Prior to the Peterborough town election May 14, the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript asked candidates to submit brief profiles, including the position they are seeking, relevant experience, why they are running and their most-important issue.

Voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Peterborough Community Center, 25 Elm St.

The following town officers are to be elected: selectman for three years, town clerk for three years, moderator for three years, supervisor of the checklist for six years, town treasurer for three years, trustee of the trust funds for three years, Budget Committee for three years, Zoning Board of Adjustment for three years, cemetery trustee for three years, library trustee for three years, Planning Board for three years and Recreation Committee for three years.

Al Lenos

Age: Not given

Position sought: Re-election to Peterborough Budget Committee

Relevant experience: Member of Peterborough Budget Committee 2021-2024, Liaison to the Public Works Department 2023, administration liaison 2022, site visits to nearby towns to inform plan for new fire station.

Corporate management, 25 years developing budgets, forecasts and business plans. Volunteer and board member, Indian Hill Arts; chairperson, condo association’s design review committee

B.A., Economics, Northeastern University

Why are you running?

I have a good understanding of our town’s budget process, which is complex and collaborative. I appreciate the dedication and professionalism of our town employees and seek to continue my counsel and oversight to ensure responsible and appropriate decision-making.

What is your most-important issue?

Maintaining a high level of essential town services while advising careful use of resources and need to minimize effect on taxes.

Thomas Mullins

Age: Not given

Position sought: Trustees of the Trust Funds

Relevant experience: Two prior terms on the Trustees of the Trust Funds. Attorney with 35 years of both private and municipal law experience.

What is your most-important issue?

The task of the trustees is to prudently manage and invest the funds for the preservation of the principal, while maximizing the income derived.

Rick Lesser

Age: 74

Position sought: Budget Committee

Relevant experience: Three years as member of Budget Committee (currently chair) and Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Buying and budgeting career in supply chain management (EMS and Dick’s Sporting Goods.)

Why are you running?

To continue to give something back to the town and community my wife, Janine, and I have enjoyed the past 17 years.

What is your most-important issue?:

To help advise town administration as they navigate the financial challenges imposed by the diminishment of state funding/to do this in a financially prudent manner/minimize the impact on resident’s tax bills.

Charlie Hough

Age: 59

Position sought: Budget Committee

Relevant experience: I was a Planning Board member for three years in my former town of Summit, N.J., and I have overseen a $1 billion budget with my former employer, Novartis.

Why are you running?

I would like to help scrutinize the city budget to limit increases and to ensure that funds are used efficiently.

What is your most-important issue?

My most-important issue is limiting real estate tax increases for Peterborough residents. I have personally seen my real estate taxes rise much faster than inflation.

Stephanie Hurley

Age: 70s

Position sought: Planning Board

Relevant experience: I have been on the Planning Board for the last three years, serving one year as chair. I also worked on the master plan housing and population chapter in 2003-2004. I worked to test the waters of the Contoocook River on CNBRLAC (Contoocook and North Branch Local Advisory Committee) from 2014-2023. I am presently on the Affordable Housing Committee.

Why are you running?

I am interested in running for the Planning Board to continue to represent the interests of residents. I aim to work diligently, listen to the residents and make decisions that serve the best interests of those who are moving to town, as well as those who already reside here.

My primary goal is to find a balance between the conservation of our environment and open spaces, and constructive development that benefits people of all income levels. To achieve this balance, zoning regulations play a crucial role. As a member of the Planning Board, my focus will be to develop zoning regulations that limit development in sensitive areas while providing incentives for developers to include affordable housing options in their projects.

Additionally, I will strive to ensure that zoning regulations are enforced consistently and fairly during the Planning Board’s site plan review process.

What is your most-important issue?

We need a new Workforce Housing Ordinance which better encourages building affordable housing that fits the spirit and feel of Peterborough.

Andrew Dunbar 

Age: 76

Position sought: Planning Board 

Relevant experience: Planning Board. (2020-2024), past chair, Recreation Committee (1999-2020), past chair, Budget Committee (1982-1991), Greater Peterborough Downtown TIF (2022-2025), Lighting Committee (1997-2001), Master Plan Steering Committee (2002-2003), Historic District Commission (1988-1990).

Why are you running? 

