By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
There are three candidates vying for as many seats in the upcoming Democratic primary election for the N.H. House of Representatives in District Sullivan 6, with a pair of incumbents looking to retain their seats and a newcomer looking to break into the fold.
John Cloutier (Incumbent)
Cloutier is a Claremont native who is a member of the Stevens High School class of 1975. He graduated from Keene State College in 1979 and currently works as a private security officer in West Lebanon. He has also been a substitute teacher in the local school system.
Cloutier is a veteran in New Hampshire. government, as he was first elected in 1992 and is running for a 17th term in the N.H. House of Representatives. Currently, Cloutier is the vice chair of the House Public Works and Highways Committee.
“From my legislative experience, I believe the first pressing issue is finding a solution to how New Hampshire’s K-12 public schools are adequately funded without overly burdening Claremont and Croydon property taxpayers,” Cloutier said. “My second issue is to devise environmentally sustainable ways of paying for our state’s roads & bridges as well as public transportation. My third issue is to work on locally-sensitive methods to increase housing stock and child care for my constituents.”
Cloutier said that as a veteran legislator, he has learned that there are at least two sides to all issues. For this reason, he has attempted to listen to his constituents and fellow legislators, whether or not he agrees or disagrees with their views.
“Sometimes my Republican colleagues have some good ideas that are at least worthy of consideration,” he said.
However, he feels that getting more help from state government will depend on who is elected as the next governor, executive councilor, and members of the state’s House and Senate.
“If we elect more candidates who believe as I do, as well as listen to each other, and work together, our state might make some progress on the issues I listed,” he said.
Cloutier sees Croydon and Claremont as “two attractive communities in which to live, work and raise families. They are municipal and school leaders that do their best to improve. He said this is despite the lack of support from the current governor, Executive Council majority and the House and Senate Republican leadership to revise the state’s tax structure. He feels it is presently too reliant on property taxes.
“The future potential of both Claremont and Croydon are unlimited in my opinion, but we need more help from state government to unlock this potential,” Cloutier said. “I believe Claremont and Croydon voters should vote for me in the Sept. 10 State Primary and Nov. 5 General Election because I will continue to work and fight for what I think are both communities’ long-term interests.”
Gary Merchant (Incumbent)
Gary Merchant was born and raised in Claremont, also attending Claremont schools and graduating from Stevens High School. As he has spent most of his life in and around the city, he knows and understands the challenges of Claremont and Croydon.
Merchants said as a current state representative with a true understanding of the area, he will continue to fight for hard-working constituents he serves. This includes those on fixed incomes, especially seniors.
“Claremont is the foundation of my life which provided me with the resources necessary to become a pharmacist and as a business executive,” Merchant said. “It’s this deep-rooted connection to our community that fuels my desire to ensure that all future generations have the same opportunities provided to me. The most pressing issue is local property taxes. Lack of adequate state funding of public schools and the state downshifting its financial responsibilities to local municipalities increases local property taxes.”
Merchant has been a legislator for the past six years, and said it has taught him the importance of being a voice of reason. He prides in listening to all parties and working across the aisle.
“I have and will remain committed to this approach, as it is key to overcoming polarization to address the challenges we face,” Merchant said.
Merchant said the district needs to continue working to reduce property taxes and also adequately fund public education.
“Building on this understanding creates the framework for collaboration and cooperation necessary to find common ground to solve issues,” Merchant said. “Neither party has all the answers, however, working together we can find the solutions.”
Merchant sees party polarization as a major change, as it doesn’t lend itself to compromise. He feels that they need to focus on coming together to reach compromises and “avoid I win, you lose.”
“We are all patriotic and love our country, and it is OUR country not my country versus your country. The strength of the United States lies in its diversity built on shared values of respect, civility, personal freedoms, and acceptance of each other. As a centrist or moderate with solid community values, I will continue to work across party lines to bring together multiple points of view. This creates sound bills which can be signed into law. If re-elected, I will continue to proudly represent Claremont and Croydon by working collaboratively with all, regardless of political party.”
Dale Girard
Dale Girard is a familiar face in local politics, as he is currently serving as the mayor of Claremont. He is a lifelong resident of the city, and he feels his experience, as a business owner (Golden Cross Ambulance) and position of mayor, gives him a “deep understanding” of the issues.
“I believe this unique perspective allows me to effectively address the challenges we face and work toward solutions that benefit all residents of Sullivan District 6,” Girard said. “I’m running to be a voice for my community in Concord. I believe the legislature needs to address several critical issues: finding long-term solutions to the housing crisis, ensuring adequate funding for schools to lower the local tax burden, and working on solution for the limited availability for childcare and access to health care.”
Girard feels that the communities of Croydon and Claremont are working hard to address challenges involving infrastructure and the funding of its schools. He noted that the economic slowdown will likely impact state revenues, which adds to the difficulty in allocating funds.
“Addressing this will require innovative solutions and careful financial planning to ensure communities receive the support they need without compromising other critical areas,” Girard said.
Girard believes he is the best candidate to represent the district because he brings a “solid financial understanding” to the role.
“In these challenging economic times, it’s crucial to have someone who can navigate fiscal complexities and find practical solutions,” he said. “I am committed to building collaboration and working across party lines to ensure that we address the issue affecting all of us. My experience in local government has taught me the importance of working together for the common good, and I am ready to bring that collaborative spirit to Concord.”
The state primary election is on Sept. 10, but with three spots available for three candidates, they will move onto the general election taking place on Nov. 5. There, they will face the winners of the Republican primary, which has five candidates vying for the three spots.
