I don’t know the details of what an Executive Councilor does in New Hampshire, and I bet most reading this don’t either. What I do know is that Mike Cryans is the glue that holds our neighborhood together here on Blueberry Hill and that if you are not home on a Tuesday after recycling on Monday, you are probably going to find your recycle bins stacked ever so neatly next to your garage just out of sight when you return on Wednesday.
I also have seen firsthand the fine job Cryans did in leading Headrest through difficult times over many years. He is a first-class public servant with an eye (instinct) for helping people and will represent all of us, no matter what the issue. I urge you to vote for Mike Cryans.
Peter Christie Etna
As I’ve said before in this newspaper, an old saying states that “A law is a law only as long as it is enforced.” In the same vein, if our public officials and those whom we employ don’t follow those laws, what good are they? And remember that our children are all watching us. If we adults don’t feel we need to follow the rules, why should they?
Recently I saw a firetruck not on an emergency (no lights), driving well over the speed limit in a residential zone. I’ve seen this same thing from town officials, law enforcement, school bus drivers and others. If we’re not going to actively enforce the laws, shouldn’t we at least observe them, for the sake of our children and society? I hope you think about that the next time you’re on the road. When your kids want to borrow the car, will you ask them to follow the laws, or drive the way you do?
Stephen Raymond Sharon
I am discouraged with both parties and most politicians. I have lost trust, but have to make a choice and am voting for Donald Trump.
I am voting for Trump because he is not connected to lobbyists. Lobbyists and their money have influenced both parties for years. Hence, we have more taxes, more laws, more fees with a cost attached to each.
As I drive around, I see more vacant offices and retail space than I have seen in the last 35 years. I also see houses decaying because of lack of maintenance, which indicates to me lack of disposable income for tax-paying homeowners. I see the war on poverty for the past 35 years aiming to end all poverty, while poverty has continued to increase. At the same time I have seen a declining military and declining service from the VA.
In the last eight years, under the current administration, discrimination has become a big issue. Prior to that we were in a healing process. Now a police officer’s actions are said to be based upon race.
Hollywood promotes liberal ideas — then they promote the most violent and sexiest movies ever made.
Obamacare costs are going up dramatically.
Am I thrilled with Trump? No, but he’s not corrupted by the system. Those saying they will vote for another Republican might as well vote for Clinton.
Larry Guaraldi Canaan
Interested in McMullin
Quite a while ago, in the early morning, I saw Evan McMullin on TV, along with information about this conservative Mormon and ex-CIA officer who aspires to become president. I was interested in this and went around telling everyone I met that we were going to have more choices when voting in November.
Then I heard no more about him and read that he is on the ballot in only 11 states. Too bad.
Recently in the Valley News there was an article (“Utah Mormons Set Moral Example in U.S.,” Oct. 21) that I hope was well read.
Edith Wheeler Lebanon
Another Vermont Comparison
Phil Scott is comparing Sue Minter to Gov. Peter Shumlin.
Let’s compare Phil Scott to Gov. James Douglas — because what will happen is Phil Scott will be another Gov. Douglas, with a slow-moving administration that totters along, pretends to be bipartisan, has no new ideas and keeps us in the same old conservative status quo. Sue Minter and Madeline Kunin — that’s more like it.
Helen B. Michalowitz Windsor
Why We Stand
You ask why we stand on Route 120 with signs that affirm Black Lives Matter. All lives matter, you say. Well, the operative word in that statement is all. Can you include all religions, all colors, both genders with all their preferences?
That’s hard for many. That’s why we stand. Obviously we can’t change minds, but hopefully we can open minds and hearts.
Nancy Wightman Cornish
Support Simonds for Sheriff
Upon the 2014 retirement of Sheriff Michael Prozzo, the voters of Sullivan County made an investment by seating John Simonds as county sheriff. It goes without saying those were very large shoes to fill.
There are two very important issues for a voter to consider when casting a ballot on Nov. 8.
First and foremost, Sheriff Simonds has taken an aggressive approach to the opioid crisis that is plaguing Sullivan County. He spearheaded the formulation of a drug intelligence network that allows Vermont and New Hampshire investigators to communicate more effectively in combating this deadly epidemic. Under Sheriff Simonds’ leadership, his department now has the powerful antidote Narcan as a tool to assist in the event of an overdose.
Secondly, I believe it speaks volumes that Sheriff Simonds has won the support of not only the sheriffs working under him, but is being endorsed by all nine New Hampshire county sheriffs.
I urge all Sullivan County residents to continue our initial investment and vote in favor of re-electing John Simonds on Nov. 8.
Alison Raymond Claremont
I have known and worked with Marie Lozito for six years. I agree with her on most issues, especially fiscal responsibility and 2nd Amendment gun rights. I have found her to be extremely conscientious and hard working. Therefore, I believe Lozito deserves your vote and mine for the District 5 seat in the New Hampshire Senate.
Don Clarke Claremont
I voted early. If I die before the election day, my votes will still count. Often I have not voted because I did not care who won. This year I was excited to vote for Claremont Police Lt. Andrew O’Hearne for Sullivan County Sheriff. I have come to know him during my past decade of living in Claremont. He is a lifelong resident of the area and is soon to retire as a highly respected (over 20 years) police officer. He has also served in the New Hampshire Legislature.
I hope my many friends in the Newport area will also vote for Andrew O’Hearne.
Roger H. Small Claremont
Conscience and Consequences
For those of you who are considering the need to “vote your conscience,” let me pose this question: How is your conscience going to feel if Donald Trump is elected and the U.S. withdraws from commitments to reduce greenhouse gases; the world continues to heat up at an unprecedented rate; most of the coral reefs die; we have more water (heat expands and glaciers melt, leading to flooding in many coastal areas) and fewer fish — a major food source for much of the world. Not to mention that millions lose their health insurance, our roads and bridges continue to crumble, and the rich pay even fewer taxes.
