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Letters

Danielle Pray  Announces Her Candidacy for State Rep

To the editor:

      My name is Danielle Pray and I am announcing my candidacy for the office of State Representative for Amherst. I have given this decision a lot of thought over the past few months and believe I can represent the town as one of its three state representatives in Concord with enthusiasm, integrity, and dedication to Amherst’s needs.

      Born and raised in New England, my husband Steven and I have called Amherst home for almost 10 years. We are the proud parents of two children, a daughter, Emilie and a son, Quinton. Our two rescue mini dachshunds are a beloved part of our family along with three senior cats.

I have been active in town affairs for many years. I was first appointed to the town’s Capital Improvement Plan Committee in 2014 as a citizen representative. I have held that position every year since and served as Chairperson last year to the present time. In addition, I am in my second year as an elected member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, a position that I am immensely proud to hold. Last year, I was appointed to a three-year term on the town’s Ways & Means Committee where I, and several other dedicated citizen volunteers, carefully review the town department budgetary requests.

      Educationally, I earned a B.A. degree with distinction from the University of Rhode Island. I was awarded a J.D. degree from Suffolk University School of Law and an LL.M. degree in Estate Planning and Elder Law from Western New England University School of Law as well. 

      Most recently I have been mom to my two children.  After many years of working, I have been fortunate to be able to devote time and energy to volunteerism in town affairs and several non-profit organizations. 

There are many issues that elected officials must consider and I look forward to deliberating them with attentive thought, in-depth research, and careful and thorough balancing of all facts.

      If I am elected, I intend to be one of the most accessible legislators in N.H. by holding regular coffee gatherings with Amherst residents. During the months that the House is in session, these “meetings” will be an opportunity for folks to share their concerns about state issues that affect them. I will challenge all Amherst elected representatives to do the same!

I humbly ask for your vote in the Republican state primary on September 8 and at the general election on November 3.

 

Danielle Pray

Amherst

Support Tony LaBranche for NH House of Representatives

To the editor:

      Please join with me to elect Tony Labranche to the New Hampshire House of Representatives for Hillsborough 22.  I became acquainted with Tony a little more than 4 years ago.  Over these years, we have observed Tony throughout his high school years as a kind and very considerate soul.        Tony’s focus has always been to work hard and do the right things.  He participated in the Souhegan High School Community Council, specifically serving on the Judiciary Board, Community Relations Board, and the Constitutional Interpretation Committee.  Tony has developed a zeal to serve in government, yet never sought to be popular.  He simply wants to do the right thing and be of service to his community.

      Tony is concerned the appropriations for education in New Hampshire are unfairly allocated, placing an excessive burden on the taxpayers.  It is amazing that a very young man is concerned with, not only the appropriations for education, but also reducing property taxes, and electoral reform.  It makes sense that Tony listens and engages in honest and fruitful discussions to realize good and fair solutions.  Tony does not vilify anyone he has a disagreement, nor does he hold grudges.  

      Given these contentious and ever more uncertain times, we need more government leaders who are honest, listen to their constituents, practical, pragmatic, and actively seek cooperation from their colleagues, regardless the political affiliation.  Tony has youthful energy, believes in the system, and is a welcome breath of fresh air. Again, please join in and support Tony LaBranche for the New Hampshire House of Representatives-Hillsborough 22.

 

Faithfully,

Dwayne Purvis

Amherst

Gov. Chris Sununu Has Demonstrated  Outstanding Leadership

To the editor:

      It has become increasingly clear to me that Governor Sununu has handled this pandemic better than most. I am incredibly proud to see that New Hampshire is supplying VA Hospitals across the country with essential PPE thanks to the efforts of our Governor and Dean Kamen.

      I remember seeing stories back on Easter Sunday of the first FedEx plane landing in New Hampshire packed full of PPE. I was impressed by Governor Sununu and proud of his work back then, but I have been blown away by his attention to detail and leadership since. There is no challenge that he can’t seem to tackle, and more importantly, no challenge that he is unwilling to face as he continues to make New Hampshire stand out as the gold standard for the rest of the nation.

