NH State House: Hillsborough County District 28/44
NH House candidates, L-R: David Erikson, Luke Drake, Eric Emmerling, Marie Morgan
NH State House: Hillsborough County District 28 (HI-28) – Weare (2 seats)
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DAVID ERIKSON (Weare)
Contact Information
246 Poor Farm Road, Weare, NH 03281
Cell Phone: 603-529-2295
Email: DavidErikson4NH@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/David-Erikson-for-Weare-State-Rep-109264165160663/
ActBlue Donations: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/Committee-to-Elect-David-Erikson-1
Political Office Sought: Candidate for State Representative, Hillsborough District 28
Education
- I attended high school in my home town of Norton, MA and went on to take ten years to earn a bachelors degree after taking courses at Brown, University of New Hampshire, Keene State, New England College, Rivier, Hawthorne and Antioch NE. I learned more from friends, my Quaker community and colleagues.
Family Information
- I raised three children in Weare who now live only an hour or two away, thankfully
Professional
- I’m still doing carpentry and repairs part-time as I have since 1975. I taught woodshop and engineering in middle school for 12 years.
Organizations & Affiliations
- I am chair of the volunteer Weare Energy Research group, which is working on a grant application for solar on the Weare Safety Complex. Community Power is another goal. I have volunteered with the Piscataquog Land Conservancy for decades. I am an active member of the Weare/Henniker Quaker Meeting. I have led children’s programs for Quaker gatherings.
Political Experience
- I was on the Planning Board in the 1990s.
Why am I running for State Representative?
- Unfortunately, it isn’t alarmist today to say that this election could determine whether we keep this republic or become a dictatorship, so I will be campaigning for those up-ballot as well as for a seat in the NH “General Court” as our legislature is called.
Within your authority as an elected official, what issues do you plan to address in order to improve our community/state?
- I believe strongly in the importance of good public schools.
- I believe abortion needs to be safe and available and family planning services to help keep it rare.
- I believe property taxes are an outmoded way to fund the state government, so we need to study alternatives.
- I believe energy policy must help us reduce and adjust to climate change.
How will your skills/background contribute to the position you are running for?
- I listen to people. I have experience in a fairly wide range of fields, but by listening, I have knowledge of much more.
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LUKE DRAKE (Weare)
Political Office Sought: Candidate for State Representative, Hillsborough District 28
Website: https://www.LukeDrakeforNH.org
Granite Roots -Luke was born in Plymouth and grew up in New Hampshire’s Lakes region where he worked on the family farm. After graduating High School in Bristol Luke enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Aviation Electronics Technician.
Career– After being honorably discharged Luke started the small business Sure- Cast Foundry in Belmont NH with two other NH Veterans. After several years of successful operation, the company was forced out of business when their largest customer/debtor defaulted.
Luke then pivoted back to public service and was hired into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Communication and Telecommunications Specialist in Nashua NH. Here he was promoted to Technical Support Office and provided engineering support services for field offices and airports throughout Northern New England.
While at the FAA Luke joined the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists Union (PASS AFL-CIO as soon as he became eligible. He became a unit rep, then a district Rep before being selected to be an assistant to the Regional Vice President for 22 states in the Northeast. During this period Luke earned a BA in Administration and Leadership from the National Labor College. After six years Luke was himself elected as the Regional Vice President a position he held through multiple elections.
In these positions Luke represented thousands of FAA technical Services employees before the FAA, administrative law judges, and legislators. He also served as a member of the National Executive Board of the Union. Luke Retired from the FAA and PASS in 2022 with 37+ years of Federal Public Service.
Home / Family -Luke is married to Angela who works as a Senior Environmental Protection and Safety Manager for an Aerospace systems manufacturer. They raised their two young adult children in Weare where both attended our public schools. During this time Angela was elected to the John Stark Regional High School Board where she served for 9 years. Luke was also elected to serve as the Moderator for Weare’s two school board districts.
The Drakes have long operated a small farm where we raised Highland Cattle for many years selling naturally raised beef, pork, chickens and eggs in local markets. Currently working on establishing sustainable forestry plan with UNH Cooperative Extension.
