Race for House of Reps for Sullivan County District 4

By GLYNIS HART
[email protected]
CLAREMONT – Ward 2 in Claremont has two contenders for the House of Representatives: challenger Gary Merchant  and incumbent John O’Connor. 

 Gary Merchant

(D)

Hometown: Claremont

Eagle Times: What particular skills or experience do you have that make you the best candidate for the House of Representatives for Sullivan County, District 4?

Gary Merchant: In this time of a deeply divided country, we need representatives that will be civil and lead by example to unite us and not divide us. Through-out my professional career I have led by example to build consensus among and across diverse organizations and individuals to find workable solutions that united us to tackle common challenges. 

As the administrative director of the New England Pharmacy Collaborative, I successfully led this pharmacy- centric organization that annually purchased over $200 million and is composed of 17 hospitals from small community hospitals to Dartmouth-Hitchcock, a large academic medical system. Reaching consensus requires the ability to listen to the concerns of everyone, be open-minded to their collective wisdom and view points, and being transparent to find practical solutions.

Another skill is honoring one’s commitments. During my nine years serving as a commissioner on the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy who was appointed by two governors and represents hospital pharmacy practice, I am proud of an attendance record that exceeds 95 percent.

ET: Is there a particular issue or problem you are focused on for the upcoming term? 

GM: As a native of Claremont who was educated by our public school system and a long time resident of the city, I understand local issues, especially the need to reform funding of public education. 

A key platform of my campaign is finding a state solution to a state responsibility to adequately fund public education that will decrease local property taxes. The current system of funding public education is failing, and it needs to be completely restructured so all children in our state receive a quality education. Children are the future of our state, our country, the economy, and our democracy. We need to equip them with a quality education for our communities and state to be successful. As your representative, I will be a strong supporter of public education.

ET: What achievements have you made in the past that are relevant to what you want to achieve in the legislature? 

GM: An achievement that supports what I want to accomplish in the legislature is when, as a commissioner on the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy, I was instrumental in working with various stakeholders as physicians, legislators, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and law enforcement who collectively implemented the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. During the past state fiscal year there was a decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions written in New Hampshire, an accomplishment achieved by successfully uniting diverse individuals and groups to collectively tackle a significant problem. 

ET: What challenges are facing the legislature in the upcoming term? 

 

GM: A key challenge of our state legislature is to find solutions that benefit all and builds good will. We need representatives who are willing to seek common ground to reach reasonable solutions supported by our shared American core values. Legislators need to stop balancing the state budget on the backs of local taxpayers which is what happens when the state downshifts state financial obligations to local communities. 

 

John O’Connor 

(R)  

Hometown: Claremont

 

Eagle Times: What particular skills or experience do you have that make you the best candidate for the House of Representatives for Sullivan County, District 4?

John O’Connor: I learned, during my first term in the State House, the greatest skill I have is the ability to use common sense when evaluating the merits of pending legislation. 

My experience as a retired police officer has benefited me greatly as a representative. I know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck. 

I know what it’s like to worry about re-assessment of my home. 

I know what  it is like to be over-qualified but under-employed. These experiences are felt every day by the citizens of Claremont. 

I am not a politician, I’m just a regular guy trying to help those that are unable to help themselves.

I feel I would be able to help the Citizens of Claremont because I have gone through the same ups and downs that life unfortunately tends to bring our way. I approach that and all my decisions in Concord using common sense and faith.

ET: Is there a particular issue or problem you are focused on for the upcoming term? 

JO: I feel the two most important issue to the residents of Claremont is finally finding a solution to the educational funding problem and the opioid epidemic 

To do this, I feel the state needs to find new forms of tax revenue. 

I support the legislation and more importantly, taxation of marijuana. It is projected the state would receive between $60-80 million in new tax revenue from legalization. The entire country of Canada legalized. It’s time we do also before we lose out on all that new tax money like the state did in not allowing casinos to be built. 

The next important issue will be the legalization of sports betting. It is similar to betting parlors in Las Vegas. There have been no future tax studies conducted but in the first quarter of their fiscal year, New Jersey has accumulated over $63 million in new tax revenue since they legalized sports betting. 

These are viable options for the school funding and drug rehabilitation that is long overdue.

ET: What achievements have you made in the past that are relevant to what you want to achieve in the legislature? 

JO: I have learned so much in my first term in Concord. The most  important thing I learned, there is no substitute for experience. 

The State House is deep in tradition and seniority. Experience is highly respected. 

Unfortunately this last year, I suffered from three flu-related illnesses that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I missed a significant amount of time. I receive beforehand what legislation will be discussed at the next session, so every effort was made to be there for the issues that directly affect the citizens of Claremont.

I believe my most notable achievement has been my strong support of union workers. I went against my own party on this issue because I believe in unions. Unions provide their workers with health benefits and a livable wage. The top two employers in Claremont are Valley Regional Hospital and the Claremont school system, both are good paying union jobs, something Claremont needs more of.

For the future, I want to see a resurgence of union jobs, our future depends on it. I currently see a generation of workers working paycheck to paycheck, no health benefits, no retirement. Those people will eventually be retired and be solely depending on Social Security and Medicare to survive. 

That will put a serious burden on a already overworked system.

ET: What challenges are facing the legislature in the upcoming term? 

JO: The most important challenge I see is for the future of New Hampshire is getting control of this opioid epidemic. It is destroying an entire generation.

We as a society have given up on the idea of incarceration for the addict, so that leaves voluntary admittance for rehabilitation.

To get more addicts in rehab we must have many more facilities then we currently have and legalizing marijuana and sports betting would bring a new influx of cash to the state so we can help those that want to help themselves.