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Town Hall
16 School St.
Allenstown, NH
603-485-4276
Check town web site for current business hours.
Who Ya Gonna Vote for in 2025?
Dateline: February 9, 2025
Updated Feb. 16, 2025
Allenstown has a large slate of candidates this year, with 15 candidates running for town offices, including seven who are running for the two open Selectmen's positions. Six people are running for School District positions.
For several positions, only one candidate is running so they are a shoo-in (a horseracing term for an easy winner). The candidate filing period ended Friday January 31st but you can always write in the name of your favorite candidate. All the candidates were asked to submit written statements so that you, the voter, could get to know why they are running for office. Here is what was received.
Town Candidates
Select Board
Two openings for a term of three yearsDiane Adinolfo
Greetings Residents of Allenstown.
I am a candidate for the Board of Selectmen for the Town of Allenstown. I attended local schools and obtained a degree in Quality Assurance Management and spent 41 years in various roles within Quality Assurance in medical device development and manufacturing organizations.
As for my town experience and commitments, I've been on the Planning Board for 8+ years, the Zoning Board of Adjustments for 3 years, Budget Committee for the past 2 years, and I am one of the Assistant Moderators. I was also the Interim Town Clerk / Tax Collector for 5 months. I also volunteer at the town hall working on various projects primarily in the town clerk's office. I attend most of the Board of Selectmen meetings and frequently provide input.
Collectively, between my work experience and my experience participating on local boards and committees, I have acquired the skills needed to understand the town processes and make a significant contribution. I am retired and I am prepared to do the work.
I, like all of you, am concerned about rising taxes. One way to address this issue is to communicate with our State Representatives and monitor their participation and how they cast votes regarding town revenue. At the town level, we must ensure that money is spent wisely, when needed and not compromise the safety of our citizens and the quality of education of our students.
I would appreciate your vote on March 11, 2025.
Thank You,
Diane Adinolfo
David Bouffard
Statement requested
John T. Childs
My name is John Childs and I am a Candidate for Selectman in Allenstown. I have been a member of the Municipal Budget Committee for three years and currently serve as a Commissioner of the Allenstown Sewer Commission.
We have a spending problem in Allenstown that is not sustainable for our average tax payers. My agenda as a Selectman would be enhanced oversight of the town operations, get the open audits of 2022-2024 completed and certified, ensure cost centers by department are corrected so we can evaluate performance vs. cost, maintain SB2 as our form of budgeting and try to achieve level funding until the full evaluations of Hillsbrook Village and 25 Canal hit the tax rolls.
Kristopher Fowler
My name is Kris Fowler and I am running for a position on the Select Board. I have lived in town for over 40 years. During that time I attended the Allenstown Elementary and Armand R DuPont schools. I was also employed as a Paraprofessional at AES for seven years. I have served our town for many years as a Supervisor of the Checklist and as a Ballot Clerk.
I am running for this position because I want to work with the rest of the members to make Allenstown a great destination for families and businesses to call home. WE can accomplish this goal as long as WE work together as a team. I ask that you please vote for me on March 11, 2025. Together WE can turn our amazing town into something to be really proud of and the envy of All. Thank you for your consideration and support.
Laura Lambert
My name is Laura Lambert and I'm running for Selectman in Allenstown. I moved here with my children about 17 years ago and settled into the town as a single mom. I struggled at times, but made it through with some help from my community. I met my husband Eric here in town and we have 5 children and 2 grandchildren between the two of us. We raised our children in Allenstown, putting them all through the Allenstown/Pembroke school systems. We moved away for a short time, but the "home" feeling that Allenstown brings brought us back!
I have been employed full-time with the United States Postal Service here in Allenstown/ Pembroke as a mail carrier for over 17 years. I run the food drive we do every year out of our office. I also have been involved in and coordinated some community events, a few of those would include; Movie Night at the Fire station, providing food for the concerts in town and Reach the Beach in September at Bear Brook State Park.
I was honored to help coordinate a Kids Shopping Day at the Fire Station this year with leftover toys and games from the last year or two that were donated by people for the giving tree. We had the ladies from the Library come join us, did some crafts and had some snacks. Everything was under $1 and the kids could buy for their families. It was such a huge success and we were humbled by the response. The citizens that came out with their children thanked us immensely and wanted us to keep this event going for years to come. It was bringing people together.
I truly feel that getting people involved in their community gives them ownership in it, the saying "It takes a village," is such a true statement. People in numbers supporting one another, helping one another can move mountains!
I am running for the Select Board because I feel we need to take a different view with a fresh set of eyes. I offer honesty and integrity, and am a huge advocate for bridging the gap between our boards and committees and our community. The more involvement and ownership from the community, the more people will care, come out and vote no matter which way we do it.
