Plymouth Selectmen Election Results

Tim Naro won a three year term as Plymouth Selectman this past Tuesday, while Quentin Blaine edged out John Kelly for the one year term. The University proved to be controversial platform for all of the candidates, as illustrated by their election commentary. John Tucker, the previous Selectman, was interviewed Tuesday before the results came out. Tucker said that there were no indications of which way the polls were leaning. “Plymouth State is a great asset to the town of Plymouth and I want to work with them.” He feels that the town and the University have made strides in reaching fair agreements, but residents feel that the University is not paying for their fair share of the town. “The school does not have their own fire department and they need the Plymouth police quite frequently to back up the campus police. Every time these services are needed for the school it cost the town money.” said Tucker. Even though Plymouth State is tax exempt they still pay the town money. In the past the school has paid about $170,000 to the town. This past year they’ve doubled that to $340,000. The money goes to the fire department’s equipment and salaries, the town prosecution office, and even code enforcement officers. On the other end of the spectrum is 73 year-old candidate John Kelly. Kelly, who has been a resident of Plymouth almost his whole life, feels that the town can thrive without the University. “Plymouth State is the little green monster that has grown out of its shell,” said Kelly. He feels that the town has let the school grow out of control, but he doesn’t blame the University, he blames the town. He believes that the University controls the town and discourages commercial businesses. “Plymouth State runs the town to the point where they told Wal-Mart what size maple trees they can have in their parking lots,” said Kelly. He feels that the town could build up Tenney Mountain Highway and strive on business, much like Tilton has done with the stretch of Rt. 3 in the exit 20 area. Quentin Blaine, another candidate, feels that the University should also cover more costs in the town. He said Plymouth State has expanded their enrollment without considering the off-campus living situation. He feels that they should free up housing for the residents in town. Students see the issue a differently. Student Josh Forest feels that these candidates need to re-evaluate their position with the school. “Seeing how the school is not required to pay the town squat, I think doubling the donation was generous. Furthermore I think that if it wasn’t for this school, the town economy and job rate would dwindle to peanuts.” He continued, “This whole debate with the town and the school is one that has not been resolved since I’ve been here and I don’t think they will ever come to a mutual understanding.”