To the Editor:

Hello, I am Jody Vaillancourt, and I am running for a three-year seat on the Merrimack Town Council in the upcoming election on April 14.

It is my goal to work toward maintaining quality of life for the residents of Merrimack while keeping the taxpayer in mind. I hope to bring a broad perspective to decision-making processes and effectively communicate with all stakeholders if elected.

For the past 17 years, I have been a very active volunteer in the Town of Merrimack:

??MMK Road Runner Booster Club, current chair, 2011-present.

??Merrimack Safe Guard – past president, 2012-13.

??Merrimack Citizens for Pipeline Information, 2014-present.

??CATV committee member, 2009-12.

??MMK School District Program Evaluation and Review Committee (PERC) as a community representative, 2003-05.

??JMES-PATT, president and fundraising VP, 2001-04.

??Established the lunchroom volunteer and school spirit programs at JMES.

??Volunteer at JMES, JMUES, MMS and MHS 1998-present.

??Merrimack Friends & Family, past president and fundraising VP.

One of the challenges that any candidate running for elected office faces is understanding how local government operates. I believe having served as an elected official in the following positions provides me with a distinct advantage as a proven leader:

??Merrimack School Board, past chair, 2006-12.

??MMK School Planning and Building Committee, past vice chair, 2004-06.

My husband, Tom, and I have lived in Merrimack for 22 years with our two children.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in special studies from SUNY at Fredonia. I am employed in the insurance industry with a multi-line claims adjuster license in the state of New Hampshire.

I care deeply about our town and would be honored to serve as your town councilor for the next three years. I am grateful for your support. Please vote Jody for Town Council on Tuesday, April 14.

Jody Vaillancourt
Merrimack