Dave Alukonis

by Lynne Ober

Lifelong resident of Hudson, David J. Alukonis is also the third generation of his family to live in Hudson. Alukonis graduated from Alvirne High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston College in Business Management with strong emphasis in Finance and Accounting. “At that time you couldn’t major in either Finance or Accounting so you majored in Business Management and took the majority of your coursework in Finance and Accounting,” Alukonis recalls.

He served fourteen years (7 2-year terms) in New Hampshire’s General Court as a State Representative. During that time he put his financial and accounting background to good use for state residents. He served on the Public Works Committee. “That’s where the capital budget for the state starts,” Alukonis acknowledged. “I worked on a ten year highway plan for New Hampshire as well as a variety of other interesting projects.” “I also served on the Finance Committee, where I chaired the Division II Sub-Committee. That sub-committee was responsible for developing budgets for a variety of state divisions. We worked on education, transportation, Fish and Game, for example. The education budget was probably the most varied because it covered the entire university system, including all post-secondary schools,” he said.

“I was the Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman for the Ways and Means Committee under former Governor Jeanne Shaheen.”

Alukonis is very active locally. He is serving his second term on the Hudson School Board and is currently chairing that very busy board. “Right now is budget season for the Board so I’m immersed in figures once again,” he laughs.

He was one of the founding members of C.H.I.P.S. (Children of Hudson Interacting with Police Services). “Police Officer Chuck Gilbert had the idea of bringing kids and cops together – maybe back in 1987 or 1988. I thought that sounded good. I’ve served as the Treasurer since the beginning.” He smiles. “More numbers. C.H.I.P.S. big event every year is the alternative Halloween Party for all Hudson children.”

Saying that Alukonis is an amateur historian, doesn’t convey his deep love for all things historical. He collects many historical artifacts across wide periods. When asked if they (the artifacts) are displayed in his house, he laughs. “Michele and I would have to move out because there are so many of them.”

He’s also been President of the Hudson Historical Society for the past twelve years and is one of the driving forces behind Hudson Old Home Days, which is sponsored by the Historical Society.

“Photography has long been a hobby of mine.” Not only does he enjoy taking the pictures, but he relishes viewing pictures taken years ago by other photographers.

Alukonis has been a developer and has his real estate broker’s license. “I got the license because it helped with the development work,” he noted. For the past eleven years he’s run South Point Properties. “Our two biggest commercial ventures and Bell Tower and One Campbell Avenue – both in Hudson, but we have quite a bit of residential property that we manage.”

Since September 2002 he’s been working on another small development. “We’ve been to the Planning Board numerous times and are currently waiting for some needed information from the state.”

Alukonis is a gourmet cook. “I love cooking. I got that from several other relatives. When my Dad was stationed in New Mexico, my mom collected many traditional Mexican recipes. I guess she got me started.” Remembering his best friend in high school, he says, “He was Cuban and I learned to appreciate Cuban food and heritage from his family.”

Today when Alukonis and his wife travel, he’s always on the lookout for local recipes and culinary dishes. “I love to visit local markets and see the different foods offered for sale,” he smiles. “I always use fresh ingredients and it’s interesting to see how those vary from place to place.”

He and his wife, Michele, are expecting their first child this November. He’ll undoubtedly put his photography skills to use taking photos of the baby, and, perhaps we’ll find him in the kitchen learning to make better baby foods.

Community Questions:

HLN: If you had a magic wand and could change one thing about Hudson, what would it be?

Alukonis: “Hudson has lots of structures, scenic roads and areas that we don’t take advantage of. I’d like to see the town develop a vision that uses, protects and appreciates these resources. For example, Hudson Center has assets that are not capitalized. The Grange is a perfect example. We need to celebrate our cultural heritage.”

HLN: If you were I the presence of a selectman and could ask any question, what would it be?

Alukonis: “I’d like to see the Selectmen lead the way in preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. Why don’t we have any way to use and appreciate the river frontage? It could be an incredible asset and it’s mostly ignored.” “I’d like to ask the Selectmen what is their long term vision and how will they put our town assets together.”

HLN: What is your favorite book and why?

Alukonis: “I read all the time. Recently I completed The Da Vinci Code. The historical information on the bloodline of the Grail was fascinating. I’ve done a lot of research on the Grail. Now I’m reading The Scalphunters, written by two authors, one of whom is local. It’s about the Indian Wars in the late 1600’s. At that time Hudson was on the edge of the Frontier. I love history. I also read cookbooks. I just love to read”