Volunteering in Weare -Luke continues to serve as the elected School Board Moderator for the Weare and John Stark districts, having been reelected to both positions for multiple terms
More recently Luke was instrumental in having the Weare Ethics committee re-established and was elected to a three-year term.
Luke was also previously appointed to the Weare Agricultural Commission.Hobbies – Luke holds a life time NH hunting and fishing license and is passionate in his pursuit of NH Game with both Bow and Gun. He also enjoys kayaking and Hiking NH Forests and mountains, as well as exploring the wider world with Angela.
NH State House: Hillsborough County District 44 (HI-44) – Weare & Goffstown (2 seats)
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MARIE MORGAN (Weare/Goffstown)
Address — PO Box 13, Goffstown, NH 03045
Email — MarieMorgan4NH@gmail.com
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MarieMorganforNHStateRepresentative
Political Office Sought —
NH State Representative for Goffstown and Weare, Hillsborough District 44
Education/Family/Personal
Family Information
Married for a very long time to Gregg Morgan. Together we raised two wonderful sons, Andy and Chris. After we moved to Goffstown in 1996, both boys transitioned from homeschooling to local public schools and graduated from Goffstown High School.
Education
Northeastern University for Social Studies Education
Ohio State University for Higher Education Administration
Auburn University for Adult Education
Profession
Part 1 – Served in the US Air Force for 17 years, leaving early so the boys wouldn’t have to change schools. Involved with the operation of Air Force Jr ROTC and Basic Training programs as well as the Community College of the Air Force and Air Command and Staff College curriculums. Grateful for the opportunity to work at the Canadian Defence National Headquarters in Ottawa with their Language Testing Branch.
Part 2 – Served as a NH state employee, first, with the Department of Safety’s Division of State Police as Assistant Training and Recruiting Coordinator and then at the NH Department of Education as Apprenticeship Consultant and later as Consultant in the Office of School Approval. I was in this last position for 8 years where I was responsible with my coworker to assess K-12 public and private schools’ compliance with federal and state rules. I also coordinated team visits to more than 20 public schools each year including the final reports.
Organizations & Affiliations
As a state worker I became involved in the State Employees Association and served as a chapter president and a steward. Currently I am a member of the retirees chapter and volunteer with their Operation Santa Claus charity.
For four years I served as Chair of the Goffstown Democratic Committee before stepping down in 2023.
Political Experience
I have served as a Goffstown Supervisor of the Checklist since 2022.
Why are you running for this elected office?
I care about NH residents in Goffstown and Weare and across the state. The past few years have brought too much divisive legislation which has done more to harm our collective well being than to help it.
I believe I can work across the aisle and promote legislation based on science and credible research which will help all Granite Staters and our visitors.
Within your authority as an elected official, what issues do you plan to address in order to improve our community/state?
Local property taxes are way too high because the Legislature, including our current state representatives, continue to cut business taxes for companies like Walmart and Irving.
The NH Constitution and Claremont rulings require the state to pay for an “adequate” education. The state has failed our schools and our homeowners who struggle to keep up with increasing property taxes. Rather than put more state funds towards Goffstown and Weare schools, our local state representatives voted to give state funds to homeschooling families and those sending their students to St Paul’s School in Concord and Trinity High School in Manchester.
Their first vote was for an unconstitutional budget. Their additional votes increased the allowed income level of families allowing even more to qualify for these private and religious school vouchers.
How will your skills/background contribute to the position you are running for?
I will do my homework. I will incessantly ask the legislative leaders of both parties to explain why they are passing bills which are unconstitutional.
For example, see NH Constitution, Part 2, Article 83, ”no money raised by taxation shall EVER be granted or applied for the use of institutions of any religious sect or denomination”.
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ERIC EMMERLING (Weare/Goffstown)
33 Mo-Sett Avenue, Goffstown NH 03045
603-533-8825
E-mail: f.eric.emmerling@gmail.com
St. Representative District 44
I am an (Empty nest) at-home dad, writer, husband, grandfather, former baseball stud and dreamer disillusioned with America, particularly Trump’s brethren.
