Paul Bergeron, Nashua State Representative Candidate
Paul R. Bergeron
Age (as of Election Day)
70
Position Sought
State Representative, Nashua Ward 2 (Hills. 29)
Party Affiliation
Democratic
Family
Paul is married, has two daughters and five grandchildren.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No
Education
B.A. and M.A. in English, University of NH. M.Ed., Cambridge College. Additional graduate studies in English at Texas A&M University and in Business at Boston College. Graduate of Bishop Guertin High School. Certified Archivist.
Occupation
Retired in 2015 after 16 years of service as Nashua's City Clerk.
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Current: NH State Representative (Nashua Ward 2), Nashua Public Library Board of Trustees, and Nashua Board of Assessors. Previous: NH State Representative (1973 - 1974) and NH Constitutional Convention (1974).
Campaign website
Why are you seeking elective office?
I believe that our children are entitled to a quality public education and that the state must meet its court-ordered obligation to support our public schools; I support efforts to ensure that those who have the right to vote may do so; I support policies that will improve the quality of our workforce, strengthen our infrastructure, and enhance public transportation; I believe that common sense should tell us that guns have no place in our schools; and I care about strengthening families and giving people tools to determine the direction of their lives.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The impact of COVID-19 on our citizens -- including students, parents, teachers, employees, business owners, the elderly, parents...everyone -- has been devastating. I will support efforts to provide the services and safety nets that our residents need and the economic incentives that our business require.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My career experience includes 21 years in municipal government, more than 15 years in retail management, and time in the classroom as a high school teacher and college adjunct faculty member. I have a good understanding of the issues that are important to my constituents, including the need for a stronger and safer public education system, the need to maintain existing revenue streams to the municipalities, and the need to consider the impact that legislative actions will have on small business owners.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
N/A
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
I am a member of the House Election Law Committee, and having served as Nashua City Clerk for 16 years (and as Manchester Deputy City Clerk for 5 years prior to that), I bring a strong understanding of election law to my service on this Committee. I support efforts to ensure that those who have the right to vote may do so. I believe that state forms and processes for voter registration, absentee voting, and for the closing paperwork required of our election officials, is sometimes confusing, burdensome, intimidating, and may prevent some people from voting. Election processes, forms, and paperwork need to be less "gobbledygook" and more voter-friendly.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have served two terms in the NH House of Representatives. During this past session, I was the prime sponsor or co-sponsor of four election law bills, including HB 1266 which made temporary modifications to election laws pertaining to absentee balloting and voter registration, in response to COVID-19. The remaining bills were passed by both chambers or sent to study committee.
The best advice ever shared with me was …
"Everyone you meet knows something you don't know but need to know. Learn from them." (Carl Jung)
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I believe in sharing ideas and in bipartisanship. I believe that I can fairly represent all my constituents regardless of party affiliation. We are all part of this community, and I will do my best to serve you.
This article originally appeared on the Nashua Patch
