To the Editor:
I am asking the voters in Portsmouth’s Ward 3 (voting at the new Senior Activity Center on Cottage St.) to support my re-election to a third term in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. We used to say, “All politics is local,” but now it seems that we can claim that for this election year, “All politics is national.”
During the last session, as the result of the virus pandemic, many good bills and initiatives were never given a final vote. Too much partisanship and the indiscriminate vetoing of even bipartisan bills by the Governor were the primary causes.
While neighboring states, two with Republican governors, are making significant quality of life and environmental progress for their state’s residents, New Hampshire’s Governor has put the brakes on progress for political reasons. This has resulted in a lack of trust between the parties and the legislators. Even initiatives championed by Republican senators, and supported by many Democrats were vetoed, with no credible alternatives offered.
New Hampshire will continue to fall behind unless Democrats win a two-thirds majority in the House or if a new Governor is elected. Our state also faces serious revenue shortfalls, and we must be willing to look at all options to get our state back to normal, or face large property tax increases.
During the past years on the Science Technology & Energy committee I have sponsored or co-sponsored energy efficiency and renewable energy bills. In addition, the Citizens’ Initiative, which I started and which privately raised $42,000, is now installing real-time radiation monitors around the Seabrook nuclear plant to enhance public safety. For the past sessions, I have also been sponsoring bills and working with the New Hampshire DOT and our Unitil utility to find a way to install noise barriers for the Pannaway Manor neighborhood.
However, in the coming session health issues must have priority. Until the pandemic has been suppressed, our economy can not recover. Actions such as full expansion of Medicaid, adding dental coverage for low-income residents, assisting Granite Staters with virus-related expenses, and passing family and medical leave insurance, must be passed into law. We must also raise the minimum wage in New Hampshire to a livable wage, because we can all see that New Hampshire residents are struggling financially.
I would also ask you to consider my good friend Joan Hamblet, who is also running for House, representing Ward 3 in Portsmouth and some other area towns.
You can find more information about my candidacy at www.psomssichnh.com, or contact me at (603) 436-5382 or email at staterep27nh@gmail.com.
You, the voters, have the power to set the course for our state. I would greatly appreciate your vote on Nov. 3rd.
Peter Somssich
State Representative, Ward 3
Portsmouth, N.H.