The three Democratic candidates for House Hillsborough District 32 – Richard Swanson, Kermit Williams and Michael DeLoria – took part in a “tent talk” at Main Street Park in downtown Wilton Saturday.
Community members had the opportunity to stand up to the microphone and voice their opinions and concerns on various topics. Williams, who had previously served four terms as a state representative from 2012 to 2020, said the purpose of the event was to engage with voters and encourage them to speak freely about pressing issues.
“It’s a different way listen to voters,” said Williams. “The main goal is for people to tell us what their issues are.”
During the tent talk, local resident Mike Anderson voiced his opinion about the rise of mental illness in New Hampshire and the need for treatment.
“The state is not doing a very good job providing support in the area of mental illness, I think it’s a big need,” Anderson said.
Williams said mental health services in New Hampshire are in need of reform.
“If I had a mental breakdown, [the insurance company] would limit my medical services” said Williams. “I know people are still struggling. We have less mental services and it was never enough.”
Wilton resident Nikki Andrews expressed concern about the need to reform public and private school budgets.
“What are we going to do with school funding? I have a huge problem with my money going towards private institutions,” she said.
Swanson said education reform would be a top priority if he was elected.
“If we have good schools, we will have a better quality of life,” said Swanson. “We should aspire to have the best schools in the country.”
Swanson also advocated for women’s rights after several community members expressed concern.
“I promise I would protect abortion rights if I was elected,” said Swanson.
Swanson, Williams and Deloria are running for three seats in the newly drawn Hillsborough District 32, which includes Wilton, Temple and New Ipswich. They are running against Republicans Jim Kofalt, Shane Sirois and Diane Kelley, as well as independent Charles Page.
The election is Nov. 8.