Warburton Gets Off the 'Sidelines' to Run for Selectman

[Editor's note: This story has been updated since it was first posted at 11 a.m. on Jan. 28.]


Longtime public official Brian Warburton will seek a return to elected office this March, as the former beach supervisor and budget committee member has begun a campaign to rejoin the Hampton Board of Selectmen.

Warburton, who spent nine years as selectman in the 1990s and 2000s, including three stints as chairman, officially announced Tuesday morning that he intends to file paperwork on Wednesday for one of the two three-year terms available in the town meeting elections.

A one-year term is also available.

While Warburton admitted that the race will be difficult because he is already one of five declared candidates vying for the three-year terms, he believes his proven track record as a "accomplished leader and effective communicator" will help set him apart.

"I enjoyed being a selectman all those years," said Warburton. "Being on the sidelines has been very interesting. I've always been one who has been at the forefront of making decisions [for the town.] One of my biggest concerns over the years is that if a decision can't be made, [officials say], 'Let's just form a committee and make them do it.' You have to be a leader... and make an informed decision [rather than push that responsibility to someone else]."

After his tenure as selectman ended, Warburton served for six years as the parks supervisor for the state's Seacoast and South regions, in addition to over a year spent on the Hampton Budget Committee.

Warburton said the current board of selectman needs more leadership, and he said that's why he's looking to return after all these years. 

"I want to be part of that again," said Warburton, adding that there's a way to solicit input from other knowledgeable individuals while still acting as a strong leader.

Warburton will run against incumbent Selectman Mike Pierce, former Selectmen Chairman Rick Griffin, Hampton School Board member Rusty Bridle, and former Hampton Budget Committee candidate Joe Grzybowski in the race for one of the three-year terms.

Current Chairman Dick Nichols, who is up for reelection for the other three-year term available this March, hasn't yet filed. Nichols has said that he is "not going to decide until sometime" this week whether to run for reelection. 

The one-year seat available is the remaining year of the term vacated by Ben Moore, who resigned last summer. Warburton had sought to be Moore's temporary replacement, although Mike Plouffe was chosen for that role. 

Plouffe and former Republican State Rep. Jim Waddell have filed candidacy paperwork for the position so far.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Jan. 31 to apply for the positions. Hampton and Winnacunnet High School candidates should apply at the Hampton Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall, while North Hampton candidates should apply at the North Hampton Town Clerk's Office.

Hampton town and school elections and warrant article voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, in the Winnacunnet High School dining hall.

North Hampton town and school elections and warrant article voting will take place at North Hampton Town Hall from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11.


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