What Selectman Hopefuls Say About Each Other

After the donnybrook that erupted after Phil Bean was removed as chairman of the Hampton Board of Selectmen, and which contributed to Ben Moore's resignation, at least four residents have expressed interest in an appointment to fill the fifth seat on the board.

Rick Griffin, Dave Lang, Michael Plouffe or Brian Warburton could be tapped for the honor when the board meets Monday night for the appointment. Chairman Richard Nichols had asked that anyone with interest to have expressed it by Thursday at 5 p.m. 

So what are these men saying about each other (and themselves)? Well, there's some apparent mutual respect among this field, based on interviews so far with two of the candidates, and Griffin's remarks to the board at its last meeting (Watch video of his remarks to the right).

It is an experienced bunch. Three have served on the board in the past (Griffin, Plouffe, Warburton) and are ready and willing to roll up their sleeves once more. 

"I've had the experience," Warburton said in an interview. "I have the ability to be a consensus builder. ... You're not there to make friends, you're there to get things done."

Lang, in his letter expressing interest in the service, also cited experience. He is a retired fire captain from Hampton, and president of the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire. "I want to give back to my community using my talents, skills and ability at a time when my Town needs it," Lang wrote. "I want to participate in the discussion and decisions that will be made influencing positive change in the most of transparent ways."

Griffin continues to serve the town via the Hampton Beach Area Commission.

Plouffe sits on the town's Budget Committee.

Their familiarity is really something. As pointed out by Warburton, he and Plouffe have served together on the same board in the past. Griffin defeated Warburton in a past election. And, as the recent records shows, Selectwoman Mary-Louise Woolsey defeated Griffin.

The Board of Selectmen meets Monday night at Town Offices, at which time those seeking to fill the vacancy may choose to speak about their desire to serve Hampton yet again.