August 9, 2008
Seacoast Online
PORTSMOUTH — If it comes down to his decision on whether to use eminent domain to expand Portsmouth Middle School, new City Councilor Jerry Hejtmanek will vote to take the land.
“I support the School Board’s decision to go to the left. I think that’s the only logical design,” said Hejtmanek. “I think going to the right would be fiscally not as attractive and provide a school that is not quite as attractive. I think people would drive by and say, ‘What were they thinking?’
“I’ve thought about this a long time and I think the education of our children is most important thing we do. When it comes down to it, if the ball players need to play on different field, I will support eminent domain.”
Hejtmanek, 67, was officially sworn in to the City Council Monday. He has taken the place of former Councilor Ned Raynolds, who resigned in July citing personal and financial reasons that have forced him to move to Massachusetts.
Since missing out on the ninth and final spot on the council by 12 votes last November, the retired vice president of a Fortune 500 company has spent much of his spare time the way he had the previous five years: sitting in council chambers as a member of the Planning Board.
Hejtmanek said he is excited about the opportunity to serve on the council. He spent no time getting his thoughts heard at his first meeting, speaking out against the overages related to the new teachers’ contract and questioning the precedent set by the council by donating money to a non-profit organization.
“One of the main jobs of the council is managing the city purse strings and all the money that is spent to keep city the one of the best places to live,” he said. “I think the budget process is one of the most important things the council does and I have a lot of experience doing that.”
Hejtmanek is the former chief executive officer and president of U.S. operations of The Bossard Group and had 2,000 people working under him.
He said he always encouraged debate among his workers because discourse is best way to find the best solution, he said. As a city councilor, Hejtmanek said he will not hesitate to make his opinions known.
“I will speak up,” said Hejtmanek. “I may not get re-elected, but I will speak. I always have, and that’s what we’re supposed to do.”