Election Day is just about here. Now is the time, if you haven’t already done so, to study the issues and examine the candidates for office in our local town and school races.

There are some sticky questions. For instance, Hooksett teachers have agreed to a three-year contract with no raises, but does that really mean no raises? The state’s new “evergreen clause” seems to indicate no.

Hooksett wants to be able to rent out part of Town Hall. Bringing in some extra revenue sounds like a terrific idea. But the original deed required that the old Village School building only be used for governmental, civic and public educational uses. We haven’t forgotten Hooksett’s vote several years back that indicated an overwhelming desire for part of that building to be used as a community center. At the very least it ought to be used for the school district’s alternative suspension program, which can’t be housed on school grounds. We feel strongly that the town ought to consider these uses before giving away use of this building to commercial enterprises.

Allenstown residents, go for the fire truck in Article 18. The truck will cost the town just $15,000 after getting grants, and it’s a deal you can’t afford to pass up.

Epsom, give your town officials a message and support Article 7, which asks for the tax impact to be put back on the official ballot so you have some idea how much each item is going to cost you. The lawyers are playing chicken on this one, saying it’s safer to keep it off the ballot in case the estimate is off. Tell your town officials you want to be an informed voter and they should help you with voting decisions, not make it more difficult.

We applaud everyone who plans to vote this season. You help to make the difficult decisions in your towns. This is when you get your say. Vote March 9!

- Editorials published by Neighborhood News Inc. are written by an editorial board.

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