By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — David Putnam has worn many hats during his more than 35 years of service for the city of Claremont, and on Wednesday night Mayor Dale Girard and the city council recognized him publicly for his hard work.
“Thank you, David, for all your contributions and being a guiding force in our community,” Girard said, and presented him with an award from the city.
Putnam, who has been a Claremont resident since 1969, retired from all committees in January. He was a man who served just about anywhere over the years and was most recently the chair of the planning board and a member of the Zoning Board or Adjustments.
Putnam was the longtime chair of the school board, and Girard said he was integral in getting the renovations done at Stevens High School. Putnam was also on other committees, such as the Brownfield EPA Committee and the Claremont Arts, History and Culture Resources Preservation Commission.
Putnam has contributed to city policy and progress, as well as inspires people around him, Girard said. He noted that his work has strengthened the school system and fostered the community’s collaboration and innovation.
He added that Putnam’s dedication has not gone unnoticed, praising him for his legacy that is one of leadership and commitment.
“David’s service has touched nearly every aspect of our city,” Girard said. “Planning, zoning, education, the arts, economic development, community well-being. The leadership on numerous boards and committees shaped the future of Claremont, ensuring that our city remains a vibrant and welcoming place for generations to come.”
Putnam said it has been a pleasure to contribute to the community, recalling when he moved to Claremont 56 years ago when it was a little vibrant community full of commerce and industry. He said there was a robust middle class that “shaped our destiny” at the time, but Putnam noted that it was reshaped with the decline of industries that supported the community. This led to the middle class dissolving and has altered the destiny of the city.
Putnam said that he has found it to be his duty to help the city in its endeavors and noted that it was something that came from inspiration of other leaders, as well as his love to give back. The key is to always keep an open mind and not to serve out of personal interest, or anyone else’s personal interests. He stressed that it has to be for the whole community.
“One of my favorite presidents of America was Kennedy, and in his inaugural speech where he asked for us to think about how we can give back to our community, well that’s always been my mantra and creed,” Putnam said. “To be honest it was not hard to do because I really love doing it and enjoy it. I hope it sets examples for other people to contribute, step up and do the same.”
