I believe that the role of government is to create an environment of safety and security and to provide a framework of equitable opportunity so that all people can realize their full potential. People are our greatest asset – at the family level, the community level, and the state level – and we need to invest in our people for a prosperous future.

We want thriving families and vibrant communities.  This requires an economy founded on the principle that people are the backbone of a strong economy.  Fostering well-being and cultivating opportunity is necessary for people to achieve their full potential.  Right now many are struggling because of following issues:

• Basic Needs – Performing well at school or work is very difficult if we are struggling to meet our basic needs. Food insecurity and housing instability are issues that many Granite Staters face. We need to find solutions that resolve these issues.

• Health – The economy relies on healthy people and, over the past two years, we have seen countless examples of how illness harms the economy. High healthcare premiums and deductibles are putting health insurance out of reach for many people. Access to health care in rural communities is often limited. Regardless of location, Granite Staters should have access to affordable care. 

• Worker Availability – Workers need appropriate training for today’s jobs, and many also need access to affordable childcare. Ensuring that people have access to multiple pathways for acquiring needed skill sets is critical to a strong economy.  Addressing these needs supports both workers and employers.

Our pre-K through 12^th grade public school systems must prepare New Hampshire youths with the skills necessary to succeed and thrive in our competitive and fast-changing economy. But major challenges exist:

• Funding Inequities – How we fund our public education system creates significant challenges for many communities. This often inhibits the ability of school districts to offer needed programming and competitive salaries while maintaining the infrastructure necessary to deliver instruction, all of which severely impact student learning opportunities. We must address these inequities.

• Valuing Public Education – Education is the great equalizer, and public education is there for everyone. Because local taxpayers provide the bulk of funding public education, many school districts have limited financial resources. Diverting funds from public school districts to expand “school choice” comes at the expense of public education. To have true school choice, all options must work – not one sacrificed for another.

• Securing educational pathways – It is essential to offer multiple pathways for students to acquire the skills needed in today’s workforce. Access to technical centers, vocational programs, apprenticeships, colleges, and the military ensures that students discover and pursue opportunities that are best suited for them.

Protecting the environment is fundamental to our way of life.  We have seen the effect that climate change has had on our ecology and its impact on agriculture, recreation, tourism and population health. Harnessing our natural resources and new technology to meet climate and renewable energy goals will create incredible opportunities for us.

• Nature & the Economy – New Hampshire’s recreation and tourism industry is growing, bolstering local economies across the state. Protecting our natural resources ensures that we will be able to continue growing this sector and benefitting from its revenue.

• New Technologies – The need to preserve our environment and transition to clean energy fosters the creation of new technologies and new career fields. We need to continue to develop and invest in these new opportunities.

• Health Benefits – Clean air and water are essential to population health. The health of our families, friends and neighbors suffers when toxins exist in air and water.  We must take measures that protect these essential resources.

Closing Statement

We face serious and complex challenges, but they can be resolved by working together.  I know this because we have created partnerships to prevent childhood lead poisoning, repurpose vacant buildings, increase renewable energy production, and increase funding to municipalities.  The progress we have made is considerable, but we need to do more.

My strategy to solve any problem is to gather information, bring stakeholders together, identify goals and create a plan to achieve desired outcomes.  It is the strategy that I successfully used while serving on the Claremont City Council as both councilor and Mayor. It will be the model I use when serving in the NH Senate.

Over the course of this campaign, I will spend a lot of time listening to people and learning what is important to them and the challenges that they face.  Gathering this information will ensure that I am well prepared to legislate in a manner that best serves the people of Senate District 8.  I am committed to bringing our voices to Concord and advocating for our families, our businesses, and our communities to create a more prosperous future.