Andrew Corrow - Town Council

ANDREW CORROW - Town Council
139 Durham Point Road

Education:  
University of New Hampshire (BA English/Journalism, minor in history/Middle East studies) 1992.  University of New Hampshire (MPA-Public Administration) 2003.

Occupation:  United States Army (Retired)

Years as Durham Resident:  Nearly 8 years (grew up in Madbury and attended Oyster River Schools).

Previous Service on Governmental/Community/Civic Boards:In the 1990’s – the early 2000’s,
1.  Planning Board member (2010-2017).  Chair, (2015-2017), Vice Chair (2013-2015), Secretary (2011-2013)
2.  Member, Economic Development Committee (2011-2014)(PB Rep.)
3.  Member, Durham Energy Committee (2014-2016)(PB Rep.)
4.  Member Durham Conservation Commission (2016-2017)(PB Rep.)
5.  Save the Stones Sub-Committee, Durham Heritage Committee (2017-Present)
6.  Member of the Future Land Use Chapter Committee (2016-2017)
7.  UNH ROTC Alumni Advisory Board, University of New Hampshire Alumni Center (2010-present)
8.  President, Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay (2017-2018)
9.  Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Lee Memorial Post 10676.  Chaplain (2015-2017), Senior Vice Commander (2017-2018)
10.  Colonel Edward Cross Chapter (New Hampshire) - Association of the   United States Army.  Member, Executive Committee (2017-present)
11.  Church of St. Thomas More Food Pantry Volunteer

Family:  My spouse Chris is a Colonel in the United States Army.  Unfortunately, much of her time is spent on the road.  I have two daughters.  Both graduated from ORHS in 2014 and 2017 respectively.  My daughter Hannah is a double major in anthropology and German at UNH.  My daughter Sarah is a musical theater major at UNH. 

Reason for Interest in Running for Elected Office:
1.  First and foremost my main reason for running is to serve my community.  I believe in service to one's community, state, nation and earth.  As cliché as it sounds, I subscribe to the notion of "Think globally, act locally". 

2.  I love this community.  Except for my 25 years in uniform (serving in Iraq, Central America, South Korea, Germany, Kosovo, numerous locations in the continental United States and other garden spots)  I have only ever lived in Durham or Madbury.  I met my spouse at the University and when it came time for retirement we didn't have to think twice about returning to the community that we both love.  Why?  Family, community, UNH, Oyster River Schools, and location; proximity to city, beach and mountains.

3.  I am very passionate about many issues in our community and nation.  Unfortunately it can't be contained to a brief paragraph.  Let me start with a few of my priorities:

- Maintaining and preserving open space.  The Town of Durham has an excellent record for support for all forms of land conservation.  According to the Land Stewardship and Conservation webpage nearly 30% of Durham's land is under some form of permanent conservation.  This is good.  However, one issue that I would like to address further is the protection of viable farmland; ensuring food security for the community, state and region.  "In the next two decade, seventy percent of New England farmland is likely to change hands...Farms in southeastern New Hampshire also face increasing development pressures" (SELT Winter 17-18 newsletter).  I find this troubling.  I don't know what right looks like but it warrants further investigation.  Be it conservation efforts, zoning changes or increased support to local farmers to ensure their operations are strong.

- Maintaining and preserving our natural and historic resources.  During my time on the Planning Board we did everything possible to protect natural resources; primarily our towns viewsheds.  It didn't always go the way we expected.  The student housing development on Mast Road was a mistake.  We missed something.  As a result it affected that stand of trees you see on the road as you enter Durham from Lee.  I believe the Planning Board has been more vigilant with regards to protecting our viewsheds but it is something we cannot put out of our mind.  It goes without saying that we need to continue to preserve our historic resources when possible.  I volunteered to Chair the Save the Stone Committee (maintaining historic burial grounds) because I firmly believe that we need to preserve all of our towns historic resources be it a structures, burial grounds or  other artifacts.

- Tax stabilization through reasonable development.  Development is inevitable.  We need to work to attract new development to the downtown commercial core.  This is always on ongoing issue.  Renovate structures and infill.  In the near future the Planning Board or Town representatives will be working with Colonial Durham LLC again on the development of Mill Plaza.  I believe this is an eventuality.  What will all this do?  It will continue to encourage economic development, strengthen our tax base and enhance/renew our street scapes.

- Maintain the social heath of the town.  What does that mean?  It means the town engaging its residents and the residents engaging the town and all it has to offer.  I think one department that has broken the code on this is the Recreation Department.  Rachel Gaskowski has increased the number of activities and events in this town.  These event are very well attended and that is what builds community.  Music on Main, Durham Day, Camp Outs, Halloween on Main, etc.  Groups like Celebrate Durham, Oyster River Community Read, Rotary and churches also does the same.  They help increase the social capital in our community; relationships among people who live and work together, enabling them to function effectively. 

- Continue to always increase and strengthen our relationship with the University.  Continue our collaboration for the redevelopment of 66 Main St., for the future location of a new fire department complex and possibly a collaboration for a structured parking facility.   

- I strongly support this Town Council goal (and all the TC goals) to pursue long-term economic and environmental sustainability and resiliency, anticipating the community’s and the region’s future needs considering multiple elements including society, ecology, economics, transportation, agriculture, recreation, food and drinking water, climate, and energy resources.

- I am a firm believer that we need to have a walkable, runable and bikeable town.  This is always a work in progress.  I look forward to working with committees such as the Traffic Safety Committee to realize this vision.  I am an avid runner and cyclist.  If you have not seen my on the street yet you will.  I always wear bright colors.

- I think that is enough for now :).