Meet Nick Spolsino, Candidate for Hanover Select Board

I’m running for the Hanover Select Board because I care deeply about the future of our town. I’ve been proud to call Hanover home for over 6 years, and I believe this is a time where strong, thoughtful and commonsense leadership matters. I’m motivated by a desire to give back to the community that’s given so much to me and my family. My background in both the private sector and community groups, such as HYAA, the American Legion, and the Rotary Club, gives me a balanced perspective: I know how to ask the right questions, manage resources wisely, and make decisions with the long-term interest of residents in mind. I’m not looking to make politics out of town government—I’m focused on practical solutions, radical transparency, and making sure every voice is heard. I bring to the table a collaborative mindset, a steady hand, and a strong commitment to Hanover’s values.

First, ensuring financial stability and sustainability. Hanover faces real budget challenges, and we need to be proactive, not reactive. I’ll push for thorough reviews of our spending, look for efficiencies, and work closely with departments to align priorities with available resources—without compromising essential services.

Second, supporting infrastructure and smart growth. Hanover’s roads, public spaces, and facilities deserve ongoing attention. I want to make sure we invest wisely in infrastructure and maintain the character of our town as we grow. I’d advocate for community input at every stage, work to secure county, state, and federal funding where possible, and ensure that development aligns with residents’ vision for Hanover.

Right now, the most pressing issue facing Hanover is our fiscal health. Projected budget shortfalls mean we have difficult decisions ahead, and we need clear, responsible leadership to navigate them. My approach would be to bring together all stakeholders—department heads, residents, and the Advisory Committee—for an open, fact-driven conversation about how best to move forward. I’d push for long-range planning and realistic forecasting so we’re not always playing catch-up. Above all, I believe in keeping residents informed and involved in those decisions. By working together, we can protect the services that matter most while finding ways to improve efficiency and accountability across town government.

We need a disciplined and transparent approach to town finances. First, we should assess our current expenditures line by line and identify areas where we can streamline operations. Second, we should look at opportunities to grow revenues responsibly, including pursuing grants and reviewing fee structures to ensure they reflect today’s costs. But just as important is engaging the public in these decisions—our residents deserve to understand the challenges and have a voice in the solutions. The budget override proposed last year was overwhelmingly opposed, and the new override is a repackage of last year’s. Raising taxes and asking for multiple overrides are not the answer: cutting wasteful spending and long term, sustainable planning are. I support the development of multi-year financial plans that give us a clearer view of what’s ahead and help us prioritize accordingly. A strong partnership between the Select Board, Advisory Committee, and town departments are key. We can meet this moment if we stay proactive, collaborative, and transparent.

Transparency and community involvement aren’t just buzzwords—they’re essential to good governance. I would work to ensure meetings are well-publicized, accessible both in-person and online, and that important decisions are explained clearly to residents before they’re made. I believe in plain-language communication: updates that regular people can actually understand. I’d also support holding regular listening sessions and office hours to give residents a direct channel to voice concerns and ask questions. Hanover has incredibly engaged citizens, and we should empower them to take part in shaping our future. As a Select Board member, I’d make it a priority to be approachable, responsive, and committed to serving every part of our community.

I’ve built my career on common-sense leadership. From managing teams and budgets in the private sector to volunteering in the community, I’ve learned how to listen carefully, solve problems thoughtfully, and work with others toward shared goals. I understand how systems work and how to navigate complex challenges without losing sight of the people behind them. My time in Hanover—raising a family here, engaging in town affairs, and working with neighbors from all walks of life—has prepared me to lead with empathy, experience, and a deep understanding of what makes this town special. I’m ready to put that experience to work for Hanover.