Family
Married since 1980, we bought our present home in Goffstown in June of 1983 and love Goffstown. Our two children attended Villa Augustina School and Bishop Brady High School before college and marriage. We have two granddaughters with another due at the end of the summer. My wife Mary Ellen and I are retired.
Education/Work Experience
I attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 1973-1977 majoring in Journalism and American Studies. I loved being a dormitory Resident Assistant. After graduation, I began a career in college administration at UMass-Dartmouth where I met Mary Ellen and at New England College. I retired in 1992 to become an at-home dad. As the kids grew more autonomous, I became an award-winning sportswriter for the NH Union Leader. I also worked with The CareGivers, Inc. a nonprofit assisting local homebound seniors.
I coached softball, soccer, basketball, football and baseball when the children were younger. I served on the Villa Augustina School Board and ran the school’s hot lunch program for three years. I coached Odyssey of the Mind teams as well. I am an active member of the Goffstown Democrats. Recently, I became a Goffstown Parks and Recreation Commissioner in 2021 and served as an election poll worker in Goffstown since 2020.
Why are you running for this elected office?
Quite simply: because I was asked to serve. I had no real intention of running until being recruited by phone calls, emails and texts asking me to run. I am appreciative of the committed work provided by the school and select boards and, as a state rep, want to reinforce and support their dedicated work, not finger point. Too much emphasis is spent on partisan politics and bickering. Commonsense solutions are within reach.
I am tired of escalating property taxes without receiving adequate revenue support from the state government. I am tired of self-centered representation and partisan rhetoric. I want civic minded representation for Goffstown and Weare in the State House of Representatives.
Within your authority as an elected official, what issues do you plan to address in order
to improve our community/state?
· More money must flow from state house coffers to local governments. Period. If I’m elected and fail to flow funds for Goffstown/Weare town functions and schools I won’t seek re-election.
· The school voucher Education Freedom Account should be repealed. These vouchers, helping fund the cost of homeschooling or private school tuition, increase the burden on local taxpayers to fund education. Public monies should support public schools.
· Affordable housing and adequate health care must become more readily available. The greed of pharmaceutical and insurance companies must be curtailed. We must provide incentives for developers creating low-cost housing.
· Government should have no right policing pregnancy and should have no right determining an individual’s sexuality or gender. These are private matters.
· Global warming is real. State and local leaders have a responsibility to hold polluting businesses accountable. Our grandchildren deserve a clean environment.
How will your skills/background contribute to the position you are running for?
· As a college administrator I gained considerable experience writing policies and procedures regarding student life. I spent too much time in unproductive meetings and developed strategies for implementing action plans and getting work accomplished.
· I developed active listening skills as a parent and reporter in order to better understand another point of view. I believe I am a compassionate individual.
· I am articulate.
· I am not interested in politics. I want to be a voice of Goffstown residents, not political parties.
NH State Senate: District 8 – Weare & other communities (1 seat)
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DAVE TRUMBLE
Candidate Name: David Trumble
Address: 52 Poor Farm Road, Weare NH 03281
Cell Phone: 603-848-0511
Email: Trumble4NH@gmail.com
Website: https://www.trumble4nh.com
Political Office Sought: NH Senate – District # 8_
Education/Family/Personal
Family Information
I was raised in Schenectady, New York in a loving, wonderful family. My brother and I were the first generation in our family to go to college. After graduating from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., I came to New Hampshire to work as a college debate coach.
My wife, Linda Taylor, and I have been married for the past 27 years. In 1996, we purchased land in Weare where we built our home and farm. Linda is a teacher of deaf and hard of hearing children and I am a farmer. We have two grown children who attended the Weare public schools from K-12. Our son, Ben, was a high school history teacher in New Hampshire and is currently pursuing a PhD at University of Washington in Seattle where he and his wife live. Our daughter, Emma, is in graduate school at the University of Sussex, England.
