Tracie Adams, Amherst Planning Board Candidate

Tracie Adams

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Position Sought

Planning Board 1-year term

Party Affiliation

Family

I live in Amherst with my husband of 26-years, son who is attending Saint Anselm College, daughter who is attending UNH, and 2 terrier-mix dogs that we adore.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My husband works at Hanscom Air Force Base.

Education

My education includes the following: Doctor of Physical Therapy from The College of St. Scholastica, Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis, Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology both from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte

Occupation

As a licensed Physical Therapist with 30-years of experience, I have served people in need of rehabilitation in acute care, home health, skilled nursing, outpatient, and women's health settings. My experience includes certification as a Geriatric Certified Specialist.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I was appointed to the Planning Board Alternate last year by the Board of Selectmen

Campaign website

none

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking election to the Planning Board because I want to continue serving the community and fulfill my commitment to the Master Plan process as a member of the Master Plan Steering Committee.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our planning board is the need to balance the rights of land owners to develop their property with the desire of the town citizens to maintain our rural character and open spaces. This balance can be accomplished with thoughtful planning and thorough evaluation of all proposals.

Are you a candidate running for office in Amherst? Fill out this Patch Candidate Profile Form, and email a photo to tony.schinella@patch.com, and we'll let voters know about your candidacy.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My candidacy is supported by over two years of engagement with the Planning Board. I have also attended three planning board training conferences. I spent one year faithfully attending planning board meetings and determined that I could make a positive contribution. Last year I was appointed to the Planning Board as an Alternate by the Board of Selectmen. I feel that these experiences have helped me become a successful, contributing member of the Planning Board and Master Plan Steering Committee.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

The past accomplishment that most readily speaks to my ability to handle the Planning Board job is the fact that I have served on the board as a dedicated alternate member. I believe that the board I served on fulfilled its duty to review each application on its merits and ensure that the laws and ordinances were met while carefully considering the impacts of the proposal on the entirety of the town of Amherst.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Serving the best interests of the citizens of Amherst through the planning board process drives my candidacy. As a current member of the Master Plan Steering Committee, I believe it is critical to hear from the citizens and create a master plan that will reflect the town's vision for the future and promote land use that will facilitate reasonable growth. I would be honored to receive your vote for the Planning Board 1-year term.