Posted on the Joe Green for Town Council 2023 Facebook page
Joe Green -for Londonderry Town Council 2023
My name is Joe Green and I am running for re-election to the Londonderry Town Council.
I’ve been a resident of Londonderry for over 28 years. We moved to town from Massachusetts because of its great schools, low crime rate, and its beautiful rural setting.
I am married to a wonderful woman named Mary. I have two great kids, Joey and Stefanie.
I am the Director of Strategy and Innovation, for a C-Store chain based out of Massachusetts, with sites located all over New England.
I am really just a “regular Joe” that loves the town he lives in. I try to give back every chance I get through volunteerism. After all it is our civic responsibility.
I have had the honor of being a coach, league coordinator, and past Vice President of LAFA Baseball in Town for over 7 years.
I have coached and coordinated for Londonderry Basketball Club for 8 years and finally,
I had the privilege to be able to coach, coordinate several leagues, and serve as the VP of Londonderry Youth Soccer Association for over 12 years.
Governmental Experience:
I have served our great community on several boards and committees within our Town government. First, I was on the Budget committee for 2 years and then on the
Zoning Board of Adjustments for 2 years before being Elected to the Town Council for the past 12 years.
I was a member of the Master Plan Steering committee, that successfully created a robust 10 year plan, which acts as a road map for all of us, moving our town into the future.
While on the council, I serve as liaison to the Senior Resource Committee, The Recreation Commission, and the Library Trustees.
I have learned a tremendous amount from the folks that also put in countless hours, dedicating themselves, to these great committees. We are very fortunate to have such a caring community.
Why am I running for re-election?
am seeking re-election to continue the success we have had over the past 12 years. I believe the continuity of the current council has greatly contributed to the improvements we have all enjoyed during my tenure.
During the COVID epidemic, I stood tall and helped navigate through some of the roughest waters we have ever had to contend with. I did it by using the experience I have gathered through-out the years I have served the town to make decisions that were always in the best interest of its people.
The facts are clear, the current council has done a great job providing more services without always taking it out of your wallet.
An example of this is that in 2013 our tax rate was $5.19 while last year it was down to $4.22.
This has been possible by creating a delicate balance between commercial/industrial revenue growth up at the airport while continuing to focus on preserving our rural aesthetic and hometown feel within our residential sectors.
Our property values have increased each year consistently while I have been in office as well.
This means more money in your pockets by way of equity being built up in your home.
This means more money in your pockets by way of equity being built up in your home.
We have again put together a budget that, on its own, will continue to be fiscally conservative and prudent without reducing services.
I want to continue the great success and momentum this team has had making Londonderry a great place to live, work and recreate .
I believe we have been able to accomplish many great things over the time we have been together on the council. I know that my re-election is vital to that continuity and shared plan for the future.
I cannot say we always agree on everything, but a difference of opinion helps vet the issues out more completely, but I do feel that our vision is aligned.
I tend to see the glass half full instead of half empty as others tend to lean.
I want to continue to ensure that Londonderry stays on track by providing the most cost efficient delivery of top notch services without over taxing its residents!
To that end, I have supported our current Town Manager in making structural changes within Town Hall to become a leaner more productive machine for its residents.
Our town hall runs more efficiently than ever under its new leadership. We are poised to achieve even more unprecedented success by continued to focus on making our Town the best in the State!
I have been overjoyed to hear and know that our Londonderry residents are very proud to live in such a prosperous and sought after community!
What have I accomplished as a Town Councilor?
Financials:
For the past 12 years, I have worked very diligently not to leave any stone unturned when looking for savings in each departments budget.
I have a lot of experience, in my business life budgeting for a multi-million dollar company, so I apply these analytical skills for you to optimize your tax dollar.
It is the philosophy about doing more with less dollars that has gotten us to where we are today.
I consider myself a fiscal conservative but not at the expense of cutting our services risking our safety. When challenged with tough decisions, I have never been afraid to stand up and hold folks accountable.
I believe sound leadership is shown through actions and not just words. Based on this principle, I have fought very hard to return unspent tax dollars back to its residents, which paved the way in creating our current tax relief policy.
We continue to bring in new revenue, due to the industrial development at Pettengill Rd, which allows the taxpayer a buffer between the demand on more services and what comes out of their wallet.
We have been overall very successful in maintaining high levels of services within Police, Fire and Public Works without asking you to open up your check book again and again.
I promised to keep your tax rate as low as possible. I stood by my word and was the only councilor that voted “no” on increasing the tax rate.
Fiscal conservation without decreasing services- Excellent combination in my humble opinion!
Top Notch Services for the Community:
I continue to keep the safety needs of our community top of mind. While planning for the future, we have added more firefighters in order to serve the growing demands of the town we all love during my tenure. This was paid for by the revenue we received from new developments at the airport.
