UP CLOSE & PERSONAL: Lori Rautiola

The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney.

What are your duties and responsibilities as Town Administrator?
My duties consist of managing the day-to-day operations of the Town Office, making recommendations to the Board of Selectmen, and working with all Town Departments, employees, elected officials, and Town boards and committees and to further assist the public with their municipal needs. Other duties consist of implementing policies set by the Selectmen and representing the Town in various matters. 

What was your biggest challenge in performing your duties?
My biggest challenge is trying to keep pace with such a wide variety of issues and so many new regulations and changes to laws, while still fulfilling the job duties efficiently. As Town Administrator everything comes across your desk needing your attention and it is challenging to prioritize what is most important for that day because you cannot accomplish everything in one day, week or even a year in municipal government! 

How has NHMA helped you to do your job?
NHMA has kept me abreast of all the changes going through the legislature and has been a key resource for me. Their legal advice has always been helpful and very timely, and I always gain knowledge and insights from the workshops they offer throughout the year. NHMA is constantly supporting NH municipalities by advocating on their behalf, which then trickles down into the daily operations of our towns.

What is the public perception about your job and how does it differ from the realty of your job?
It depends on who you ask, however, I think people may perceive the job as a “cushy government job” However, the reality is that the town employees are the ones down in the trenches of municipal government and it is not in the least bit a “cushy” job.

Has your public position changed you personally?
I would say my position has somewhat changed me from a personal standpoint. I think I am considered to be a “people pleaser” but in this role, it is impossible to please everyone as we all have different perspectives. It is important to be able to learn and listen to others' perspectives and be able to adapt to the ever-changing society.

Has your job changed the way you look at the role of government?
If I did not have a role in local government, I would not come close to understanding the way local government operates. There is so much going on in this world and it seems people are busier than ever today. I used to think we vote these people in office to conduct town business on our behalf, so it didn’t much matter. I was wrong, being on the other side of it, and learned how important it is to pay attention to what is going on in our local communities and at the state level.

What lessons about human nature have you learned in your municipal role?
The concept of human nature combined with politics makes for an interesting and unique field of work. Naturally, some people are good and some bad, some are atomistic, prioritizing their own needs at the expense of others and some are altruistic, naturally inclined to help and support those around them. In my role, it is important to be able to meet people where they are and not pass judgment on them. Humans may act in a way
that is unpleasant to many, but I have learned sometimes it is our human way, and chances are we are acting that way because we are passionate about it.

What advice would you give someone who would like to follow in your footsteps into the job?
My advice would be not to take anything personally. People are passionate about their beliefs even when it comes to town politics. Focus on what is important for the town and ignore the sideshows.