Education
Catholic University of America,1979, BA, Philosophy
UNH School of Law/Franklin Pierce Law Center 1983, JD, Law Degree
Member of the NH Bar Association since 1984, inactive status
Profession
Founder and Attorney for the NH Mental Health Law Clinic in the 1980s
Certified organic farmer (self-employed) for the past 38 years.
College debate coach for the past 45 years.
Founder and member of an organic farmer’s cooperative for over 20 years.
Organizations & Affiliations
I coached youth sports (jump rope) for 13 years, started an elementary school LEGO club and jump rope club at Center Woods Elementary School, and coached FIRST robotics at Weare Midde School for 5 years.
Political Experience
I ran for State Representative in the Weare – Goffstown floterial district (District # 44) in 2022.
Since running for State Representative in 2022, I have joined grassroots advocates working for change. Over the last two years, I have testified at least forty times at the State House, State Board of Education, and the Executive Council in support of common sense legislation and as a strong voice against prejudice and discrimination. I have spoken in favor of state funding for the public schools, LGBTQ+ rights, democracy and voting rights, a fair tax system, living wages, increased access to and investments in child care, organic farming and local agriculture, and gun safety and gun violence prevention.
Why are you running for this elected office?
We need elected officials who will work for reasonable solutions to our issues and who will listen to the concerns of the people of Weare and throughout Senate District 8. Senate District 8 is composed of 20 towns from Charlestown and Claremont along the Connecticut River all the way to Weare and Dunbarton, which are part of the Merrimack River Valley. It is a large district of mostly rural towns that needs a strong voice for our public schools and our natural environment. Weare has been a good place to raise a family and run a small business. I am running for office to help keep our towns and region as a great place to live, raise a family and retire.
Within your authority as an elected official, what issues do you plan to address to improve our community/state?
I am running for office to be a strong voice for three things.
First, the state should be contributing more to funding the public schools. The local property tax system is near the breaking point, and it causes stress for our homeowners and renters alike. More state funding for public schools would guarantee every child the opportunity for a great education, provide some property tax relief, and allow towns to ensure that other important services like fire departments and roads can do their important work.
Second, I support strong individual rights. These include reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights and voting rights.
Third, we need to keep New Hampshire a place where our young people want to stay and live. This means paying attention to issues of great importance to them, including climate change, housing, child care, health care and mental health care for all, and promoting tolerance. It is time to end the culture wars and accept everyone equally in the eyes of the law.
How will your skills/background contribute to the position you are running for?
I have a background in law and have trained college students in debate and public policy for over 40 years. This has prepared me to study policy alternatives. I would use my skills to help create and fight for good legislation.
I have been the Production Manager for a 200 family CSA (community supported agriculture) made up of five certified organic farms for 20+ years. This has involved organizing crops, making budgets, and grant writing.
When our children were little, I was a stay-at-home dad. This has taught me to respect the important work of our caregivers –people who care for their children, those who care for a spouse, or who help an aging parent or neighbor.
I have volunteered as a coach with youth teams in jump rope and robotics for over 15 years. This has given me the wonderful opportunity to work with children, get to know their parents, and to listen to their concerns for the community and the world at large.
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Executive Council: District 5 – Weare & other communities (1 seat)
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MELANIE LEVESQUE
Address 2 McDaniels Drive / Brookline NH 03033
Cell 603-930-9951
Email: MelanieLfornh@gmail.com
Political Office Sought Executive Council District 5
Education/Family/Personal
Family Information
I was raised in Nashua, NH, and I am the third eldest in a family of six children. After my mother passed away from cancer at a young age, I took on the responsibility of raising my younger siblings. I am proud of the citizens they have become today.
I married my high school sweetheart. We moved to Brookline, NH over 30 years ago because we loved the rural and peaceful environment. We are fortunate to have a beautiful, smart, and socially engaged adult daughter.
Education
Some would say I climbed the education ladder beginning with the foundation of a Nashua public school education: From White Wing Kindergarten, Broad Street Elementary School, Sunset Heights and Fairgrounds Jr. High to Nashua High School
Nashua Community College AA Marketing and Management
Daniel Webster College BA Business Management
Southern NH University, MBA
Profession
Founder/CEO TCS of American Enterprise, LLC, a telecommunications consulting company focused on managing client’s telecommunications expenses and contracts.
