Ed Morris began his talk sharing information about his career path to town management in Enfield. Click read more below for for more biography information. Of note was the impact of the 1996 Oklahoma City bombing had on his life. This tragedy led him to his life in public service. He was amazed at the dedication of city leaders and firefighter that worked so hard during a difficult time. He started by learning to be a firefighter. He became a professional firefighter and eventually served as a union president for firefighters in Twin Falls, Idaho. Here he met and worked closely with the city manager who encouraged him to go back to school to get the education credential to be able to do more in city/town management.
The town manager in Twin Falls, worked hard to instill a human-centered leadership model. He showed Ed the importance of building relationships, and trusting that employees. This manager was able to demonstrate that when given an opportunity, employees can come up with solutions to tough problems, even when they may affect the employees income. He shared his experience of negotiating contracts in this sort of an environment. He then reflected on the stock market recession in 2008, and the employees in Twin City came up with an idea that prevented layoffs during this tough economic time.
Ed then shared work going on in Enfield. The town has 13 million bonds posted, that will provide funds to renovate and expand Whitney Hall. There will be enhanced town office space, a library space on the second floor. As the expansion happens the historic nature of the building will be preserved.

The other project is the construction of a new public safety building across the road from Shaker Granite on Route 4.
In addition, Mascoma Lakeside Park has been upgraded, and is now handicapped accessible. This project was accomplished via donation and grants with minimal use of town funds. He was very proud of the ADA compliant parking lot. The town has received kudos from the VA that has a sailing program on the lake, and members in wheelchairs can now access the lake independently. There is new pavilion and walking trail too.
A byway trail is being constructed to make it possible to walk from the park to the Shaker Museum.
In the center of the town, the public works department came up with an innovative plan to reconstruct sidewalks that saved the town money.
Water system, and waste water management projects are underway.
He would like Enfield to be embraced as bedroom community and playground for the greater Upper Valley. Work is underway to get zoning changes to permit new housing developments. One project would allow for the development of 302 unit structure behind Jake’s Market in Enfield. There would be 80 townhomes and 222 apartments. Changes in lot size are being proposed for downtown Enfield too.
He ended his talk describing all the recreational opportunities that we can find in Enfield:
- Rail Trail
- Mascoma Lake
- Crystal Lake
- Smith, Spectacle, Smith and George Ponds
- Shakoma Beach
- Johnston Beach
- Mascoma Wayside Park
- A dog park
- Sports fields
- Hiking trails.
- Whaleback
- Mt Calm Golf Course.
Enfield has a new logo too:

Ernst Oidtmann then thanked Ed for speaking to the club today and presented him with a book being given in his honor to the Kilton Library children’s collection.

Ernst Oidtmann and Ed Morris
Ed Morris, Town Manager, Town of Enfield, NH, Short Bio:
Morris is a community focused manager. He prides himself on integrity, transparency in government, and data driven decision making. He leads through collaboration with a strong emphasis on human centered leadership that empowers employees to to make decisions and use their strengths to enhance any projects the town is working on.
He decided to dedicate his life to public service after watching the dedication and commitment of the first responders and city leaders, following the Oklahoma City bombing in 1996. He started by volunteering as a firefighter in Chubbuck, Idaho before being hired as a professional firefighter in Twin Falls, Idaho in 1999. In 2006, he was elected into union leadership, and spent 8 years serving as union president and lead negotiator for IAFF local 1556. Five of those years he worked hand-in-hand with the City Manager, who inspired him to move into city management. He went back to school and got his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance, and then went on to get his master’s degree in public affairs. He spent a year as the assistant city manager (intern) in Jerome, Idaho before exploring options for employment around the country. He made a decision to accept a position a town manager in Weatherfield, Vermont. He held that position for 31/2 years. He then accepted the position of town manage in Claremont, New Hampshire, before coming to the Town of Enfield in January 2022.
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