LETTER: Carol Holden Running For Re-Election

I am a candidate for re-election as Hillsborough County Commissioner in the 24 towns of District 3. I am running in the Republican Primary because I am committed to efficient county government and I am running on my record. Hillsborough County has no long term debt and has not had to borrow in anticipation of taxes for the last 10 years.  Our bond rating is Aa2 (highest in NH).

The county predicts that the “rainy day” surplus will be the approximately $8 million next year in line with State guidance for such surpluses. During the F/Y 2013 county budget process,  the goals of the Board of Commissioners were as follows: to level fund the amount to be raised by taxes, to use a reasonable amount of surplus, to reduce (or no increase in) expenses, and to increase revenue wherever possible. The commissioners worked with the department heads, and the Delegation Executive Committee, the full Delegation and other elected officials, to develop the best budget for the county.

After our first pass budget, the Commissioners were told by the Delegation Executive Committee to further reduce the salaries and wages by 1.9%. Positions not directly supporting the county mandated functions were reduced. In this austere budget, the Board recommended funding for the Meals on Wheels at $55,000. The budget committee, the executive committee and the delegation concurred with the Board of  Commissioner’s recommendation of the $55,000 appropriation. In a level or reduced budget, this meant that the equivalent of 2 part time positions in the county had to be eliminated to fund Meals on Wheels. With the consolidation of the Commissioners Office of Administration and Finance, we eliminated all but $1 in the Out of State travel. 

At the end of the day, the County is still able to care for our most vulnerable citizens by making sure that we deliver the best services at a reasonable cost.

It has been an honor to serve the citizens of the towns and I ask your consideration of my candidacy on Tuesday, September 11th at the polls.

Sincerely,

Carol H. Holden
Amherst, NH