The State budget is why I am running for office. Andover, like many other towns, has faced increases in local taxes due to technicalities, broken promises, and incorrect priorities.

Andover has paid its agreed portion to replace Morrill Hill Bridge ($90,000+), and the State has failed to fund their share for five years and has now dropped the project from the 10-year-plan. In addition to the loss of $90,000 and no bridge, we have deferred our next bridge project at least five years.

State required-mandates like special education, busing, and accounting practices are partially funded at best, driving up local property taxes.

Lastly, our state is going to build a second new bridge to Maine at a shared cost of $160 million dollars, less a $25 million dollar grant needed for the Portsmouth Navy Yard. Why is New Hampshire splitting the cost evenly? New Hampshire residents received $122 million in income, compared to $196 million received by Maine residents. Additionally, Maine taxes every dollar earned at the Navy Yard by New Hampshire residents and their spouses at a rate between 2% and 8.5%. Maine is awarded $10 for every $1 awarded to New Hampshire business for goods and services (New Hampshire Governors Report 2005).

Representing the citizens of New Hampshire in the New Hampshire House effectively requires listening, learning, and advocating for your constituents, period. I will vote based on the merits of the bill and its effect on constituents.