Environmental Champions Praised

CONCORD, NH—Today, the New Hampshire Chapter of the Sierra Club has released its list of carefully selected candidate endorsements for Governor, Executive Council, State Senate and State House of Representatives.

The Chapter endorsements include districts for 97 NH State Representatives, 3 State Senators, 3 Executive Councilors and the statewide Gubernatorial race. Of the total endorsed candidates, each has expressed concern for the New Hampshire environment, support for action on climate solutions, and the impacts of pollution on human health.

“New Hampshire Sierra Club is pleased to announce the official endorsements for election of these Environmental Champions,” said Jim Allmendinger, the Political Committee Co-Chair for the New Hampshire Sierra Club.

“These candidates are our best hope for preserving clean air and clean water; protecting the wild places of New Hampshire, and promoting a sustainable clean energy future,” continued Allmendinger. “The incumbents worked hard to defend against the radical climate change denying conservative agenda that threatened to dismantle smart, popular energy programs and other successful state programs. The new candidates showed their support for key environmental issues facing the state, using creative problem solving techniques that will move New Hampshire toward a more progressive clean energy future.”

“New Hampshire Sierra Club endorsed these candidates based on responses to an in-depth questionnaire, voting record, and history of environmental involvement. The New Hampshire Sierra Club endorsement list will be distributed to the Sierra Club Members in the state online and in the mail. Members will be encouraged to volunteer and support the various campaigns in a vigorous statewide member to member outreach program” Allmendinger said.

Some comments from endorsed candidates:

Senator Tom Sherman, Rye: “I am honored to accept the endorsement of the Sierra Club, a grassroots organization that has been effectively working to protect our environment for over 100 years. As a doctor, I know how vital it is to the health of our families and communities that we do everything we can to protect our water and environment. When I served in the House, I always fought to protect the beautiful natural resources that are critical to our economy and define us as a state.

In the State Senate, I will work to make sure our state leaders are holding polluters accountable, that families feel safe drinking their water, and that we do everything we can to combat climate change and move our energy systems towards a renewable, clean future.”

Senator Jay Kahn, Keene: “I’m honored to be endorsed by the NH Sierra Club. New Hampshire needs to make much quicker progress on energy efficiency and renewable fuels.  I will be an ally with the Sierra Club in shaping an energy vision for the State that includes a sustainability criteria in our public policy decisions.”

Debora Pignatelli Executive Council Candidate, Nashua: “I am proud to receive the New Hampshire Sierra Club endorsement for my election to the Governor’s Council this year. During my years serving in public office in the House of Representatives, the Senate and on the Council, I have tried to keep New Hampshire’s environmental needs in the forefront. New Hampshire remains a beautiful state because those of us who care about being good stewards and protecting our precious resources.”

Joe Pace Executive Council Candidate, Kensington: “Few things are more precious in New Hampshire than our natural resources. That’s why I’m proud to stand with the New Hampshire chapter of the Sierra Club and receive their endorsement. I look forward to working together as responsible and relentless stewards of our environment, protecting the water we drink and the air we breathe, and opposing schemes that seek to exploit our land and resources for private gain at public cost.”

Comments from State Representative Candidates:
Gerri Cannon, Somersworth: “We are the caretakers of our Mountains, Lakes, Rivers and Coast lines. They are our natural resources that draw people from all over the world to New Hampshire. Especially at this time of year as we watch the changing colors of our landscapes. It is our responsibility to protect our resources for our residents and for our world. I am proud to be endorsed by the New Hampshire Sierra Club!”

David Cote, Nashua: “The work of the Sierra Club has been crucial in preserving the environmental legacy of which we all the stewards. I am pleased and honored to accept this endorsement.”

Scott Burns, Franklin: “I want to thank the NH Sierra Club for their endorsement.  I will be supportive with recycling bills to create jobs.”

Matt Towne, Barrington: “I am honored to team with the Sierra Club to protect the New Hampshire environment.  The challenges are many but the will to protect NH is up to the task.  We do not need nor want the Northern Pass.  Our small and fragile coastline is subject to the perils of climate change.  Our forests combat the effects of acid rain.  We can do better and we must.”