Digital Equipment Corporation: Call Center Management- Client Support.
AT&T: Quality Management – NE Region Sales and End user support
NEC: Established Technical and Sales Call Center
Organizations & Affiliations (current and former)
| NH Civics, Board Member | NH Women’s Foundation, Board Director |
| Greater Nashua NAACP, Executive Committee | Hollis Brookline Coop School, Board Member |
| NH Community College System, Trustee | Nashua Boys and Girls Club, Trustee |
| Nashua Ethnic Awareness Committee | NH Endowment for Health Advisory Committee |
| Brookline Town, Trustee | Brookline Community Church, Trustee |
| Brookline Women’s Club, Member |
Political Experience
State Senator (2018-2020): Nashua Wards 1,2,5; Hollis, Brookline, Mason, Greenville, New Ipswich, Rindge.
- First African American State Senator District 12
- Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee, Chair
- Bail Commission, Chair
- Senate Judiciary Committee
- Senate Transportation Committee
- Senate Transportation Council, Co-Chair (Study methods for implementing new transportation technologies and modes across New Hampshire, including bus, rail, highway, marine, and air transportation, and their logistics.)
State Representative District 26 (2006-2008 / 2008-2010 Hollis, Brookline, Mason) 2012-2014 (Brookline, Mason)
- Election Law Committee
- Science Technology and Energy Committee
- Assistant Majority Floor Leader between 2008 and 2010
- Sponsored/passed Statewide Emergency Notification System for NH bill
Town of Brookline
- Brookline Town Trustee
- Hollis Brookline Coop School, Board Member
Candidacy Questions – Answer the following prompts about your candidacy. Let the voters know why you are running for office and what you hope to accomplish in our community.
Why are you running for this elected office?
* We have to ask ourselves what kind of future we want and what will we do to achieve it. *
This saying inspires me daily to work toward a future that upholds democracy, secures and protects fundamental, inalienable rights, and fosters a thriving society.
With over twenty years of town and city civic engagement, more than twelve years in the State Legislature as both a representative and senator, years of leadership on various corporate and nonprofit boards, and Founder/CEO of a telecommunications service business, I have developed a broad and comprehensive understanding of how our state functions and how we can transform our vision of a healthy and prosperous future into a reality.
The time is right, and I am ready to bring my experience and skill set to the Executive Council table to ensure that all Granite State voices are heard, our families are healthy, our environmental goals are achieved, and our taxpayers’ dollars are respected. That is the future I want for all of us. This is why I am running.
Within your authority as an elected official, what issues do you plan to address in order to improve our community/state?
Whether it’s a sports franchise, a tech startup, a small neighborhood business, or a non-profit, the first rule is always to hire the best talent. This principle should also guide our government and public service appointments. I will vote for:
- commissioners who are leaders in their fields to head our state agencies.
- the appointment of professionally qualified judges who are respected for their fairness and committed to equality under the law.
The health and well-being of our families and communities is paramount to me. I will support
- funding for the health of our families, including family planning and lunch for kids
- infrastructure improvements that are safe and reliable and that contribute to a clean future, including rail and expanded broadband.
I respect our taxpayers too much to accept anything less than the absolute best. I support
- the utilization of all available resources, including federal funding, to support our state’s needs.
How will your skills/background contribute to the position you are running for?
I have worked alongside governors, senators, house representatives, and state agencies to pass laws that benefit our communities. I have met with judges and judicial leaders to understand how best to protect our rights, promote safe neighborhoods, and ensure compassionate law enforcement. My collaborations with business executives have focused on developing successful business models that encourage consumer confidence and excellence in service. As a business executive, I understand the importance of contract fairness and intent.
I bring this experience to the Executive Council and fully understand its duty to appoint qualified state commissioners and judges. I will also keep a watchful eye on the budget, ensuring funds are used to help all Granite Staters.