But at least you can say to yourself that you voted your conscience. You made a statement about your disappointment in the two-party system, how neither Clinton nor Trump reflects your values. A statement, which, unfortunately, won’t resonate beyond your own head.
Did the rather substantial number of votes for John Anderson, Ross Perot or Ralph Nader lead to the formation of a third party? Did anything really change the system as a result of their candidacies (except in the case of Ralph Nader, the election of George W. Bush)? Unless we realistically face the challenges ahead, not just with regard to global warming, but retooling for the 21st century, investing in education, infrastructure and health care, everyone will suffer.
A vote for Jill Stein may make you feel good for the moment, but the loss of this election to Donald Trump should bother your conscience for years to come.
Beth Dingman Norwich
To support Linda Tanner as a candidate for New Hampshire House is a pleasure. I taught with her and was impressed by her intelligence and sympathy for others. I trust her to do what she thinks is right for her constituency and New Hampshire.
She does not sign pledges, nor respond to queries from interest groups about how she stands on issues. Her responsibility is to her constituency. She emphasized her willingness to work with Republicans, and to deliberate on bills. She strongly advocates raising the minimum wage. Many of the poor are 30-year-old single mothers who do not earn enough money to clothe and feed their children adequately. I taught in two school districts in New Hampshire and had children who were growing up in poverty, who lacked medical attention and a good diet.
I remember asking a seventh-grader what the problem was. He said he had a bad toothache. I urged him to see a dentist. He silently walked away. For democracy to thrive, a good public education is essential.
Another candidate for the House in going door to door encountered a woman who said parents should send their children to private schools. Poverty-stricken parents can’t afford private schools. A good public education has lifted many out of poverty and made them responsible citizens. Tanner is a strong advocate for public education. She will be a worthy member of the New Hampshire House, deliberating thoughtfully and making responsible decisions for New Hampshire citizens.
Natalie Davis New London
Help Mascoma Valley Ingathering
For over 25 years, there has been a Thanksgiving Ingathering in the Mascoma Valley. The area churches — Community Lutheran, St. Helena’s/St. Mary’s, Millbrook, and Enfield and Canaan Methodist — along with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops in the Mascoma Valley, will be conducting a drive again this year. Bags will be distributed on Nov. 13 to be picked up on either the following Saturday or Sunday. If you do not receive a bag, use one of your own and bring it to the Enfield Methodist Fellowship Hall on Saturday, Nov. 19, from noon to 3 p.m., or Sunday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. Bags can also be dropped off at participating churches. We typically serve between 70 and 120 families. Join us in helping these families have a happy Thanksgiving.
Barbara Bickel Canaan Sandi Charbono Enfield Ingathering Co-Chairs Ayotte Supports Veterans
The past few years I have been to veterans’ conventions and Sen. Kelly Ayotte has been at all of them. What she has done for New Hampshire veterans has been astounding. Ayotte helped passed a law that has allowed veterans to access care closer to home, definitely helpful to those veterans in the North Country. The VA unfairly cut cost-of-living adjustments for military retirees and she fought endlessly to repeal those unfair cuts; as a result the Senate passed a law to protect their benefits. She also pressured VA officials to open new clinics in Colebrook and Berlin in New Hampshire and they also expanded the outpatient clinic in Littleton. She worked to pass a law preserving veterans’ access for treatment for traumatic brain injuries. She’s been behind a lot of legislation and initiatives to help our veterans while in Washington. When she speaks at the conventions she always receives a standing ovation from our veterans who greatly appreciate what she has done. We need to keep Kelly Ayotte as our senator.
Larry Greenwood Plainfield
Charlestown residents will choose two state representatives on Nov 8: one from District 8 (representing Charlestown) and one from District 11 (representing Acworth, Charlestown, Goshen, Langdon, Lempster and Washington). Please join us in supporting Kendra Yakovleff of Charlestown and John Tuthill of Acworth to represent us in Concord.
In seeking the District 8 seat, Yakovleff brings experience in health care, having worked as an opiate addiction counselor and as a protective services worker and professional case manager for the state of New Hampshire. She wants a stronger mental health system in New Hampshire and will advocate for additional clinics, education and treatment for opioid addiction. She will also work to protect the environment, improve infrastructure, and address the concerns of veterans.
Tuthill is seeking the District 11 seat and also has an impressive list of accomplishments. He was elected to the New Hampshire House as an independent in 1998 and served on the Environment and Agriculture Committee. He is a longtime environmental advocate in Sullivan County and has worked to promote renewable energy and clean-air policies. He has served on the Acworth Selectboard, the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission and the Fall Mountain Regional School District’s budget committee. He has also chaired Acworth’s historical society and has served on the town’s budget committee, planning board and conservation committee. Tuthill supports Bernie Sanders’ call for social, economic and environmental justice and will work to advance programs for families, the elderly and public- and private-sector employees. He supports expanded Medicaid and a broad-based tax to fund education.
We are fortunate to have Kendra Yakovleff and John Tuthill as candidates, and we urge you to elect them as our state representatives on Nov. 8.
John and Katie Lajoie Charlestown
Some lessons from Donald Trump: He’s akin to a cartoon character of how I don’t want to be. He reminds me to freely, easefully admit my mistakes. By my becoming so quickly aroused by powerful feelings of disgust, I am reminded of how others’ hostility is ignited by ideas I hold dear. I am reminded of the value of consciously radiating friendliness toward all, as I move about in our public spaces. It may take a long time to cool the passionate flames of this election cycle. I am determined to do my share.
Karen Summer Wilder