The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney.
Welcome to Up Close and Personal, a regular column in New Hampshire Town and City designed to give readers a closer look at NHMA Board members. This issue features Councilor Lori Radke, Town of Bedford and NHMA Board Member.
What are your duties and responsibilities as a Town Councilor?
I am a member of the Bedford Town Council, currently serving as the chairwoman. The town of Bedford operates under the town council/town manager form of government. Town Councilor responsibilities include the administration of the fiscal, prudential, municipal, and other affairs of the town. The Town Council appoints residents to various Boards and Commissions.
What is your biggest challenge in performing your duties?
The biggest challenge is getting elected every three years. Once you have accomplished that task, the next challenge is working with a group of six other town councilors. As you may know, we don’t always agree, so the challenge is trying to find the middle ground.
How has NHMA helped you to do your job?
NHMA is amazing and a wealth of information. I utilize the resources that NHMA offers to research questions I may have, attend workshops, and stay informed about legislative matters. Being informed helps me become a better town councilor.
Give us an example of a problem you solved or a dilemma you faced and overcame in the line of duty.
Not so much a dilemma as a solution. Bedford is a wonderful community with lots of housing options and business opportunities. What Bedford is lacking is a sufficient amount of open space. My first order of business when I was elected in 2020 was to propose changing the amount of LUCT (land use change tax) from 50% to 100%. That initiative passed overwhelmingly, and now the town enjoys 100% of LUCT being diverted directly to Conservation, so it has more funds to secure additional open space.
What is the public perception about your job and how does it differ from the reality of your job?
Residents believe the Town Council has the power to make immediate changes. Although that has some truth to it, what they don’t understand is that RSA’s and our town Charter can bind the Town Council.
Tell us a story about an unusual experience you have had while doing your job.
Great question, I just can’t think of anything. I believe that is a good thing.
Has your public position changed you personally?
Being an elected official makes you an open book. So, I try not to engage in social media; I do my best to treat my colleagues and residents with respect, and I do my best to drive the speed limit! As an elected official, there is nothing worse than having your name in the newspaper when it’s not good news!
Has your job changed the way you look at the role of government?
Yes, being a town councilor has heightened my awareness of what is happening in Concord and how some of their decisions impact municipalities. Although the legislature's decisions in Concord may be good or bad, they will ultimately affect how towns and cities operate. That is why it is crucial to stay informed.
What lessons about human nature have you learned in your municipal role?
There are two sides to every issue, and the truth is somewhere in the middle.
What advice would you give someone who would like to follow in your footsteps into this job?
Learn as much as you can about local government. Begin by volunteering to serve on a board or commission. Work on obtaining certifications or the necessary education to gain entry. Once you make that leap of faith, go into it with your eyes wide open and always follow your true north.
Do you dislike any aspects of your job? Which ones? Why?
Long meetings. Given our form of government and having an outstanding Town Manager, there is no need for the Town Council to delve into the details of town operations, which can turn a one-hour meeting into a three-hour meeting. Oy vey!
Given the opportunity, what changes would you make to the position?
I like the town manager/town council form of government that Bedford currently has. The only change I would like to see is having the town council approve the operating budget instead of sending it to the residents for approval. Unfortunately, in 2024, the town voted to go from a budgetary town meeting to SB2 to approve the budget. A step backwards, if you ask me.
Is there anything else you would like to discuss regarding your job?
In addition to serving as a town councilor in Bedford, I also serve as a town administrator in Hollis. Some may think this to be a conflict or too much on my plate. I would disagree-- being a town councilor in Bedford has made me a more effective town administrator in Hollis, and I wouldn’t change a thing!