Andrew Faunce

1. Why are you running for City Council?
I am committed to public service that sustains Lebanon as a great place to live, work, and visit. A seat on the City Council would expand upon my current volunteer work for the City and in the community.

Ahead of my July 2023 retirement I joined the Planning Board and West Lebanon Revitalization Advisory Committee. As Planning Board Chair, I co-wrote the proposal adopted by the City Council to establish the Lebanon Housing Task Force on which I serve as Vice Chair. Also upon retirement, I began volunteering at AVA Gallery in support of its sculptural studies program and facility. I joined the AVA Board of Directors in 2024 where I Chair its Facilities and Strategic Planning committees.

2. What skills and experiences would you bring to the position?
On the improbable foundation of a degree in writing for film and television, I built a 37 year technology service leadership career by observing needs, seeking opportunities, developing teams, building and sustaining relationships, and exercising good judgment about when to lead, follow, or get out of the way. Setbacks weren’t roadblocks: they simply informed future approaches. I use the same playbook in my current volunteer work and will bring this same approach to the role of City Councilor. I’ll work with and learn from my constituents as well as with fellow Councilors, City staff, and anyone with subject matter expertise or a unique perspective that’s helpful to Lebanon.

3. What’s one thing you want other people to know about you?
I moved to the Upper Valley in 1985, renting in Enfield, Lebanon, and Hanover before purchasing a home in Orford. In 2002 my wife and I moved to West Lebanon. We enjoy living in a close knit neighborhood with convenient access to all the arts, commerce, and other amenities a small city can offer. (Plus 20 minutes on a bike can get you well out into the country. How great is that!?)

So, I want voters to know that I recognize and appreciate how remarkable Lebanon is and that I am committed to maintaining its uniqueness as Lebanon continues to develop.

4. What are your top 2 priorities that you want to address if you win?
Proactive Public Engagement
A public hearing on a major construction project or on the budget can occur too far downstream for residents to influence the outcome. We need upstream opportunities for residents to learn about important issues. The same applies to City government learning from residents about their interests and concerns. With more time and more context, we can engage with our neighbors more meaningfully.

Housing / Affordability
Lebanon is challenged to maintain housing for current residents across all income levels while welcoming new residents needing housing in an economy that can’t support this. Lebanon has changed its zoning to promote infill housing and higher density, but making it allowable doesn’t automatically make it happen. We need to bring local and regional capital and resources to bear on the infill opportunity to support a housing strategy favoring building up our existing population centers rather than building out rental complexes on undeveloped parcels.

5. Lebanon, like many other cities, is facing challenges with rising property taxes. If the city were required to reduce spending, which service or program would you consider for reduction first? Which should be protected most strongly from cuts?
In the near term, I’d thoughtfully consider recommendations offered by the City Manager based on his team’s close and ongoing awareness of each service area and their ability to offer value at a reduced funding level. I’d prioritize essential services (eg: fire/EMS/police, water/sewer, etc.) and services affecting our most vulnerable neighbors. I’d recommend postponing capital projects as external funding agreements allow. To get out from under these recurring challenges, I’d work toward long-term solutions that include limits on debt service and modeling fiscal impact. And I’d support state representatives who are committed to rebalancing the tax burden between residents and businesses.

6. Lebanon is home to residents from widely varying economic, generational, and cultural backgrounds. Please share a few ideas for how to make Lebanon a place where these residents can thrive.
Everyone representing the city needs to engage every resident with respect, warmth and interest. And City Councilors bear a unique responsibility to set this tone. Additionally, in matters large and small, we need to actively engage with under-represented groups. For example, when identifying housing needs in Lebanon, the Housing Task Force met with residents in rent-controlled housing and in senior communities and also with commuting employees who hope to live here. (Please also note my earlier response re: priorities.)

7. What’s the best way for voters to reach you?
Thank you to my Ward 1 neighbors for taking the time to learn about my candidacy. Please email me at faunce4lebanon@gmail.com with questions or comments. And, while you’re here, please use the guide to learn about the at-large candidates.

And thank you to Max Seidman and Angela Zhang for organizing and hosting the Lebanon Voter’s Guide. What a gift to the community.