Candidate Profile: River Marmorstein

Ahead of this Thursday’s (5/5) Peterborough Parley Debate and Salon and in preparation for next week’s Peterborough Town Meeting, GoMonadnock sent some basic questions to all candidates in contested races. We will be publishing candidate responses, unedited, as we receive them. —CJD

GoMo: As a member of the Budget Committee, how do you plan to maintain a balance between the high levels of service expected by residents and the demand to keep taxes low and cut costs?

I would first look to places where we can create savings through increased efficiencies or changes to our processes, such as limiting overtime or waste. The high levels of service are necessary to govern our town. I would like to focus on reducing overhead costs and other inefficiencies rather than focusing on offsetting revenues (ambulance reimbursements, for example). I believe that we can look at our processes and find lots of new ways to save.

What are the ways in which you as a candidate are unique and distinct from your opponents in this race?

I am the youngest person running for the Budget Committee, and have a vision for the future of the town. I am a lifelong resident of town, having been born and raised in Peterborough and plan on staying for the foreseeable future. I am also the only candidate with experience in public safety, which is one of our largest yearly costs to the budget – having that experience and understanding will help determine what is really needed vs. what is “good to have.”

Tell us your vision for the future of Peterborough.

My vision for Peterborough is to see the town grow in an affordable way. I want Peterborough to be a place where you can start a business, own a home, and raise a family. With every tax increase, whether it from the town or school, we get farther away from being affordable.

What else do you want our readers to know?

I want to see the town adopt a “Responsible” budget. We often see two extremes – pushing things off to save costs – or the opposite, spending without any regard for tax increases. Over the past few years, progress has been made in keeping level budgets, I think we can still do better by continuing to be cognizant of our taxpayers. Just like many young families in town, I feel like I am getting priced out and continue to feel the pressure on my own budget at home.