Diana Carroll - Town Council

DIANA CARROLL - Town Council
54 Canney Road

Occupation: Retired School Counselor

Education:  BA Psychology, University of Detroit; MA School Counseling, Michigan State University; CAGS Counseling, University of New Hampshire

Years as Durham Resident:  42 Years

Previous Service on Governmental/Community/Civic Boards, Commissions, Committees, or Organizations:  --Town Council 2012-2015; --Town Council 2009–2012 (Chair 2010 – 2012); --Town Council 2005–2008 (Chair Pro Tem 2006–2008); --Planning Board, Council Alternate 2005 –2008; --Town Council Liaison to Conservation Commission 2013-2015; --Town Council Liaison to Durham Energy Committee 2007-2008; --Member and Chair of Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee 1996-2003; --Member of two Durham police oral boards to hire new police officers; --Long-time town and school volunteer

Reason for Interest in Running for Elected Office:  Durham continues to offer a high quality of life that both draws newcomers and retains those who know and love its qualities.  I am running to continue to protect the special quality of life that is Durham while supporting changes that will enhance our town. I am committed to:

• A downtown that is walkable, bikeable (with protected bikeways), pedestrian-friendly, and which brings in tax revenue.
• Preserving our scenic rural character, including and especially our gateways.
• Educating residents on pollution problems in Great Bay and working for its rehabilitation.
• Using tax dollars carefully and wisely.
• Continued cooperative efforts between the town and university.
• Protecting neighborhoods.
• Protecting our drinking water.
• Using tax dollars carefully and wisely.
• Supporting our town library.
• Preserving our historic properties.
• Implementing alternative sources of energy for town buildings and facilities.
• Supporting Amtrak’s Downeaster service.
• Supporting farmers’ markets and local food production.

Additional background information not included in responses above, if applicable.  Having served on the Town Council for nine years, on the Planning Board for three, and   on various town committees during my forty-two years as an engaged Durham resident, I have become keenly aware of both the challenges and opportunities our town faces. With my experience and skills, I am prepared to meet Durham’s challenges and maximize its opportunities. My focus is quality of life in Durham, conservation, historic preservation, and wise use of tax dollars.

Through my work on the Council, Planning Board, and Town Committees, I have developed a broad understanding of Durham residents’ concerns and the workings of town government. From this experience, I believe that I’ve been able to maintain a good read on the pulse of the community.

As Chair of the Council, I worked to make sure that meetings were open, transparent, and welcoming to the public. One of my goals as Chair was to establish and give leadership to a Council that worked cooperatively as it engaged in effective problem-solving.

While serving on the Council, I brought forward a number of initiatives, including:

• Changing Durham’s property tax billing cycle in order to annually save approximately $300,000. By adopting a semi-annual tax payment, the Town now saves $300,000 in bank interest every year.
• A Resolution expressing the Town Council’s support for retaining the Mill Pond Dam—which passed.
• A proposition for two zoning changes to further protect the ORLI and MUDOR zones from potential future sprawl—which passed.
• A plan to increase the property tax exemption for low-income senior citizens in Durham. The plan was adopted and two years later increased.

While I was Chair of the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee:

• We collaborated with Public Works to establish the Swap Shop. This well received, well-used addition to Durham enables residents to obtain usable items for free.
• We replaced plastic bags with paper bags for leaf pick up. This has resulted in a savings in labor costs to the town while minimizing environmental impact.