ginny, for 44 years. Together we have two children: Kelly and Deana, and
seven grandchildren.

Community Service:

• Selectman 9 years
• Planning Board 7 years
• Budget Recommendations Committee 4 years
• Supervisor of Checklist 2 years

Organizations:

• American Legion
• Fleet Reserve Association
• Seabees Veterans of America
• Navy League

Core Belief:
Town Department Managers should be held accountable for:

• The development of realistic budgets;
• Operating within their perspective budgets; and
• Presenting detailed, fully documented and fiscally responsible request for
• capital expenditures.

Committed to providing:

• Fiscal responsibility;
• An attractive, safe and environmentally sound community; and
• Recreation, open space, parks and facility development.

Goals:

• Unwavering protection of citizen and taxpayer monies
• Investing wisely in the town’s infrastructure
• Holding the town’s paid staff to the highest standards of performance
• Making Exeter a better place to live by proactively improving and managing town programs to best serve the community

Concerns:

• Excessive property taxes have a serious impact on all residents, especially for young people just starting out and those seniors on a fixed income.
• Capital projects are expensive and costly to the rate payer; we need to be proactive (not reactive), managing capital programs and limiting expenditures to the needs of the community.
• Future growth is dependent on what we plan today. We need to continue to encourage qualified people to serve on our town boards and commissions as well as encouraging local businesses and community leaders to help plan for a better tomorrow.
• Our wetlands need to be protected because that is where our drinking water originates. Fresh water is and will be a concern for the future.
• We need to maintain the quality of life for our community through environmental and historic preservation.
• Diversify the economic base while protecting the quality of life in our historic town is going to be a key in the future. We need to continue to encourage businesses to come to Exeter. This will not only bring jobs to the community; but also help to bring in tax dollars while not extensively adding to the services of the community.