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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BEN GOODWIN (Weare)
Political Office Sought: Candidate for State Representative, Hillsborough District 28
NH State House: Hillsborough County District 44 (HI-44) – Weare & Goffstown (2 seats)
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CHRIS CONROY (Weare/Goffstown)
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BOB JONES (Weare/Goffstown)
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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JULIE RADHAKRISHNAN
(info forthcoming)
Hillsborough County Attorney (1 seat)
TRAVIS BENNETT
(info forthcoming)
Hillsborough County Register of Deeds (1 seat)
MARY ANN CROWELL
(info forthcoming)