Chris Balch, Wilton: “I’m honored that my candidacy is endorsed by the NH Sierra Club. I’m thrilled to be in such amazing company! I have been and will remain an activist seeking to safeguard our future on this planet. Thank you for your recognition. Simply awesome.”

Heidi Hamer, Manchester: “Thank you so much for this endorsement.  I am a supporter of all the extraordinary efforts of the NH Sierra Club to protect our natural resources and the environment. And when elected, I will be a strong voice for causes supported by the NH Sierra Club.”

Anita Burroughs, Glen: “This endorsement from the Sierra Club of NH is significant to me because so much is at stake here in the Granite State.  Our citizens choose to live here because of the natural beauty of the wilderness, and our economy is dependent upon maintaining a pristine, clean energy environment. I am honored to have been endorsed by the Sierra Club.”

Don Bouchard, Manchester : “Thank you for your support, I am a strong supporter of exploring and developing alternative energy resources so that we can preserve our environment. When I become a state rep I will ask good questions, be a good listener, analyze and synthesize the data before I reach any conclusions of the directions we need to take.”

Bruce Cohen, Nashua: “Protecting our environment safeguards our New Hampshire way of life.  It is not just the right thing to do for now and  future generations. it’s also good business. New Hampshire’s environment is vital to our public health, our economy, and the unique identity of our state.”

Brenda Grady, Merrimack: “Thank you for your endorsement of my candidacy for State Representative.  As a high school Biology teacher in NH for nearly 30 years, I emphasized the essential belief of stewardship of our environment to all of my students. Conservation of our natural resources, along with an understanding of the interconnections among all living things help students appreciate their part in the environment all through their lives. Hopefully, this attitude will improve the conditions on Earth for future generations.”

Rachel Cisto, Weare: “I’m so pleased to receive an endorsement from the NH Sierra Club. I’ve been passionate about the environment since I was little, and I’m looking forward to working with the NHSC on improving the environment we live in.”

Dan Veilleux, Amherst: “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the New Hampshire Sierra Club.  As a lifelong New Englander, I understand the value of protecting our natural resources.  Clean air, clean water, and unspoiled landscapes are among New Hampshire’s greatest assets.  As a New Hampshire state representative, I will work for policies that will help fight climate change and ensure a safe, healthy environment where we can live, work, and play.”

William Bordy, Nashua: “I thank the New Hampshire Sierra Club for their endorsement and their efforts to protect the environment. As an inhabitant of planet Earth for 68 years, I have observed humanity’s rapid technological advancement.

This technology has impacted the planet in consequential ways. For the sake of our children, we must be vigilant of the impact of technology on our environment. I support the Sierra Club in their efforts to protect our environment by promoting responsible use of the Earth’s ecosystems and resources.”

Caroline Nesbitt, North Sandwich: “I am honored to be endorsed by The Sierra Club, whose work is at the very heart of our country’s environmental consciousness. And I’m proud to stand with this committed group of people who keep the New Hampshire environmental conversation front and center, where it belongs. Our healthy forests, clean watersheds, productive farmland, and the great diversity of life they sustain have historically provided Granite Staters both life and livelihood. But these are fragile systems. The combined pressures of climate change, population growth, and economic necessity put them at risk. Our many human needs sometimes seem at odds with protecting this environment, but they are actually a part of the same important conversation. Creative solutions do exist. Working together, we can find them.”

Rebecca Mitchell, Deering: “I am honored to have received an endorsement from the New Hampshire Sierra Club. I support the important work that they do and look forward to supporting important issues such as our environment and renewable energy choice for all Granite Staters.”

Bonnie Wright, Salem: “I am pleased to accept the endorsement of NH Sierra Club, and appreciate their faith in me. With the support of people  as members of the Sierra Club, I will have a good chance of being elected in November. In past years, I have worked on some of our environmental issues and other topics of concern to Sierra Club. I look forward to being more effective on these issues once I am in the NH House. Thank you for helping me make my dream come true, so I can make your dreams come true as well.”

Wendy Thomas, Merimack: “I am honored to be included in this important endorsement. Protecting the land, water and air is one of my highest priorities. I hope to carry your passion for the environment to Concord.”

