Brett Gagnon: Leading Hudson Through Challenging Times and Shaping the Future

Brett Gagnon’s time as a Hudson, NH Select Board member was marked by his tireless commitment to his community and his leadership through some of the most challenging times the town had seen in decades. Elected to represent the 7th largest city in New Hampshire, Brett’s work went above and beyond what was expected, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With his deep dedication to Hudson, Brett played a crucial role in not only steering the town through difficult circumstances but also in laying the foundation for its future success.

Leading Hudson Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

When the pandemic hit, Hudson, like many communities, faced unprecedented challenges. Brett quickly took on a leadership role, working to ensure that the town responded effectively to the crisis. In addition to his responsibilities on the Select Board, he served as a liaison to nearly every major committee in Hudson. Whether it was the Sustainability Committee, the Budget Committee, the Library Trustees, or the School Board, Brett played an integral part in coordinating efforts and ensuring that all stakeholders were working toward a common goal.

During this critical time, Brett’s ability to connect people, ideas, and resources was essential. His leadership helped guide the town through one of the most uncertain times in recent history, showing his ability to rise to the occasion when his community needed it most.

A Champion for Sustainability and Infrastructure

Brett’s impact on Hudson wasn’t just limited to pandemic response. He also worked on several long-term projects aimed at improving the town’s infrastructure and promoting sustainability. As a Commissioner for the Nashua Regional Planning Commission, Brett was instrumental in developing a plan for a local bike path that would encircle the town, connecting residential areas, commercial hubs, and conservation properties. This visionary project would enhance mobility and create a more sustainable and connected community.

Brett’s work on the bike path plan didn’t end with the proposal—his efforts were so impactful that the plan was later added to Hudson’s Master Plan Report, ensuring it would be a key focus for the town’s growth and development for years to come.

Shaping Hudson’s Right To Know Policy

Brett’s leadership was also essential in the creation of a new Right To Know policy for Hudson, based on RSA 91A. After the town was sued by residents for violations of public records law, Brett took immediate action to address the issue. He represented the town during legal proceedings, ensuring that Hudson was on the right side of the law moving forward.

Brett didn’t just stop at legal representation. He also played a critical role in the formation of the Right To Know Committee, where he and other members worked together to create a new, transparent policy that upheld the public’s right to access government information. This newly crafted policy became a model for other towns across New Hampshire, eventually being adopted by multiple municipalities in the region. Brett’s work helped set a new standard for transparency in local government, ensuring that Hudson could rebuild trust with its residents while also serving as an example for the state.

Innovative Solutions for Hudson’s Future

Brett’s vision for Hudson extended beyond traditional concerns. He recognized the importance of modernizing the town’s infrastructure and making it more sustainable. One of his notable contributions in this area was organizing an event and demonstration for senior policing staff on the potential benefits of electric police vehicles. Understanding the importance of sustainable practices, Brett arranged test drives for officers in both street-legal race cars and a Tesla Model 3, giving them the opportunity to experience firsthand the advantages of electric vehicles for law enforcement.

The event not only educated police officers about the potential benefits of incorporating electric vehicles into their fleet but also allowed Brett to demonstrate his forward-thinking approach to community leadership. By fostering this conversation, he helped Hudson stay on the cutting edge of sustainable innovation, potentially paving the way for greener solutions in local policing.

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Conclusion

Brett Gagnon’s time on the Hudson Select Board was marked by a rare combination of dedication, innovation, and leadership in the face of adversity. Whether it was guiding the town through the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, driving forward critical sustainability projects like the bike path plan, or ensuring the town’s transparency with the new Right To Know policy, Brett’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the town’s future.

As a liaison to multiple boards and a key player in strategic initiatives, Brett demonstrated his ability to balance the needs of his community with a vision for its future. His leadership went beyond the typical scope of a Select Board member, and his ability to tackle challenges with a long-term perspective has undoubtedly shaped Hudson into a more connected, forward-thinking town.

With a reputation for being a leader who always goes the extra mile, Brett’s work in Hudson is a testament to his dedication to public service and his love for his community. He has not only helped guide the town through challenging times but has also paved the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all who call Hudson home.