To the Editor:
One of the greatest challenges facing New Hampshire is how to keep young people in the state. I’m 19 and I am running for representative in Sullivan District 1 because my generation needs to stand up and start to take responsibility for the future of the state. Here are some ideas I have that you probably aren’t hearing from other candidates.
A recent survey of 20-40 year-olds in New Hampshire, conducted by StayWorkPlay, found that the top reasons young professionals leave the state include: lack of affordable housing and career opportunities, lack of opportunities to meet new people, lack of cultural opportunities, lack of public transportation, and lack of quality nightlife and entertainment.
The legislature can’t do much about quality nightlife, but it can work on creating a welcoming business climate that will keep good jobs in the state, it can support local community colleges that help keep higher education costs down, it can help ensure that credits from community colleges transfer seamlessly within the state university system, and it can work on infrastructure and transportation issues.
The legislature can also work on reasons young people stay in New Hampshire: the quality of the environment, parks and recreation, and the fact that it is a safe and affordable place to live.
One factor that you probably have not heard is that out of our 400 representatives, only 66 are younger than 50. We should re-examine the idea of biennium sessions. A return to sessions every other year or a lessening of the number of legislative sessions could open up our legislature to a more diverse representation, giving those with full-time jobs or family commitments more opportunity to serve.
Please do not vote for me only because I am young. Vote for me because I can bring a younger person’s perspective to the table, but also because I have a passion for our state and its Constitution, and am ready to listen and learn about issues that affect all ages.
You can contact me at (603) 543-7638 or [email protected], or visit www.virginiadrye.com, Facebook at Virginia Drye Representative or Instagram@virginiadrye_rep
Virginia Drye, Plainfield
Candidate for Sullivan 1
Plainfield, Cornish, Grantham, and Springfield
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