Greenland hires Paul Sanderson as next town administrator

Ian Lenahan, Portsmouth Herald
·2 min read

GREENLAND — Paul Sanderson, a former Board of Selectmen member, has been appointed the next town administrator by the board.

Sanderson, the current vice chairperson of Greenland’s Budget Committee, also has served on the town’s Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. He will replace outgoing Town Administrator Matthew Scruton, who is departing soon to take the same position in Rye.

“I’m very gratified that they have this confidence that I'll be able to do these things,” Sanderson said about the Board of Selectmen. “I’m looking forward to working with the board and the citizens.”

Paul Sanderson, center, has been hired as Greenland's next town administrator. Sanderson is seen here with Select Board Vice Chairperson Vaughan Morgan, left, and Chairperson Steven Smith.
Paul Sanderson, center, has been hired as Greenland's next town administrator. Sanderson is seen here with Select Board Vice Chairperson Vaughan Morgan, left, and Chairperson Steven Smith.

Sanderson, 69, a former attorney with the New Hampshire Municipal Association and legal coordinator with New Hampshire Fish and Game, will begin the Greenland job Monday, Oct. 3.

“I’m very pleased to be able to help the town this way,” he said. “With some of the experience I've had over the years, I think we can continue on with some of the good work that’s been achieved.”

Local news: Portsmouth seeks contempt order, daily fines against Toyota dealership owner

Sanderson served three terms on the Board of Selectmen, the last ending in 2019.

Sanderson said he hopes to engage residents and encourage more civic participation as town administrator. Sanderson additionally noted he plans to help the town tackle needs related to the size of the fire department, improving communication with the school department, and maintaining town roads and infrastructure.

“That has occupied a lot of our capital planning over the last few years,” he said of town infrastructure.

Board of Selectmen Chairperson Steve Smith said Sanderson, the board’s top choice to replace Scruton, has not yet signed a contract but is expected to before his start date.

Going forward, Sanderson’s contract will be reviewed each year.

“Right from the get go he was our primary choice, more because he’s been involved with the town for years and years,” Smith said.

Scruton, a former state representative from Rochester and owner of Ten Rod Farm with his wife in the Lilac City, became Greenland’s town administrator in March 2019.

Scruton’s final day as Greenland’s town administrator will be Sunday, Oct. 2.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Greenland NH hires Paul Sanderson as next town administrator