Jennifer Simmons: Candidate, Windham Board Of Selectmen

WINDHAM, NH — Jennifer Simmons

Age (as of Election Day)

45

Position Sought

Windham Board of Selectmen

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Husband David, sons Jack and Alex

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, University of Southern Maine

Occupation

Stay-at-home mom

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Elected to Windham Board of Selectmen and served from 2016 to 2019, appointed to the Windham Capital Improvements Committee and served from 2012 to 2015

Campaign website

Facebook page - Jennifer Simmons - Selectman, Windham, NH

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for the Board of Selectmen because I want to, once again, work with my fellow Board of Selectmen to make sure that our town plans for the future, understanding that the decisions we make today will shape our town for generations to come. If I am fortunate enough to return for another term, I will ensure that every decision that comes before me will be given full and fair attention.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Infrastructure which includes finding solutions to solve our water issues (both contamination and lack of water), traffic issues (particularly Rte. 111), and maintaining our town buildings and assets. We also need to address the fact that several of our dedicated employees may be retiring in the near future.
I will work with town employees and department heads, Windham residents, town committees/boards, as well as fellow board members to listen to concerns and gather input on solutions. I will ensure that a strategic plan as well as succession plans are put in place.

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

While serving on the Board of Selectmen, I was able to observe and learn, first hand, about the significant challenges facing our community today. I have a clear understanding of the departments in our town and the needs of those departments. I leveraged my degree in accounting and my experience in corporate finance to help control costs and keep our town tax rate as low as possible while maintaining our infrastructure and town services. I served as the Selectman liaison on several committees including: Planning Board, CIP, Recreation, Historic District/Heritage Commission, Searles School and Chapel, Windham Economic Development, Town Beautification, and Joint Loss Management. Most importantly, I was an independent thinker who came to the meetings prepared and always put the interest of Windham citizens and our town first.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will aim to maintain a strong relationship with the town’s department heads and employees. I will work with fellow board members to help control costs while ensuring that we maintain adequate infrastructure. I will make sure that our town plans for the future by setting strategic goals. I will support smart business growth and development that will improve our tax base without hurting our property values.
My campaign is about honesty, respect, reliability, energy, and fiscal responsibility

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

I served on the Windham Board of Selectmen from 2016 to 2019. While on the Board of Selectmen, I served as the Selectmen liaison to 8 different committees/boards. Serving on the Board of Selectmen takes a great deal of time and commitment which I was able to balance during my previous term and would be able to dedicate to if I am fortunate enough to be elected on Tuesday, March 10. I served on the Capital Improvements Committee from 2012 to 2015. I was a board member and later President of the Friends of the Library of Windham (FLOW), a four-year chair of the Annual Strawberry Festival, and President of the Windham PTA. I have lent my time to other organizations in our community including Helping Hands and the Windham Endowment.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Always listen first.

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

As your selectman, I will bring my commitment to volunteering, my background in accounting and finance, my energy, my experience as a selectman, and my love for this town to help maintain the desirability of our community. I will ensure that every decision that comes before me will be given full and fair attention. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, March 10th at Windham High School. Thank you.