Joseph Sweeney, Salem Board Of Selectman Candidate

Joseph Sweeney

Age (as of Election Day)

29

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

Salem Selectman

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Masters in Public Policy, Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire '18, Bachelors in Political Science University of New Hampshire 2016

Occupation

Digital Media Specialist

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

New Hampshire State Representative, Four Terms (2012-2016, 2020-Present)

Campaign website

www.JoeSweeneyNH.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I'm running for Selectman because I love Salem. Salem is at a critical juncture.

I had fought to form a Charter Commission for Salem last year and I'm proud of the work our Commission achieved. We worked together, regardless of party label, to propose a product that could work for the Town of Salem. I'm hopeful that Salem passes the Charter on March 14th and we can work together to transition the Board of Selectman to a Town Council and enact the changes we're proposing.

A lot of decisions made in the next three years will impact Salem for the next 30, and I want to fight for Salem and put our town in the best position possible for the opportunities and challenges we face ahead.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

In the next three years Salem needs to properly plan for the next 30 years. We need to examine our town's assets and properties and responsibly manage our town's resources to meet our needs while balancing out our various wants. Within the next decade we need to pass a plan to build a new West Side Fire Station, examine options to renovate or rebuild our Police Headquarters, renovate and update our other fire stations, and explore renovations for our Town Hall. In that instance, I think it makes sense to discuss other services provided by the state in town that can be relocated at the Town Hall to reduce costs to the taxpayer and increase customer service capabilities at our Town Hall.

Under the proposed Charter, if adopted, we will bring back the Master Plan and Economic Development Action Committee in order to examine our current plans, zoning laws, and economic initiatives to best serve our town.

This likely qualifies as more than one issue, but Salem being a town of over 30,000 residents means we have to have a board that can manage multiple pressing issues effectively and efficiently.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I don't want to attack other candidates that are putting their name out there to run for office. Everyone that gets involved in the process should be applauded and I'm excited so many are running for our town's governing body.

I'm putting out plans for the Town of Salem constantly at JoeSweeneyNH.com in order to show the voters of Salem exactly what my priorities and agenda will be on the Board of Selectman.

My SALEM Plan identifies some areas that describes my approach to the Salem Board of Selectman:

SERVE the taxpayer’s best interests by instituting budget process reforms & identifying town needs and priorities
ANALYZE current town owned land and plans for the properties and make informed decisions about their future
LISTEN to residents and stakeholders to best govern Salem collaboratively
ENGAGE Salem businesses and partners to best market our town to new economic growth
MANAGE our town’s resources and growth by examining existing town policies to best serve the people

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Just with the previous question, I want to reject the premise of this question that seems to seek division when we should be seeking unity as a town. I'm running for one seat on the current five member board and I hope by the end of May I am one of nine members on the new Town Council.

We need to work together, and we need to do it transparently and with the citizens of Salem. I want to have 2 hour+ Board meetings where we openly discuss the issues facing our town, interact with our town department heads with questions and input, and provide the residents of Salem an opportunity to speak in front of their governing body and solidify their right to be heard by their local leaders.

I am a big fan of collaboration. I want the Board of Selectman to work with the Budget Committee to produce a budget plan that works for Salem to meet the needs of our community while providing a solid fiscal roadmap to guide our town for the coming year. I believe we can work together to meet the needs of our community while balancing out and prioritizing our wants.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I want to put Salem on a forward looking path to examine how our town zoning code and ordinances stifles development and redevelopment and allows our town continue to grow while consolidating town properties and assets to figure out the best plan for Salem.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I served as Vice Chair of the Salem, NH Charter Commission and we worked collaboratively and efficiently to produce a product that we believe the town can support. We had three Republicans, three Democrats, and three Independents who worked together. We had long meetings, opened ourselves up to the public, held multiple public hearings, and sought to ensure all voices could be considered and heard. I want to take the same approach from the Charter Commission to the Board of Selectman, and hopefully, shortly thereafter the Town Council.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Develop thick skin" was advice given to me in high school when I started to get involved with politics that I think about frequently.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am always available to take your questions and comments at 603-327-7184!