My Priorities

Know the Numbers

We should know what Strafford County owns, what we owe, what we spend and what we receive easily and clearly.

I want clear, consistent financial reporting that taxpayers can understand. that means looking at spending, revenues, contracts, purchasing, grants, debit and long term obligations and ask the questions when the numbers don’t make sense.

Plan Before We Spend

Before we commit taxpayer dollars to a major project, we should know what we are getting into.

  • What is the need?

  • What will it cost?

  • How will we pay for it (cash, loan, grant, other)

  • What is the life?

  • What will it cost to operate five or ten years from now?

  • What other resources or options are available?

Strafford County needs strong capital planning for Riverside Rest Home, Hyder House, the County Complex and other county property and facilities.

Look Beyond Next Year’Budget

County Government can’t plan one budget at a time.

I want practical 24-month, 5 year and 10 year planning that looks at our buildings, services, aging population, public safety, human services, warming shelter needs and opportunities for grants and other outside funding.

Plans should help us decide what comes first, what can wait and what we can realistically afford.

Understand What We Already Do

Before talking about expanding county government, I want a clear picture of the services we already provide. I believe I have a good understanding, but I want communication not only with our delegation, but with our communities.

That means understanding the needs, staffing, costs, revenues and future challenges of Riverside Rest Home, the House of Corrections, Sheriff’s Office, Dispatch, Registry of Deeds, County Attorney and other county operations.

  • What is really working?

  • What isn’t?

  • What needs attention?

  • And what is it costing taxpayers?

Put the Information Where People Can Find It

People should not have to hunt through meeting packets, minutes and budget documentation to figure out what their county government is doing.

I want to explore a simple county dashboard where residents can follow important financial information, major contracts, grants, capital projects and other county priorities.

Transparency is not just making information public. It is making information understandable and usable.

Get Out Into the Communities

County government represents more than the county complex.

I intend to stay connected with the communities I represent.

  • Listening to the residents/taxpayers.

  • Talking with municipal officials.

  • Learning what they need from the county and bring county information back tot hem.

  • That should not happen only when there is a problem, a budget haring or an election.

Measure It and Report Back

I do not want plans that become another stack of paper on a shelf.

  • Set goals

  • Identify who is responsible

  • Measure progress

  • Report the results

If something is working say so, if it isn’t says that too and figure out why.

My Approach

Listen -Learn-PlN-Prioritize-Measure-Report

My 30-60-90 day plan is designed to start this work from the beginning.