      Our state and our country are better off because of Chris Sununu’s outstanding leadership.

 

Scott Courtemanche

Amherst 

John Coughlin Announces Candidacy for County Attorney

To the editor:

 I am John Coughlin and a Republican candidate for Hillsborough County Attorney. I grew up in Nashua, attended local public schools and graduated from UNH. I joined the US Marine Corps and was a judge advocate on active duty. I returned to the Nashua area and practiced law for about 20 years. I served as a NH Human Rights Commissioner for 13 years which included Chairman for 8 years.  

   I was the elected Hillsborough County Attorney in 2002 until my NH Army National Guard unit, 197th FA Brigade, deployed to Iraq and served as Brigade Judge Advocate. I served as a NH District/Circuit Court Judge from 2004 until my retirement in 2020.

   I returned to Iraq in 2007 and worked with the Iraqi General Counsel’s Office, Iraq Ministry of Defense to reestablish the Iraq Military Justice System and Rule of Law. I returned to Iraq in 2010-2011 with the 4th Infantry Division as the Chief of Administrative Law, US Division-North.  I retired from the National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel in July, 2015.

    I am running for Hillsborough County Attorney to restore public trust and confidence in that Office. I will work tirelessly with local law enforcement and the defense bar through effective and professional communication and cooperation. I will provide leadership and competence to the assistant county attorneys and staff. I will strive to insure that all parties who have contact with the Office will be treated with respect, dignity and equally under the Rule of Law.

Website: JohnCoughlin2020.com

 

Sincerely,

John Coughlin

Amherst

​

Vote for Pamela D. Coughlin for NH State Representative

To the editor:

My name is Pam Coughlin from Amherst and I am a candidate for New Hampshire State Representative, Hillsborough County District 22 which is the district in Amherst. I grew up in New Hampshire and except for traveling with my husband, John, to attend school and his tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps, I have always lived in New Hampshire. My husband and I chose to live, work and raise a family in New Hampshire because of the unique qualities and opportunities that New Hampshire offers.  My husband was a member of the New Hampshire Army National Guard and the US Army Reserves and deployed to Iraq 3 times. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and served as a New Hampshire State Circuit Court Judge until his retirement earlier this year. We have 4 grown children educated in local public schools and graduates of Souhegan High School and 2 grandchildren.

I served formerly as a NH state legislator and as Hillsborough County Register of Deeds. I also was elected to the Mont Vernon and Souhegan School Board. I understand budgets and how to get the best value for our tax dollars. I am once again running as I have serious concerns about the direction our State is taking and request your help. I am a strong believer and support local control, lower taxes, smaller government, personal responsibility, veteran issues, pro-life, and 2nd Amendment. I also strongly support our local and State law enforcement.

I am motivated to run for State Representative to be your small town voice in Concord.

Please consider voting for Pamela D. Coughlin for NH State Representative District 22 Amherst on September 8th

   

Thank you,

Pamela D. Coughlin

Amherst

Mask Mandate

To the editor:

      Gov. Sununu:

      I am a small business owner in Amherst. With extraordinary measures, I was fortunate enough to be able to keep all of my 35 employees working through the first wave. Now, as the infection creeps up Routes 3 and 95 with careless tourists and infected-state refugees, I am deeply worried about the second.  Your actions played a pivotal role in keeping NH safe. Now, I’m asking you to continue that by mandating masks.

      I realize that there are those who feel mandating masks is a political, or even a constitutional issue. It was no different when laws were enacted around seatbelts or public smoking. Fact is, NH is a better place for both those legislations and will be a safer place if everyone just wears a mask.

Already most stores and offices require customers to wear masks to protect their employees. In the grocery store today a young woman cashier told me that when she insisted a customer wear a mask, the customer swore and spat on her. A mandate would relieve workers from having to act as enforcers.

      I have no doubt that you are looking at many ways to protect our people and our economy. In the meantime, though, let’s have everyone; residents and visitors simply wear a mask in public and slow down (perhaps even stop) this cursed virus.

 

Regards,

Mark Robinson

Amherst

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