Huntington Select Board member Charles Bushor with son Nathaniel, 13, and wife Marie. Bushor is seeking a second term in a contested race, to be decided Saturday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
HUNTINGTON – Charles Bushor is seeking a second three-year term as selectman in a contested race with John McVeigh in Huntington. Elections will be held this Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Stanton Hall.
Bushor, 50, of 23 East Main Street in Huntington, is originally from the small town of Lebanon, N.H. He said he relocated to Huntington because it reminded him of his childhood home, after coming to the area to fight the fire on Shatterack Mountain in 1995. A diesel mechanic by trade, Bushor continued to serve the community as a volunteer in the Russell, Chester and Huntington fire departments, and also as an EMT for thirteen years for the Hilltown Community Ambulance.
Bushor said that right now, “Huntington is running very well. The select board is working well together. Each department we run is running at top efficiency. We get them the tools they need to succeed.” He pointed to the new dump truck for the Highway Department, as well as a new fire truck, which he said will be delivered soon.
Bushor said that as a member of the Green Committee, he helped to acquire a grant of over $140,000 which is being used to achieve a 20 percent reduction in town utilities over five years. He said they have completed the lighting retrofit for the town, and now plan to do an audit for oil, to help them to reach their goal as a “Green Community.”
“I really want to look into solar power for the Green Committee,” Bushor said.
He also stressed the importance of keeping an open mind regarding new ways to incorporate renewable energy into the town.
Bushor said that the town of Huntington also has a good relationship with the Gateway School District.
“The relationship between Huntington and Gateway is pretty straightforward,” he said. “We have voted to approve the budget for the school this year. We’re going to approve the budget, because it’s the right thing to do.”
He said Huntington supports the school more than any other town, through the fire department and police department.
“We really don’t have any problems with the school,” he said. “It is running as well as it can be. We’re fortunate to have the hub here.”
Bushor also said that he support activities and organizations that focus on the town’s youth.
“We need to continue supporting the efforts of those on the Recreational Committee, Little League and Gateway Youth Athletic Association,” he said. “By encouraging our kids to participate, we are helping them build confidence through achievements, as well as learning to work together as part of a team.”
Other accomplishments that Bushor points to during his term as selectman are the recent renovations to Stanton Hall, which he calls the “centerpiece” of the town, and serving as the volunteer coordinator for the Franklin Regional Transit Authority.
“I was proud to assist in providing much needed services to the elderly members of our community,” he said.
In his candidate’s statement, Bushor said, “In the last 17 years, I have shown a commitment to this community in various positions. I plan to continue that commitment, if elected. Community DOES matter, and that is why I am asking for your vote for selectman on Saturday, May 18.”
