Your Voice: A letter from candidate Paul Philbrick

Paul Philbrick

To the residents of Lebanon:

Let me take a moment to introduce myself. I have been a resident in the town of Lebanon for over 55 years. My grandparents moved to Lebanon in the 1940s. In 1957, my parents built the house I now own on Carl Broggi Highway. I graduated from Noble High in 1971, married my high school sweetheart, Elaine Ainsworth, and raised two children.

I worked for 5 years as a production/inventory planner, and in 1977 I became an apprentice at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. At the shipyard I spent 20 years as a trade skills instructor, which required me to develop and manage a budget for materials as well as interact with many types of personalities.

I am a member of the North Lebanon II Baptist Church, where I worked in the AWANA youth ministry for a number of years. I am presently serving on the Forest Grove Cemetery Association board. For relaxation I enjoy family time, fishing, and gardening.

Why have I chosen to pursue the office of selectman?

I am thankful for the town that we live in, and I would like to be a part of its governing body. I volunteered for the Planning Board last year to learn what it does and how it affects our community. It has been an excellent experience, and the Planning Board is doing a fine job enforcing the ordinances that protect our town. When I heard that there was going to be a special election for selectman, I was interested in the position but wanted to know more about it before deciding. I sought counsel from current and previous selectmen, and they all encouraged me to pursue the office.

What are my goals if I am elected?

Abide by the regulations and safeguards established by the town’s forefathers

Actively listen to all residents and respond to their requests fairly and justly

Listen to the recommendations presented by the various committees and boards which are serving our town and present those recommendations to you in a public forum

Support the department heads in our town as they oversee the day-to-day operations

Strive to control the cost of living in Lebanon so that homeowners (of all ages) are able to keep their homes

Make myself available to the citizens of Lebanon (I am retired and do not have to plan around a work schedule.)

Thank you for showing interest and taking time to read this letter. If you wish to contact me, I have provided my phone number and email address below. Remember to vote on March 11 and let your voice be heard.

- Paul Philbrick