These actions improved response times across the board (ambulance and fire). In the never ending challenge to provide these brave men and woman with the proper tools to fight fires, and with only 65% of the community covered by hydrants, I was instrumental in adding a tanker truck to their arsenal a few years back.
As some may recall, I was very adamant about adding this piece of equipment for many years. My persistence pays off for you and the safety of your families!
We successfully installed a New Chief of Police who has quickly taken the reins and continued the strong leadership qualities our retired Chief made us all come to expect within the department.
Protecting our kids is always in the forefront of my mind. Being that they are one of our most precious resources to provide safety to, I have continued to be a strong advocate to increase the number of SRO’s in our schools steadily throughout my tenure.
When SRO cuts were suggested as recently as this year-
I said NO WAY!
The SRO program is very successful due to the outstanding men and woman that protect us day and night within our police department and I will see to it that it stays that way!
When cameras and alarm systems began to falter- we worked hard behind the scenes to get them hooked back up to the Police department with extremely high levels of prioritization in order to keep our children under close eye.
We are very fortunate to have some of the finest first responders in the state. With some of the best call responses and lowest crime rates in the area.
Finally, we have invested additional resources into our DPW department, to ensure the roads continue to get plowed and repaired timely and efficiently.
They work hard to provide you with a safe and sound infrastructure to travel on each and everyday.
These folks work tirelessly to get the job done for us, in some of the worst weather conditions, but always seem to be able to have a smile ready for the citizens they serve.
Economic Development:
Our economy continues to grow and expand in the areas around the Airport and the Route 102 corridor.
I supported the development of Pettengill Road but not at the expense of the tax payer. The TIF district was enacted by this council to provide options.
As you know, I never supported floating a TIF bond that would be funded by the tax-payers. Due to that unwavering stance, we got it paid through landowners and developers.
The development of our industrial and commercial base in town continues to grow. The additions of Milton Cat, Fed-Ex, FW Webb and UPS/Pratt Whitney have been completed during my tenure.
This industrial tax base added to the Town’s value and continues to bring in more revenue which offsets expenses to its residential tax payers.
We are excited to see the Woodmont Commons development project adding new destinations as well as the creation of its first 4 store mixed use buildings.
We continue to attract new dining destinations like Troy’s Fresh Kitchen, the Hot Pot, Jersey Mike’s and Renegade’s pub just to name a few that have come in within my recent tenure.
With the addition of our new Commercial and Industrial tax exemption program we will be able attract even more businesses to town in order to keep residential taxes low.
When a town grows as fast as Londonderry has, it takes a very experienced and steady hand to navigate through the challenges this sort of success can create.
It is a very careful balancing act that cannot be done without precision acumen. This is another reason I believe I should be re-elected.
Other Developments during my tenure:
2016-Grand Estates at Londonderry, the Town’s first luxury senior living apartments
2016- All American Assisted Living- First assisted Living community
2018- Apple Tree Plaza rehab/development project brought new+ exciting businesses to L’Town
2019- Londonderry Common’s Plaza / Citizens Bank redevelopment and business expansion project
2020- Sanborn Crossing Apartments – Senior Affordable Living
2022 -Construction of Exit 4A started
Checks and Balances:
As you may have noticed, we successfully transitioned the finance department a few years ago, by welcoming new leadership, after a retirement. We continued to insist on very high fiduciary responsibility levels within this department.
The same will be true within the most recent restructuring of the Economic Development dept. With our new Assistant Town Manager at the wheel- we are positioned for even more success.
Many checks and balances have been put in place to ensure that all aspects of our town government are working hard to provide its taxpayers with the results they have come to expect.
Although changes may seem difficult at first glance, we continue to enhance the throughput of each department by providing strong, steady, and transparent leadership.
Continuing to think out of the box..
Our council continues to be innovative in problem solving and always puts the best interest of our citizens above their own.
As leaders we must continue to listen to our residents. In order to keep our young adults and seniors in town, we have to be aware of what they need.
They want the availability of an affordable place to live. They want a good variety of close by services and amenities. They want to connect with each other and be a part of a community that can gather and recreate together.
These are simple enough requests but we have to keep them top of mind as we move into the future. It is vital to our prosperity. It should never hurt to be a Londonderry resident.
The latest Master Plan (2013) indicated that folks are looking for other options to stay in town. Seniors are looking to downsize and the millennials are looking to have a more walkable mixed commercial/residential neighborhood.
Due to the fact that I have immersed myself in the community, I have developed a good read on what our citizens are looking for. Let me continue to apply this knowledge and help navigate us into the future with that strong sense of community.
Union Negotiations
We have had another successful round of negotiations with our Union partners. I want to thank the folks that came to the table willing to find a common ground.
The union contract agreement that is on the ballot is a win-win situation for the Unions and this community. It is fair and equitable for both sides + does not hurt the wallets of our citizens either.
Senior Center / Senior Housing / Veterans
I feel very strongly about having to give back to the folks that have made major contributions to the fabric of our community.
