Candidate questionnaires: Salisbury Board of Selectmen

Salisbury residents will be voting on a number of issues and candidates on March 10, right before their town meeting that same day. In the race for a seat on the town’s Board of Selectmen, incumbent David Kelly is running for a one-year position against Ken Egounis. David Hostetler, also an incumbent, is running unopposed for the three-year term.

Salisbury’s town meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 at Salisbury Town Hall, located at 645 Old Turnpike Road. Voting will take place earlier earlier in the day at same location, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Monitor sent questionnaires to all Select Board and School Board candidates running in towns within our coverage area. David Kelly did not submit a form upon request.

What is your occupation or experience?

Egounis: I bring hands-on experience working with large equipment, which matters as the town looks at those kinds of investments. I also have experience working with town budgets, so I understand the importance of planning ahead and being careful with taxpayer dollars. In my career, I’ve worked in sales, which means I know how to communicate clearly, listen to concerns and work with different viewpoints. I’ll do the homework, ask the right questions and make decisions based on facts — always with the town’s long-term best interest in mind.

Hostetler: I worked as a software engineer for over 20 years. I recently transitioned to doing home renovation work as a contractor.

Prior to pursuing a position on the Board of Selectmen, I have served on the town’s Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and as the town Moderator through four election cycles.

Why are you running and what do you see as the most pressing issues in town?

Egounis: New Hampshire works because citizens step up to serve. I’m running because I believe in that tradition. I want to help ensure our town remains financially sound, well-managed and a great place to live for the next generation. We have important decisions ahead — budgeting, infrastructure, growth — and I want to make sure we approach them responsibly. I believe in transparent government, fiscal discipline and protecting the character of our community.

Hostetler: I wish to serve on the Board of Selectmen because it is an opportunity to continue to meet the needs of the town’s citizens, in a role that encompasses a holistic set of responsibilities.

The town’s most pressing issues are the establishment of new Highway Department, resources and operations, the increasing burdens being placed upon the transfer station facilities and last but definitely not least the challenge of fitting the town’s operational needs within a reasonable budget in an era of seemingly ever-increasing taxes. 

What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Egounis: I hope to bring responsible budgeting, long-term planning and greater transparency to town government. We must protect strong schools while keeping spending sustainable and invest in public works proactively, so we fix problems before they become costly emergencies. My goal is stability, accountability and smart planning.

Hostetler: I hope to collaborate with my fellow board members and town personnel at all levels to provide competent, rational and objective decision-making on behalf of the citizens, to continue the steady and constructive work I have witnessed.  The town has challenges ahead, as do all small towns in New Hampshire, and I will endeavor to help steward us through them successfully without sacrificing the identity and nature that the town’s incredible history has established.

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