Diane Hanley, Gilford: “The natural environment is a significant part of living in New Hampshire. We have a ‘natural economy’ that is created by our clean air, clear and clean waters, and healthy forests.Skiing, maple sugaring, leaf peeping, boating, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, dog sledding… These are why so many wish to visit and live here, and why so many do prosper here.  If elected I will be a strong voice for NH’s environment, it’s ‘natural economy’ if you will. And as a former science educator, I will expand science literacy in the legislature.”

Pat Martin, Rindge: “I am very grateful to the Sierra Club for its endorsement of my candidacy for State Representative for Cheshire 11 (Rindge and Fitzwilliam).   The NH Chapter of Sierra Club is always there when we need them.  In 2015, Sierra Club submitted a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) docket opposing the Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipeline.  That comment to FERC took great political courage since the NED project had broad support from our NH legislators at its inception.  But, Sierra Club doesn’t just oppose fossil fuel infrastructure, trash burning incineration projects, and massive environmentally destructive hydro projects like Northern Pass, they also provide a framework for building a clean energy future through programs like Drive Electric and Ready For 100%.  For me, one of the most important elements in the RF100% campaign, is the inclusiveness and emphasis on social and climate justice.  Helping to organize the “Rise for Climate, Jobs, & Justice” rally in Keene in partnership with the NH Chapter of the Sierra Club was irresistible to me because of the emphasis on building a clean energy economy that recognizes our collective responsibility to make sure that workers and families are central to any transition plans.  Thank you, Sierra Club, for helping to educate me and my neighbors and for providing programs that give us the agency to #ActOnClimate.  I hope to make you proud that you supported me and that together we can make real progress in making New Hampshire more energy efficient and resilient.”

The list of all of the state endorsed candidates are attached.

2018 New Hampshire Sierra Club List of Environmental Champions for State Office

NH Governor

– Molly Kelly

Executive Council

District 2: Andru Volinsky, Concord (i)

District 3: Joe Pace, Kensington

District 5: Deborah Pignatelli, Nashua

NH Senate
District  10: Jay Kahn (i)
District  12: Melanie Levesque

District  23: Tom Sherman
2018 NHSC Endorsed State House Candidates

Belknap County

District 1 – Ruth Gulick (Center Harbor, New Hampton)

District 2 – Diana Hanley (Gilford, Meredith)

District 3 – Carlos Cardona (Laconia Wards 1-6)

District 4 – Charles Mitchell (Sanbornton, Tilton)

District 5 – Betty Ann Abbott; Michelle Carter (Alton, Gilmanton)

Carroll County

District 1 – Anita Borroughs (Bartlett, Hart’s Location, Jackson)

District 4 – Caroline Nesbitt; John Morrissey (Moultonborough, Sandwich, Tuftonboro)

District 6 – David Owen; Edith DesMarais (Wolfeboro)

District 7 – Ed Butler (Albany, Bartlett, Chatham, Conway, Eaton, Freedom, Hale’s Location, Hart’s Location, Jackson, Madison, Tamworth)

District 8 – Richard Stuart (Brookfield, Effingham, Moultonborough, Ossipee, Sandwich, Tuftonboro, Wakefield)

Cheshire County

District 1 – Lucy Weber (Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Walpole, Westmoreland)

District 2 – John Mann (Alstead, Marlow, Surry)

District 4 – David Morrill (Keene Ward 1)

District 11 – Patricia Martin; Susan Silverman (Fitzwilliam, Rindge)

District 13 – Henry Parkhurst (Winchester)

District 14 – Craig Thompson (Dublin, Fitzwilliam, Harrisville, Jaffrey, Rindge, Roxbury)

Grafton County

District 7 – Richard Osborne (Campton)

District 8 – Suzanne Smith (Hebron, Holderness, Plymouth)

District 13 – Richard Abel (Lebanon Wards 1-3)

District 14 – Elaine French (Bethlehem, Franconia, Lisbon, Littleton, Lyman, Monroe, Sugar Hill)

District 16 – Francesca Diggs (Canaan, Dorchester, Ellsworth, Groton, Orange, Rumney, Thornton, Wentworth)

Hillsborough County

District 2 – Rachel Cisto; Rebecca Mitchell (Deering, Weare)