During my tenure, a long over due Senior Center expansion was enabled due to prudent fiscal management
The Senior Transportation effort in town has brought forth a van to bring our aging population to doctors appointments and the like when needed. I was able to get Londonderry Ford to donate this vehicle to the town. Thanks again to them for their generosity!
I pushed the council hard to ratify a 25% calculation on the elderly property value exemption policy for Seniors in town. We are also working on adjusting qualifying levels down to allow more of our aging population to take advantage of these tax credits and remain in their homes!!
Even though I was challenged by some members of the council, I stood up for our veterans!
I supported maximizing the tax credit immediately for all Veterans, and continue to insist on giving back to our men and woman in uniform, in order to recognize them for the sacrifices they made for our freedom!
Library / Cable Services
I believe the Town Council and The Library Trustees have a very productive and strong alliance now. As liaison, I have worked hard to clearly represent the great work that continues to be produced by this fine institution.
I am thoroughly engaged in protecting the library’s budget from unnecessary cuts. It has been a great negotiation and partnership.
The library continues to be a highly utilized resource and its usage continues to grow.
Our Cable services department has been doing a great job providing the necessary video feeds to keep our community informed.
With expanded use of on-demand and additional programming, the folks over there (lead by Drew and Erin) really put out a very necessary product that enhances our community.
Thanks to all of the many volunteers that assist in this wonderful effort!
Open Space / Water
30% of Londonderry’s land is set aside for conservation/open space. The Town Forrest, the Musquash, Lithia Springs, and the Rail Trail are jewels for a large segment of our population.
I am very proud to continue to support the Rail Trail both as a council member and personally by contributing financially to the cause.
I love our pristine natural aesthetics and our beautiful conservation lands. We have a very nice rural and historic appeal that we must maintain.
Our water is a very essential resource that must be monitored and checked regularly. The balance of these natural resources becomes threatened by our growth at times, so we have to make sure we stay cognizant of this very important asset.
I vow to defend the purity of our water with any and all means that are at my disposal. Clean water is not just a necessity for life, it is a right that we must protect no matter how hard the battle becomes.
To sum it up….
If I’m reelected, I’ll continue to be a fiscally responsible leader that works day and night to maintain a high level of superior services, while continuing to minimizing any tax rate impacts to its residents.
While the safety of our community is paramount, and at the highest level of my priorities, I will always look for ways to achieve this goal without reaching into your pocket books.
I have used a common sense approach in making decisions that effect your wallet and will continue to do so.
I feel that having transparency in government is a requirement, not just a nice to have. Being honest and upfront is very necessary in this position.
Some may call us – at the Town Council level = “politicians”, but I say no- I am just a “Regular Joe” who just wants to help make Londonderry the best community in NH.
I will never be afraid to make decisions that are unpopular -as long as it is the right thing to do.
I will continue to stand up for our Seniors and Veterans who “suffer in silence”.
We are a time starved society that does not need to work more hours to pay for a tax rate that continues to grow.
I will not stop reaching across the street to the School Committee in an attempt to again engage in possible cost savings through expanded partnerships.
I, like you, have limited disposable income and I refuse to just accept the fact that our overall tax bill has to go up due to these duplicate costs.
I will continue to support economic development in appropriate areas in town, which will bring in additional tax revenue, allowing your town-side tax rate to stay low.
If you cast a vote for me in March, you vote for a person who has had a proven track record of unprecedented results.
I promise to continue fighting hard to maintain the quality of life you have come accustomed to —without robbing your wallet.
I listen to our experts and not pretend I know better than they do. I will continue to maintain staffing that meets or exceeds levels of comparable towns to ensure that you are safe at all times. I will do it without holding my hand out for more of your hard earned money.
To me- the difference is clear- I won’t promise you things that cannot be achieved like some like to do. I am here now and I know the difference between pipe dreams and the reality of getting the job done.
As a home owner and a taxpayer myself, I have skin in the game and understand what it is like to have your life savings tied up in your home.
I will not make statements that are fictional and that are not based on hard evidence. I do not jump to conclusions using only 10% of the actual story.
am the councilor that does his homework and bases his decisions on the facts! Integrity is everything to me. I say what I mean and I do what I say. I have done that for the past 12 years and will continue to proceed in that same vain if you give me the opportunity.
Your vote matters! Too many times people think the incumbent will easily get in and they do not come out and vote. They then regret it when they see what happens when strong consistent leadership changes. My opponents are hoping for a low turn-out. Don’t give them the satisfaction!
Make your voice heard- come out and support the guy who has been there for you over the past 12 yrs.!!
I have truly been honored to serve you on the town council and thank you for that opportunity.
As always I am available to chat at 978-965-1219 or email me at joegr617@aol.com
On March 14th, I again ask for your support and your vote. Please re-elect me, Joe Green to the Town Council of the great town of Londonderry. Thank You’!!