The business of the House is basically finished in Concord. We now know who survived contested primaries and who will go on to fight in the general election.

The county delegation will be meeting on Friday, November 4, to vote to authorize a contract between the state and the county regarding the new County Courthouse. The Governor and the Executive Council will then probably approve it around November 16.  

A few words about the upcoming election:

I know that emotions are running high, the politics of conflict have taken hold, and people may no longer be talking to each other. I do hope and call for civility and mutual respect. We will have to live with each other after the election, and I, for one, know that what attracted us to Andover was the congeniality and great sense of community that we found here. Let us keep it that way.

As for politics, they do take a turn for the worse during elections, but I would like to point out that here in New Hampshire, Republicans and Democrats have managed to pass two two-year budgets almost unanimously. Compromises were made, of course, not all palatable to either side, but we had reasonable leadership on both sides, and we did our job.  

Now, of course, everyone wants to take credit for themselves and take credit away from their opponents. It is not pretty, and thankfully it will be over by November 9.

I do want to say, though, please let’s elect people who are not just qualified but reasonable as well. The problems in our state are well known. Revenues are tight, and they will remain so. We have a good surplus of $70 million, but truth be told, it is simply because the state is not paying its fair share of retirement and education costs to the towns. It is caught between a rock and a hard place.  

If the rainy day fund is too low, credit companies will raise our interest, costing more in the long run. In the meantime, towns are on the hook for retirement, education, and special education. So it is a little bit of a minefield. You need to balance the state interest and the towns.

Candidates on November 8

You also need to be aware that our district will be ignored by both parties unless you remind them of your existence. Keep in mind we only have two representatives, David Karrick and myself. Concord has 10, Manchester 12, and Nashua 9, never mind their suburbs and Portsmouth, Salem, etc.

That is why I am endorsing my buddies David Karrick and Andrew Hosmer. They know what the score is, they are both dedicated to our towns, and they’ve done a good job.

Would you hire a plumber who has never done any plumbing? Of course not, and that is why I was thrilled when Mary Anne Broshek agreed to run for Merrimack District 1. She has worked for children and families for almost 30 years, including five years as director of the Division of Family Assistance. She will be invaluable in navigating the departments on behalf of our elderly and children.  

Charlie Chandler is running for state senator in Danbury. He is the brother of Republican leader Gene Chandler, my committee chairman, and a Democrat. He understands the need for broadband expansion in our rural areas as well as the downshifting of costs to our towns. Danbury would do well with Charlie.

Mike Cryans, running for Executive Council, has been in Andover much more often than the present councilor.

Finally, I support Colin Van Ostern for governor. He will be a bipartisan governor.

These are the people I would like to see in Concord: voices for our communities.

My term ends on Wednesday, December 7. Until then, I am always available at 735-5440 or MarioRatzki@nullgmail.com.