Steven Pawlyk: Candidate, Windham Board Of Selectmen

WINDHAM, NH — Steven Pawlyk

Age (as of Election Day)

36

Position Sought

Board Of Selectmen

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

My wife, Orlagh and three children- Avery, Peyton and Beckham

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University

Occupation

Small Business Owner of 13 years
Founder of Innovative Performance Productions
ippmusic.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

stevenpawlykforselectman.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have had a love of politics since I was young. I am now at the point where I can dedicate time to fulfill that dream. I wish to help Windham reach its full potential and be an even more desirable place to live for all of its citizens.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our board this election/voting cycle is the decision to take on the water pipeline project. This is a very complex issue and won't be easy to execute. If the article passes with a 60% majority then I would help to make sure that we have all of the necessary information to best handle the project. For example, making sure that the route proposed for pipe placement was in the most conducive place to serve the most potential users, making sure that the proper water management service was in place (most like a 3rd party operator), negotiating with neighboring towns to make sure that we are getting the most coverage possible, making sure the needed water tank was the most aesthetically pleasing and/or off the main road as to not disturb the beauty of the town, making sure the future development utilizing the water was not only a business or residence that the town accepts, but that such development would respect the town and its use of said water and not be wasteful or harmful, and overall I would take the most fiscally responsible approach. These are many of the ways in which I would handle such a project.

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

What separates me from other candidates are the new perspective and fresh ideas that I will bring to the position. I do not have any biases and I am not influenced by any outside forces. I will make my own decisions and will not be afraid to stand up for what is right. I am not the kind of person that can be intimidated or bought and paid for at any time. I will not compromise my integrity, morals or values. I have the ability to hear and understand all points of view, take the given information and make the best decision possible for our town. I am extremely well versed on issues and will use facts and logic to guide my decisions. I am a no nonsense type of candidate who will always fight for what is in the best interest of the people of Windham. Additionally, I am approachable and will make myself available to members of our town if there are ideas that you would like to see brought forward.

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

The current board has done a lot of great things and I commend them. However, there are many committees that currently function in silos and I see increased opportunity for collaboration. I would like to bridge that gap and ensure that all boards and committees work together to achieve specific goals. For example, the new town master plan will require input from many groups and I believe I can assist in the communication between parties working on the master plan. Additionally, I would like to see the board do a better job at disseminating information to the public on all issues both big and small. In my experience, it has been difficult to find accurate information following board meetings, and status updates on ongoing issues. Board meetings have open sessions and are on television, but that just isn't enough. Information needs to be disseminated through digital channels to engage those who may not be able to make it to a meeting, but have a vested interest in what is going on. Having a board member like myself who is in-tune with the needs and interests of young families would be a net benefit. Having an open, participatory town government is wonderful, but we need to engage everyone. Some of the current communication methods being used are outdated and need fresh ideas to really get people around town motivated to participate. I have business experience in leveraging digital communications and social media and would use that expertise to better communicate with the public.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Another critical issue facing our town is the water contamination. The levels of PFAS and PFOAs are reaching critical levels in some parts of town. If the governor signs off on bill SB 287 then the PFAS levels currently in the yellow will go to red and the citizens in those areas will need our help. Additionally, another issue that defines my campaign is focused on responsible growth/development of Windham. I would not be in favor and hope to block any low income/work force housing from finding its way into town. I would hope the planning and zoning board will keep current zoning as is and not make any changes or exceptions to allow such development to take place. I would encourage single-family housing balanced with additional 55+ community living.

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

I have numerous qualities and accomplishments that would be advantageous to the board and serving the community. My business experience will be a huge asset. I started my business by myself with no help and no investments. I studied and learned my industry, found was missing, created a plan and executed. Not having much working capital taught me how to be fiscally responsibly and to only invest in areas that were going to yield long-term benefits. I am a master at investing in worthwhile projects and really stretching a dollar. Additionally, I am a seasoned negotiator and understand what it takes to get the job done correctly. I know how to manage tasks properly and lead people. I have tremendous problem solving skills and will research to find the best possible solutions to problems. I am an excellent educator and know how to explain things to people at all levels. I will help the people in town understand the most complex issues, and communicate effectively. I allow people to have a voice and also make them feel important and part of the team. I am honest, transparent and fair. People always and will always know why I make the decisions I do. I can help people see all sides of an issue and find a middle ground, where appropriate, that benefit all parties. Lastly, I have amazing time management skills that allow me to be present at all events, meetings and etc. I will not be an absent board member. If elected I will be present where and when required.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

The best advice that was ever shared with me is to be a lifelong learner. I continue to seek opportunities for personal and professional development. I will serve with honor and integrity and will not be manipulated or compromise my morals and ethics. I will respect everyone's positions and never assume ill will on the part of the opposition. It is okay to disagree and have a difference of opinion as long as everyone is civil. Most importantly, two things can be true at once; meaning, we can have our own opinions and at the same time all be good people who just want the best for our town.

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

In closing, what I would like voters to know about me is that I have a passion for serving the people and helping Windham maximize its potential. I will always do what's right and in the interest of the people. Although some decisions will be hard, I will always weigh the cost versus the benefit and make the best possible choice based on the information available. I will never hide my positions and I will always be available for discussion, debate and/or educational purposes. I love one-on-one conversations where I can really connect with the person that I am engaging. If you like what you hear and you want someone who will represent you please consider me for Board Of Selectmen with your vote on March 10th.