This is in response to Mr. Larry Cleveland of Rindge and his attacks on my fitness to serve as a representative in the N.H. House of Representatives.
I have been a Republican since I worked on Dwight Eisenhower’s campaign in 1958. The Republican Party of Rindge is not the party of Ronald Reagan; it’s the party of the Koch brothers. I don’t always vote for Republican bills that come out of the N.H. Republican Legislature because they are often the product of the far right – personified by former House Leader Bill O’Brien and his followers, who are devoted to putting ideology before people. I vote for what I think is right for the people in my district and the people in New Hampshire.
The current Republican leadership understands my politics and I still have my front-row seat, I still have my parking place and I still have my seat on Health and Human Services. I am the senior ranking Republican on that committee. I work tirelessly for the people of my district. I solve problems for anyone in my district who calls me and needs help. I cut through red tape. I currently serve on eight committees and subcommittees. I know every commissioner and have worked with them all. They know they can count on me to keep my word. I also bake a lot of chocolate chip cookies!
The lights are still on at the corner of Routes 119 and 202 because of me. I brought state engineers here from Department of Transportation and worked with them to save the lights. I included Franklin Pierce University and we convinced the DOT that these lights promoted the safety of students and seniors.
Where are the other “good” Republican legislators representing Rindge and Fitzwilliam? Why don’t they show up at meetings in the community? Why don’t they introduce legislation that will benefit their constituents? Why don’t they have 100 percent attendance?
I’m fit to serve in mind, body, spirit and political will. And I do serve… unlike others who are quick to criticize and demean. I’m willing to fight for my constituents. What are my local colleagues doing? Why aren’t they fighting as hard as I am if they think I’m not fit to serve? I’m fit to fight. I’m fit to serve.
Enough of these smear tactics. I’m in Concord to get things done for people. The public should not be fooled by those who would replace me with someone only interested in serving an ideology.
These attacks on me are unsavory and manifestly untrue! I take a back seat to no one in the N.H. House of Representatives in my commitment to serving the people of New Hampshire. Period.
Susan Emerson is a Republican member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, representing Cheshire District 11.