Alan H. Bennett - Town Council Candidate

ALAN H. BENNETT - Town Council
573 Bay Road

Occupation: Retired Surgeon, Researcher and Educator; Chairman and Professor, Department of Urological Surgery, Albany Medical College and Albany Medical Center Hospital until 1994; Vice

President, Medical Affairs, C.R. Bard, Inc. until 2000

Military Service: Captain US Army Medical Corps; Surgeon, 93" Evacuation Hospital, Viet Nam; US Army Commendation Medal, 1964-1966

Education: University of Virginia (BA with Honors in Philosophy of Religion); Boston University School of Medicine; General Surgery/Urological Surgery Residency, Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Harvard Medical School

How long have you lived in Durham?  Two years

Previous service on governmental/community/civic boards, commissions, committees, or organizations.  Treasurer of the Shankhassick Shorefront Association, Durham; Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail representing NH and NY; Member, Historic Preservation Commission, West Orange, NJ; Park Manager (3 years) and Chairman, Committee of Managers (3 years), Llewellyn Park, West Orange, NJ- a National and State designated historic Community; Volunteer at the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, West Orange, NJ; Board Member and Co-Founder of the Raquette lake (NY) Preservation Foundation; Trained (Paul Smith's College) Invasive Species and lake Quality Monitor (10 Years Experience); Board Member, Capital District Resolve and Co-Chairman, United Way Drive- Albany, NY; Chairman of the Health Policy Committee of the American Urological Association (AUA); Treasurer and President of the Northeastern Section of the AUA; Member of the US Food and Drug Administration's Gastroenterology and Urology Devices Panel; Participant in the Outreach Project for the Clinton Health Care Task Force; Expert Witness, Subcommittee on Health, US House, Ways and Means Committee, Testimony on Health Care Reform

Reason for Interest in running for elected office: My wife and I moved to Durham 2 years ago to return to New England after retirement.  We chose Durham because of its natural beauty, proximity to water and small town, university atmosphere.  Wherever I have lived, I’ve become involved in trying to improve the cultural and aesthetic  attributes of the community.  Living on Great Bay, I’ve supported the Great Bay Stewards.   With my experience in testing water quality and helping to control invasive species, I see an opportunity to be helpful in this regard.  The property we purchased is under a conservation easement .  I believe this is one way to protect open spaces. 

I am also interested in historic preservation, which has been a passion for both my wife and myself.  Durham offers a treasure trove of historic landmarks and structures.  I am hopeful that, if elected, I can encourage the community to enhance these assets.  I am also concerned about the lack of restaurants and shops in the downtown area that would cater to Durham residents.  I would like to be able to patronize Durham businesses rather than travel outside the town for dining and shopping. I feel we should encourage and support bringing more diversity into our downtown.

I have served on many Boards and Committees in a variety of disciplines. Now that I am retired, I would like to channel my past experiences toward contributing positively to the town.

Additional background information not included in responses above, if applicable.  N/A