Jerry Hejtmanek - City Council
Information taken from Jerry Hejtmanek for City Council mailer
Personal Statement
As a sixteen-year resident of Portsmouth, who has been a member of the Planning Board and the Historic District Commission, I take pride in being a resident of Portsmouth and am eager to make it an even better place to live. My mission on the Council will be to help improve our commitment to sustainability, ensure affordability, address traffic safety and parking issues and encourage development that enhances the quality of life for all residents.
Guiding Principles
Fiscal Responsibility
Our City's expenditure budgets and the resulting tax burden should be controlled such that increases approximate the inflation rate. A large number of union contracts will soon be renewed and the affordability of future liabilities created by the provisions in those contracts must be managed.
Sustainability
We must protect our natural resources, reduce pollution impacts and implement energy conservation programs and embrace alternative energy sources. Secondary waste water treatment should not be located at Pierce Island.
Community Participation
As Portsmouth's popularity as an economic hub expands, we must continually balance the economic benefits of commercial expansion with the needs and desires of our citizens. Strong neighborhood groups and citizens participation are essential to this process. Affordable housing will remain only a dream if NIMBY is not overcome.
Thoughtful Planning of our City's Future
The City of Portsmouth Master Plan is a template, which should guide decision making for the next several years. As so ably pointed out by many Portsmouth Listens groups, upgrading the Middle School on Parrott Avenue is consistent with the Master Plan. Ultimately, the School Board will make the site decision.
Strong Schools
I'm a strong proponent for continual improvement in the quality of education our schools provide.
Experience
Current:
- Portsmouth Planning Board: 5 years
- Planning Board Vice Chairman: 2 years
- Capital Improvement Plan subcommittee: 3 years
- Master Plan Natural Resources, Cultural and Housing subcommittees
- Historic District Commission: 1 1/2 years
- Children's Museum of Portsmouth Board of Directors
- Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) - Vice Chairman
Past:
- The Housing Partnership: Board Member and Fundraising Chairman
- The Seacoast United Way: Planned Giving and Strategy Committees
- Participant in Portsmouth Listens Study Circle, Master Plan and Middle School discussions
Work Experience
Education
M.B.A. Syracuse University, Honors.
B.S. Chemistry, Rochester Institute of Technology. Two-time Captain of wrestling team.
Work Experience highlights
- CEO & President, Bossard Group USA (1991-2000)
- Executive Vice President, Rowe International Division, Triangle Industries (1986)
- Vice President, Gases and Equipment, BOC Group (1976)
I hope to get your vote in this upcoming election. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at 305 FW Hartford Drive, Portsmouth, 436-2318.
Please click through to Seacoastonline.com for a very detailed profile and interview with Jerry.