I posted the information below on my http://ourvoice.stadig.org website, but thought it may be good to also place it here in case people stumble across my blog. Unlike many in elected positions in my town I do not work in the town or for someone in the town or town government.   I do presently sit on the Budget Committee and would abandon the position if voted in as Selectmen.

Here is the Information as Posted – - – - – - – -

My name is Glen Stadig and I am a candidate for Selectmen,

I am 46 years old, married, and have been a resident of Lebanon for the past ten years.

Professionally I am the MIS Manager (managing and supporting computer networks, workstations, file servers, security and telephone systems) and Inventory Control Manager for a medical device manufacturer. I am a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and also a certified ISO 9000 / 13485 auditor.

I have experience that is wide and ranging in many industries. I have held positions as award winning Safety Director for a large multi-site construction company, Quality Manager, and Self Employed Restaurateur. I was awarded the prestigious Founders Award from Cigna Insurance and Published in Contracting Magazine for success in Loss Control and Safety.

I am presently a Lebanon Budget Committee member and worked on the 2010-2011 budget.

My personal life finds me with six grown children (3 by marriage). I am a huge fan of all the New England sports teams. My hobbies include billiards, hiking, cycling, technology and fly fishing for striped bass along the Maine coast. I also work to support charities.

I am the creator of the OurVoice website in 2008. The website hosts audio and video recordings of the Towns Selectmen and Budget Committee meetings. You will also find community Events, News, Commentary,and Editorial all pertaining to the town. Residents are encouraged to post their own stories, events, opinions and also comment on others. This was done to improve openness and dialog amongst residents and to foster greater involvement in government, fundraisers and community activities. (http://ourvoice.stadig.org)

Why Do I Run?

In speaking with residents I repeatedly hear similar stories and examples presented of inner circles, favoritism, misinformation and an overall dissatisfaction in the way the town is administrated and it’s business is handled. In regards to Town government, Residents generally voice a certain level of apathy and frustration.

I want the best possible government for our town. A government that promotes a deep sense of civic involvement and one that is open, transparent and accountable to all it’s citizens. I want a government that applies integrity, ethical practices well beyond whats required by law, and one that maintains continuous oversight. Doing things in this manner does not get in the way of doing a good job; it’s the only way to ensure it’s done right. I believe not only can Lebanon afford to make these fundamental changes; we cannot afford not to.

I Would Like To See

I would like to see the towns Selectmen meeting at night when residents may attend. Presently, a majority of business and meetings are handled in a semi-formal way during the day without minutes maintained. I would further press to require minutes of all meetings, improving upon the minutes by making them more detailed, similar to what other Towns publish.

We must  learn more about the systems and methods used by other towns to manage roads, departments and policies, integrating the best of those systems to Lebanon. There is no need to reinvent the wheel in this area. Routinely at meetings I have heard Lebanon misses out on grants and other State Funding opportunities because our records are lacking. Lebanon needs to become expert in keeping detailed records and applying for grants whenever and wherever we can. We then need to use these monies efficiently and in a well planned way.

Our Town needs to leverage technology to improve communication and transparency to residents and our departments. Our Town website can provide 24/7 customer service to residents at no extra charge.

Lebanon should provide reasonable detail of budgets and spending online via status reports, charts and similar information that is easily printed from Towns systems and easy to understand. Recordings of official meetings should be required and placed online for residents to listen to and stay informed.

The Town web space must be utilized to better promote town organizations allowing for example, a page for the Lebanon Historical Society with photos and information on items they have and to promote interest. The American Legion should have a page highlighting activities, awards and members as well as observe the passing of our fallen heroes. This can easily be done for many others as well.

We also must recognize that many of our most involved and active residents depend on receiving the printed word and we need to ensure effective printed communications are made available, striking a balance with technology needs.

It is vital that resources the Town currently has are used effectively so they can better serve the Town. The Town Hall should adopt a rotating schedule allowing access by residents on all business days particularly Friday and some evenings.

Many people ask if I favor certain upcoming Referendums. What truly matters is how You, the residents, view things and how You vote. I will ensure the Referendums are written as clearly as possible providing you full disclosure, and provide residents as much information about ALL Town business and events as I am capable. Allowing you, the resident, to make the most informed, educated decision possible when you vote.

I will provide my opinion and make my decisions for the Town based upon research and all known facts, always listening to residents concerns and always acting in the best interest of the community at large.

It’s important we maximize and expand programs such as the free clinics for the town’s elderly and gain any additional aid possible for our citizens in need. We also need to ensure our Towns debt remains low.

Lebanon needs to be a good neighbor to other Towns and look for opportunities to exploit co-op arrangements where they make sense such as the purchase of sand, salt and other services where possible.

Our Budget Committee must be provided standardized reports with sufficient detail and timely, accurate information as to not waste the efforts of these volunteers during budget review. The Budget Committee should also play a more active role earlier in the process to set budgets and make reccomendations.

Vision

I want to see Lebanon retain it’s small Town charm and character. Understanding though we can’t go back to the way things used to be, we must live in today and prepare for the future. We must adopt best practices in all aspects of town management to maintain and protect what we still have, giving all residents the best value and best community experience we can.

This election matters, your voice needs to heard, to have a voice, you MUST VOTE.

I am certain my fresh perspective will compliment the experience of the other selectmen. I promise to be an effective Selectmen and work to enhance the trust, transparency, and communication on your behalf.

You can talk to me, I’m listening, and I ask you for your Vote.

Glen R. Stadig