I do my homework. In preparation for running, I visited all 34 towns in Executive Council District 5, from Swanzey to Rindge, Goshen to Hudson, and everywhere in between. I have spoken with residents of all ideological backgrounds, met with seniors, town administrators, school superintendents, clean energy leaders, and young families, and heard their voices. The bottom line is that I will utilize all my learned and natural skills to make decisions based on the good of the people, not on ideology. At the end of the day, you can depend on me to SHOW UP, FOLLOW UP, and STAND UP for the unwavering spirit of Granite Staters and our bright futures.
Hillsborough County Treasurer (1 seat)
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BEV COTTON
Contact Information
Bev Cotton
53 Colby Road, Weare, NH 03281
Cell Phone: 603-529-3456
Email: bevcott@gmail.com
Website: in progress
Political Office Sought: Candidate for Hillsborough County Treasurer
Family Information
I am a widow with an adult daughter who teaches history and ethics in Connecticut- and who is also a great basketball coach. She is also the proud mom of my one and only grandbaby, Casey, who is 4 months old and is the light of my life.
I have 3 siblings and many nieces and nephews, most living here in Weare.
Education
My undergrad is a dual degree, BS in Accounting/Finance and I have my MBA and a Master’s in organizational leadership. I have a graduate certificate Forensic Accounting and Fraud.
Profession
I am retired after several decades working as an Accounting Supervisor and Manager. I then went on to the position Associate VP of Enrolled Student Services and Student Finance dealing with all areas of billing, payments and collections. I moved on to Client Partner at Ellucian, a college and university software leader prior to retirement.
Affiliations
I have been active with the Weare Democrats since its reforming in 2018 as Treasurer. I am currently co-chair of the Hillsborough County Dems after serving for a couple of years as Treasurer. I am also Treasurer and Board Member of Open Democracy, a voting rights advocacy non-profit. I am the Congressional District 2 lead for the Cancer Action Network, the advocacy arm of the American Cancer Society.
Political Experience
Listed above are my political officer positions. In addition, I am an elected Trustee of the Trust Funds- a non-political office here in our town. The County office of Treasurer is my first bid for a state office position.
Why am I running for County Treasurer?
I feel I have the necessary skills, education and experience needed for this role. I have extensive experience with capital asset management, investment monitoring, risk assessment and overall sound accounting principals of reconciliation and transparency.
I respect and appreciate being the steward of funds entrusted to me and treat that responsibility as if it were my own. In addition to my formal corporate experience, I have local committee and municipal experience in this area as well.
Hillsborough County Commissioner (1 seat)
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SUZANNE KETTERIDGE
What do County Commissioners do?
The Board of Commissioners duties are mandated by NH Statute RSA 28 and includes the custody and care of all property and real estate belonging to the County.
They are responsible for the governing, administration and overall supervision of the department of corrections nursing home, public assistance, human resources and departments not under the statutory control of other elected officials. The Commissioners also have budget review over all county departments. (i.e., County Attorney’s Office)
Hillsborough County has 3 districts with one Commissioner representing each:
- District 1 – Manchester, New Boston, Bedford
- District 2 – Nashua, Hudson, Litchfield, Pelham
- District 3 – Amherst, Antrim, Bennington, Brookline, Deering, Francestown, Goffstown, Greenfield, Greenville, Hancock, Hillsborough, Hollis, Lyndeborough, Mason, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Ipswich, Peterborough, Sharon, Temple, Weare, Wilton and Windsor.
What are my qualifications?
My business/budgeting background and firsthand experience interacting with most of the county departments under the Commissioners
I have a master’s in business administration and ran a company in Milford, NH for 20 years with a multimillion-dollar operating budget and 100 employees. I then attended UNH School of Law and worked as a staff attorney at the New Hampshire Public Defenders for many years, interacting on a regular basis with the jail, County Attorney’s, and Sheriff’s department. I was also an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division and as a private attorney in my own practice.
Hillsborough County Attorney (1 seat)
KIMBERLY KOSSICK
(info forthcoming)
Hillsborough County Register of Probate (1 seat)
TONY LABRANCHE
(info forthcoming)
Hillsborough County Register of Deeds (1 seat)
MARY ANN CROWELL
(info forthcoming)