I am working hard to be more informed, to understand how we got to where we are, (with our higher taxes) and how to make things better for our community. I recently have been active in attending some board meetings to understand more of our town politics. I also am currently on the Zoning Board. My goal is to be involved, whether it be the Select Board, Zoning Board or other boards, I want to make an investment in my community! I will work hard for you!!
If you have any questions PLEASE feel free to email me anytime at lilone24241@gmail.com. Hope to see you at the polls on March 11th!
Sincerely yours,
Laura Lambert
Jim Rodger
Statement requested
Roger Staley
I'm Roger Staley, and I'm running for a seat on the Allenstown Select Board because I care about this town and its future. My family and I have put down roots here, and I want to help make Allenstown a place where families and community members can thrive.
I've spent my career leading teams, improving operations, and finding practical solutions to tough challenges. From managing budgets and logistics to tackling inefficiencies, I know how to get things running smoothly and make the most of available resources. I believe that same approach can benefit our town, focusing on smart spending, maintaining essential services, and planning for the future while taking care of today's needs.
Allenstown has a lot of potential, and I want to make sure we're moving forward in a way that benefits everyone. If elected, I'll work to improve infrastructure, support community initiatives, and ensure residents have a voice in the decisions that affect them. I also want to strengthen communication between the town and its residents, making sure people feel informed, heard, and involved in the process.
Good leadership means listening, making thoughtful decisions, and ensuring the town's resources are used wisely. I'm ready to bring a common-sense, solutions-focused approach to the Select Board, and I'd be honored to have your support.
Sewer Commission
One opening for a term of three yearsDavid Bouffard
Statement requested
Sewer Commission
One opening for a term of one yearJohn T. Childs (I)
My name is John T Childs and I currently serve on the Board of the Allenstown Sewer Commission. I am running this year to continue my involvement. I hope to continue using my business and marketing experience to support the outstanding management team at ASC.
Trustee of Trust Funds
One opening for a term of three yearsCheryl McDonald
Statement requested
Trustee of Cemetery Funds
One opening for a term of three yearsCheryl McDonald
Statement requested
Library Trustee
One opening for a term of three yearsAmanda Seibel
Statement requested
Budget Committee
One opening for a term of two yearsJeffery Venegas
Statement requested
Budget Committee
Four openings for a term of three yearsJulie Keane
I've called Allenstown home since 2007. I regard running for a Budget Committee position as a solemn responsibility, recognizing its critical role in financial stewardship and public trust, as voters expect us to manage the town's finances responsibly. I'm committed to transparency and actively support clear, accessible budget documents and regular public updates. I uphold fiscal responsibility by prioritizing needs over wants and ensuring the town operates within its means while fully funding essential services like public safety, education, and infrastructure.
I understand the importance of long-term planning, advocate for a balanced budget that includes reserves for emergencies or unexpected expenses, and be cautious about approving tax increases unless absolutely essential. I'm dedicated to collaborating with the town council, school board, and other committees to align priorities, avoid duplication of efforts, build consensus, and promote a cooperative budgeting approach. I pledge to stay informed about municipal finance and budgeting best practices, including state and federal funding opportunities that could benefit the town.
I will always make decisions based on data, evidence, and the community's best interests rather than personal or political gain. I'm committed to responsible budgeting, governance, and public service. Thank you for your consideration.
Road Agent
One opening for a term of three yearsChad Pelissier
Statement requested
School District Candidates
School Moderator
One opening for a term of one yearJudy Silva
Statement requested
School District Clerk
One opening for a term of one yearJacquelene Tate
Statement requested
School Board - 3 years
One opening for a term of three yearsEllen MacNeil
Statement requested
School Board
One opening for a term of two yearsKeith Klawes
Statement requested
School Board
One opening for a term of one yearCheryl McDonald
Statement requested
Justine Newell
Dear Residents of Allenstown,
My name is Justine Newell, and I have proudly lived in Allenstown for six years with my husband and our five children. My four youngest children currently attend ACS, while my older ones previously went to ARD and AES. During our time here, we've witnessed many positive changes, including the much-needed new school that benefits both our children and the community.
I believe that as a community, we can achieve great things together. After several years of observing from the sidelines, I would be honored to collaborate with school administrators to implement further positive changes. While I don't have formal experience on a town board, I actively participate in a practice council at my hospital unit, where we discuss and address areas for improvement identified by our nursing team. Additionally, I serve as a charge nurse, and as a parent of students at the school, I believe my experiences can effectively translate to serving on the school board.
My goal is to bring fresh perspectives and promote open communication, trust, and transparency within our community. I am confident that a strong school is essential for our children's success, and I am eager for the opportunity to serve on the school board and contribute to our shared goals.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Sincerely,
Justine Newell
School District Treasurer
One opening for a term of one yearNo Candidate
No Statement