Lisa Bunker, Exeter State Representative Candidate
Lisa Bunker
Age (as of Election Day)
58
Position Sought
State Representative
Party Affiliation
Democratic
Family
Married to Dawn Huebner. Between us we have three grown children.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No.
Education
I have a BA and and MA in English.
Occupation
I worked 30 years in non-commercial radio. For the past four years I have been self-employed as a writer.
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
I am currently serving as one of Exeter's State Reps. I'm running for re-election.
Campaign website
Why are you seeking elective office?
I have always felt the impulse to public service. I believe we were put on this planet to help each other. I feel have been able to be effective in my first term fighting for causes and values I believe in, and I want to continue the work.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
This year, the single most pressing issue facing our entire nation is the COVID-19 pandemic. If re-elected I will add my voice and vote to the chorus of those seeking to support and protect the most vulnerable among us, both medically and financially, during this unprecedented time. I will advocate for measured responses to further outbreaks, based on science.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
On the Democratic side, we all have pretty similar outlooks and values. Across the party divide, I see significant differences. My experience of the NHGOP in my first term is that they have staked out inflexible and extreme positions in a number of policy areas, including the size and role of government, state revenue, and gun violence prevention. I believe in a government large enough to meet our constitutional obligations toward our citizens. I think the state's current ways of raising revenue are fundamentally broken, and need to be rethought from the ground up. And, in order to stem the avalanche of gun violence in this country, I favor sensible limits on gun ownership.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
I have had periods in my life when I struggled financially. I know what it’s like to work two or three jobs and still come up short at the end of the month. I know what it’s like to be priced out of a housing market. I know what it’s like to have to deal with significant healthcare costs not covered by insurance. I know what it’s like to worry about how you can afford to launch your children into adulthood. So, I feel passionate about helping state government remember that it has a sacred obligation to provide a safety net for its most vulnerable citizens.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have been an active and effective Rep in my first term in office, both as a member of the Ways and Means committee, and during general session. I co-sponsored legislation about minimum wage, waiting periods for firearm purchases, and protections for LGBTQ+ people.
The best advice ever shared with me was …
There's a line in one of my favorite movies, Spirited Away: "Finish what you started, human." This has become my personal motto and watchword. It speaks to how seriously I take my responsibilities.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I stand in opposition to our current national administration. I reject its lies, division, fear-mongering, and bullying, and want to do whatever I can to stand up for truth, inclusion, trust, and basic human respect and decency.
This article originally appeared on the Exeter Patch