To provide a voice for residents who want to preserve the quality of our town, while also accommodating growth.

What is your most important issue?

To represent Peterborough residents. I believe that the nationwide housing shortage is putting immense pressure on residents in some neighborhoods for more housing, that I and others believe can be adequately accommodated, without harming the character and quality of Peterborough.

Laura Hanson

Age: Not given

Position sought: Peterborough Town Library trustee

Relevant experience: I’ve been privileged to be a trustee of the Peterborough Town Library since 2015 and secretary during that time period. This has given me an important historical perspective, especially related to the transformation from an outdated facility to a modern 21st-century library. During the capital campaign, I also worked closely with the 1833 Society and was immensely impressed with their dedication and professionalism in raising the $8.5 million needed for the restoration and renovation of the library.

Why are you running?

I’m running for another three-year term to continue to be part of this amazing team, including staff, trustees, Friends of the Library and volunteers. Over my nine years as a trustee, I’ve witnessed Corinne Chronopoulos and her staff bring our town library to a whole new level of excellence. Over the years, I’ve been involved with various volunteer organizations, but I’ve never worked with a more dedicated and caring group of people. Simply put, I couldn’t be more proud of our new library and look forward to three more years of transformation.

What is your most-important issue?

One of the issues that I feel strongly about is promoting more community outreach to non-library residents conveying the benefits and value of the library. I also feel there should be more outreach to the population who may be marginalized or who have limited access to services.

Leah Seymour

Age: 36

Position: Zoning Board

Relevant experience: I was co-owner of Puddle Jumpers child care in Peterborough and I am familiar with the Zoning Board process.

Why are you running?

I am a fourth-generation Peterborough native who cares about the future of our town. I am raising two children who I hope will choose to raise their families here, as well.

What is your most-important issue?

I am not a developer or builder and therefore I have no agenda. I believe in smart, sensible growth.

Catherine “Sue” Forrest

Age: 79

Position sought: Recreation Committee

Relative experience: Former library trustee, former library volunteer, an interest in the workings of the Recreation Department.

What is your most-important issue?

I think that the fact that the town pool, which historically was free, now has charges for its use, and I feel this issue should be addressed. When we voted on the pool, we were not told that it would no longer be free.

Anthony Pascale

Age: 73

Position sought: Supervisor of the Checklist

Relevant experience: Pro tem supervisor of the checklist 2020 general election, pro tem supervisor of the checklist and ballot clerk 2022 midterm election.

Why are you running?

As a supervisor of the checklist, I will fulfill the duties of the position: encouraging voting, registering voters and correcting and maintaining the checklist in a nonpartisan manner to ensure all eligible citizens can participate in our democratic process by voting.

What is your most-important issue?

Voter rights. Ensuring all eligible citizens have both the right to vote and access to the ballot.

Paul LaRoche

Age: 43

Position Sought: Zoning Board

Relevant experience: I have been a Peterborough resident my entire life. I have also been in the building and construction industry for over 25 years and have been through the zoning approval process personally many times. I am very familiar with the process as well as the zoning regulations.

Why are you running?

I think it important to be involved in the town as a resident, and I feel that this position is a great way to utilize my skills and expertise while getting involved and helping out with the town government.

What is your most-important issue?

I want to help alleviate the current housing issues while maintaining the charm and character of Peterborough I have know my whole life.

Jonah Orion Wheeler

Age: 21

Position sought: Zoning Board of Adjustment

Relevant experience: I have served on nonprofit boards, and currently serve as state representative for Hillsborough County’s 33rd District, which encompasses the towns of Peterborough and Sharon

Why are you running?

As an alternate on the Zoning Board for over a year, I know that we need dedicated and diligent people on the ZBA who will carefully deliberate on the cases before the board, and make decisions based on the criteria given to the board in the zoning code. I have been an active alternate, presiding over most of the hearings held over my term as an alternate.

In that time, I have been a deliberate member. I do my research and make decisions based on the codes passed by the town. I am running to serve as a member on the ZBA because we need people who are committed to doing the work on the board. I have demonstrated my commitment to the board, and this town, over my term as an alternate, and I will continue to uphold that commitment if elected to serve these three years.

What is your most-important issue?

The Zoning Board is not a proactive board. Anyone with an agenda of “issues” should not seek a spot on the Zoning Board.