Click here to view article in Laconia Daily Sun (August 31, 2018)
Ruth Larson will represent 3 towns with fairness and reason (August 31, 2018)
The Daily Sun,
Although I recently moved from N.H. to a warmer southern climate, I remain keenly interested in Belknap County and its political issues and follow them closely. As a registered Republican and a military man, I would urge you to cast your vote for Ruth Larson for the N.H. House of Representatives. She is a Democrat running against Ray Howard in the “floterial” district made up of Gilmanton, Alton, and Barnstead.
My main reasons for endorsing Ruth Larson are her personal integrity and her commitment to the taxpayers of Belknap County. I strongly believe on voting principal over party. Although she and I differ on many subjects I am confident that she would bring fairness and reason to the position.
My other reason for supporting Ruth Larson is the voting record of Representative Ray Howard. Although I have seen Rep. Howard at many county delegation meetings, I do not know him personally and have no animosity towards him. His voting record, especially at the county level, is what I take issue with. His consistent refusal to support the best of what Belknap County has to offer was a big disappointment to me when I lived in the district. I was one of his most vocal critics. He was one of the refuseniks regarding our new corrections center, being in favor of its lower cost but then against the programs that were fundamental to its success. He has repeatedly voted to eliminate or cut funding for many of the outside agencies, such as Community Action Program, Genesis, Belknap County Conservation, the elderly and others, even though these non-profits provide extremely vital and needed services especially for those suffering from addiction. When the state voted to create a bi-partisan task force to study the opioid problem at no cost to the taxpayer, it passed 290 to 46. And you guessed it, Rep. Howard voted against it. New Hampshire has one of the worst opioid problems in the country and if the likes of Rep. Howard continue to turn a blind eye to the situation you might all be rushing to join me in South Carolina.
Just recently Mr. Howard voted against backing much needed short-term funding in the form of a revenue anticipation note to help the Gunstock Ski Resort through its off season months. This note costs the taxpayer NOTHING but since the county owns the property, it requires the delegation to guarantee the repayment of the note. This is the first year that the delegation has refused to back the note and it should be noted that in all of its years of operation Gunstock has never failed to repay its revenue anticipation notes. Of the six representatives who voted no to the RAN in June, four realized how wrong that was and voted Yes on August 29. Rep. Howard and Rep. Silber were the lone remaining holdouts, and the RAN passed 14 to 2. And Rep. Silber is moving to Florida, not seeking re-election.
By voting no on the revenue anticipation note, Representative Howard has demonstrated his total ignorance of how a seasonal enterprise works
The voters of District 8 deserve better. Put your party sentiments aside and cast your vote for someone who cares. Vote Ruth Larson for state representative. I guarantee that you won’t regret your decision.
Peter Mulcahy
Captain U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Myrtle Beach, S.C.