Candidates and supporters weigh in on NH Primary and local races: Letters

Kiper: I'm running for NH governor to give working class a voice

Jan. 11 − To the Editor:

After serving three years on the Newmarket Town Council, I came to realize that many local issues require state-level solutions. For instance, Republicans in the legislature cut taxes for businesses and the wealthy, leading to property tax increases for the working class, with town council and budget committees taking the blame.

Ideally, I would address these systemic issues by running for a position in the House or Senate. However, the state's policy of paying representatives and senators just $100 per year means that working-class individuals like me can't afford to serve in Concord.This has resulted in a legislature where 80% of members are wealthy or rich, as they are the only ones who can afford to spend weekday daytime hours in Concord. This disparity creates a democracy deficit, as the legislature fails to represent the broader population of New Hampshire.That is why I'm running for governor. It's the only way I can afford to serve my state and address these community issues. I propose a $20,000 annual salary for state legislators, totaling $8 million—less than what the Republicans allocated for the education freedom voucher fund this year. What, then, is the price of democracy? I argue it's at least $20,000 per year. Frankly, democracy is priceless to New Hampshire, and I'm committed to advocating for changes that will bring true representation to the legislative branch. New Hampshire must embrace true democracy. You can learn about my campaign on my website: www.VoteKiper.orgJon Kiper

Newmarket

Jennifer Mandelbaum: Why I’m running for NH State Rep forPortsmouth Ward 1 and Newington

Jan. 7 − To the Editor:

I am excited to announce my candidacy for the House of Representative for Portsmouth Ward1 and Newington (special election January 23). New Hampshire offers a high quality of life, butthere is still important work to be done to ensure a thriving future for all.

Reproductive rights, affordable housing, and addressing climate change are at the forefront ofmy campaign. I stand firmly against any legislation that comes between individuals and theirmedical providers. Abortion bans are a threat to the well-being of people who can becomepregnant, and I will actively support legislation that codifies the right to abortion in NewHampshire.

We must also prioritize affordable housing. I believe in creating more housing options throughnew construction, updated zoning policies, and rent stabilization measures. It's crucial for ourstate's growth to attract and retain young talent, and affordable housing is critical to achievingthis.

The effects of climate change are felt acutely here on the seacoast. Many residents and businessesare situated in flood zones, facing the immediate impacts of a changing climate. I am dedicatedto ensuring that legisla6ve actions not only bolster our economy but also contribute positivelyto our environment. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the growth of greenjobs, we can combat climate change while securing a sustainable and prosperous future.

This election is a choice between the status quo and a vision for the future. We need freshperspectives in the House to tackle the pressing challenges facing our state. With a backgroundin public health, I bring a unique skill set to prioritize well-being in policymaking. I am ready tonavigate our state's biggest issues and work collaboratively for the benefit of our communities.I look forward to earning your support and working together to build a New Hampshire that ishealthy, equitable, and resilient. Visit JenForNH.com. Thank you.

Jennifer Mandelbaum

Portsmouth

For all his accomplishments, write in Joe Biden Jan. 23

Jan. 12 − To the Editor:

I think Mr. Allard wrote the most Democrat mobilizing article in his letter to the editor. Sadly, he highlights a truth that reflects a tragic reality for our country: closed minds aren’t open to change!

President Biden is not perfect but the Fox entertainment news has shaped Mr. Allard’s opinions. Mr. Trump gave us $6 trillion in tax breaks for his donors. Mr. Trump has no plan to combat climate change. Mr. Trump built 250 miles of ineffective border wall and separated families that are still not reunited. Mr. Trump's economy was going well until COVID hit and although he helped get a vaccine he choose not to seek credit for it but fueled conspiracy theories and sought to place blame rather than recovery.

The USA has had the best economic recovery in the world. (Biden's accomplishments include) a foundation for climate mediation, infrastructure rebuilding, internet availability for the entire country, a united NATO, cabinet members who have stayed on the job, a civil, adult and respectful manner of communication, a CHIPS initiative for reducing foreign outsourcing, defunding the police is NOT happening. Gasoline (as determined by global commodity pricing) is affordable. Job seekers find they are in great demand. Inflation is at 3.1%. And the supreme court Dobbs decision on restricting reproductive rights is an affront to a country that has come to respect that women have the right to control their bodies ….NOT politicians.

Sadly, another Trump revenge tour will do the opposite of Mr. Allard's dream. The country will not be more united. Prosperity will not thrive. Climate change will progress. And MAGA will continue to be the nostalgic longing for a past which never actually existed.

Write in Joe Biden on Tuesday, Jan 23.

Steve LittlePortsmouth

Vote Jennifer Mandelbaum for Portsmouth Ward 1 state rep

Jan. 12 − To the Editor:

Voters in Portsmouth Ward 1 and Newington have an opportunity to elect a bright young candidate, Jennifer Mandelbaum, for state representative to fill the Rockingham District 21 seat vacated by Robin Vogt. Jen is a public health researcher with a PhD in public health. She believes in the importance of community involvement. She is an active member of the NH Public Health Association, the Society of Behavioral Medicine and is on the Portsmouth Public Library's Board of Trustees. In the summer of 2023 she helped coordinate a Seacoast event on the housing crisis.

Jen is a strong advocate for reproductive rights, affordable housing, addressing climate change and protecting the environment. There will be a special primary election on January 23 (same day as the Presidential Primary). The winner will move on to a special general election on Tuesday, March 12.

Jen is the voice we need in the NH House. I look forward to working with her once she is elected. If you live in Portsmouth Ward 1 or Newington, please cast your vote for Jennifer Mandelbaum on January 23!

Joan Hamblet

State representative, Portsmouth Ward 3

Ford pardoned Nixon because presidents do not have immunity

Jan. 12 -- To the Editor:

It will certainly be fascinating when Trump's claim that, for any actions as President he was immune from criminal prosecution, arrives on the Supreme Court docket.

On Sept. 8, 1974, Gerald Ford granted an "absolute and total" Presidential pardon to Richard Nixon for any crimes he "may'' have committed as President. Clearly at that time Constitutional scholars, the Justice Department, Nixon's lawyers, and Ford's legal advisors all believed that a President could be prosecuted for criminal activity conducted while in office.

Accordingly we should all expect a 9-0 unanimous decision by the Supreme Court denying immunity.

Jeffrey D. Thomson

Kittery, Maine

Harold Whitehouse made great contributions to Peirce Island

Jan. 13 − To the Editor:

On behalf of the Peirce Island Committee ( past and present ) we all thank Harold Whitehouse for his service since its inception .

He helped forge our mission to enhance,  preserve and protest  the Island.

At our meetings, he’d share with us its history, telling stories and showing us pictures, city prints, writings, etc., which included the few homesteads on the island way back when, how it was a dumping ground for cars and junk, a favorite parking spot, taking the boats to and from  Kittery, and his beloved Fort Washington.

He showed up at all our meetings, which was amazing due to his involvement on most if not all the other committees and councils he served on. A very rare bird! For an old timer he was a kid…Loved his bumper sticker ‘Portsmouth pace car’  ( he drove till he was 90!!!).

I hope our city puts a Harold Whitehouse granite bench overlooking  the Piscataqua close to Fort Washington. I think he’d like that!

He is missed.

Cuzin Richard Smith (past co-chairman Pierce Island Committee)

Portsmouth

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Candidates and supporters weigh in on NH Primary and more: Letters