District 5 – Donna Mombourquett (Mont Vernon, New Boston)

District 6 – Eric Emerling (Goffstown)

District 7 – Kamee Verdrager Leshner; Richard Friedman; Wayne Goldner (Bedford)

District 8 – Diane Langley (Manchester Ward 1)

District 9 – Israel Piedra (Manchester Ward 2)

District 11 – Donald Bouchard (Manchester Ward 4)

District 12 – Amanda Bouldin; Andrew Bouldin (Manchester Ward 5)

District 14 – Mary Heath (Manchester Ward 7)

District 17 – Heidi Hamer; Tim Smith (Manchester Ward 10)

District 18 – Patricia Cornell (Manchester Ward 11)

District 19 – Bob Backus (Manchester Ward 12)

District 21 – Brenda Grady; Wendy Thomas (Merrimack)

District 22 – Dan Veilleux (Amherst)

District 23 – Paul Dargie (Milford)

District 25 – Laura Lynch (New Ipswich, Sharon, Temple)

District 27 – Tom Harris (Hollis)

District 28 – Bruce Cohen; Jan Schmidt; William Bordy (Nashua Ward 1)

District 29 – Paul Bergeron (Nashua Ward 2)

District 30 – Sue Vail (Nashua Ward 3)

District 31 – David Cote (Nashua Ward 4)

District 34 – Greg Indruk (Nashua Ward 7)

District 36 – Linda Harriott-Gathright (Nashua Ward 9)

District 37 – Alejandro Urrutia; Barbara Blue; Krysten Evans (Hudson, Pelham)

District 38 – Chris Balch; Jim Bosman (Antrim, Bennington, Francestown, Greenfield, Greenville, Hancock, Hillsborough, Lyndeborough, Wilton, Windsor)

District 39 – Gary Evans (Deering, Goffstown, Weare)

Merrimack County

District 2 – Scott Burns (Franklin Wards 1-2, Hill)

District 3 – Jim Lintner (Franklin Ward 3, Northfield)

District 10 – Mel Myler (Concord Ward 5, Hopkinton)

District 18 – Kris Schultz (Concord Ward 9)

District 23 – Richard Johnson (Bow, Dunbarton)

District 25 – David Karrick (Andover, Danbury, Salisbury, Warner, Webster)

District 26 – Lorrie Carey (Boscawen, Canterbury, Franklin Ward 3, Loudon, Northfield)

District 27 – Rebecca McWilliams (Concord Wards 1-4, Concord Wards 6-7)

District 28 – Katherine Rogers (Concord Wards 8-10)

Rockingham County

District 5 – Luisa Piette (Londonderry)

District 6 – Michelle Sawyer-Moge (Derry)

District 7 – Stephen Mavrellis (Windham)

District 8 – Bonnie Wright; Camron Iannalfo; Sean Lewis (Salem)

District 11 – Liz McConnell (Brentwood)

District 14 – George Hamblen (Atkinson, Plaistow)

District 16 – Peter Oldak (East Kingston, Kensington, South Hampton)

District 19 – Debra Altschiller (Stratham)

District 21 – Renny Cushing (Hampton)

District 23 – Dennis Malloy (Greenland, Newington)

District 31 – Tamara Le (Greenland, Newington, North Hampton, Portsmouth Ward 3)

District 32 – Tom Chase (Candia, Deerfield, Northwood, Nottingham)

Strafford County

District 2 – Sylvia Arcouette (Farmington)

District 4 – Matt Towne (Barrington)

District 6 – Janet Wall; Marjorie Smith; Timothy Horrigan (Durham, Madbury)

District 9 – Elaine Lauterborn (Rochester Ward 2)

District 13 – Casey Conley (Dover Ward 1)

District 18 – Gerri Cannon (Rollinsford, Somersworth Wards 1,3,4,5)

District 25 – Amanda Gourgue (Barrington, Lee)

Sullivan County

District 1 – Lee Walker Oxenham (Cornish, Grantham, Plainfield, Springfield)

District 7 – Claudia Istel (Acworth, Goshen, Langdon, Lempster, Washington)

District 10 – John Cloutier (Claremont Wards 1-3)