Re-elect Maureen Mann for State Representative

My Pledge

2010-11-03T00:59:00.000-06:00

I pledge to be fiscally responsible, protective of individual rights, attentive to local needs, supportive of families, and responsive to constituent concerns. I am asking for your support. If you have questions or concerns, contact mmann@metrocast.net.

Contributions may be made to:

Maureen Mann for Representative

c/o Andrew Robertson fiscal agent
Northwood, NH 03261<>
Or online at ACT BLUE.

PO Box 498

FACEBOOK PAGE AT Maureen Mann--NH State Representative.

Who Supports NH Business? Interesting Question.

2010-10-25T11:57:00.000-06:00

A recent LTE to The Forum accused NH Democrats of being anti-business. The accusation came because a candidate rating site called Project Vote Smart used ratings submitted by the BIA to find that 70 percent of NH Democrats recived a zero rating for support for business. The average for all Democrats was a rating of 6.2. Many Republicans, on the other hand, received ratings of 100 percent with an average of 87.4. Do those numbers make you question the size of the sample? They should. Turns out there were only two votes used to determine the rating out of the hundreds of bills deaing with business seen by the legislature every year. [Project Vote Smart also used some weird conversions to get percentages.]

To see the original article accusing Dems of being anti-business, click here

To see my response relating to the validity and credibility of Project Vote Smart click here

To see my response to the specific allegations about Democrats, check back tomorrow. I will post that link as soon as it goes active in The Forum.

About Those Taxes and Fees

2010-10-22T11:33:00.000-06:00

One of the most common complaints I hear about Democrats is that we are the Party of "tax and spend." Click here to see my response to that allegation in The Forum.

Downshifting by the State--NOT

2010-10-07T08:42:00.000-06:00

Below is a LTE I have written about the Municipal Association's comments on the state downshifting costs to counties and towns-NOT. The Municpal Association is essentially an information source for municipalities and promotes their interests with the state. If they don't feel the state budget created downshifting, it did not.

As I campaign for re-election as your state Representative in Rockingham District 1, I often hear questions about the state legislature “downshifting” huge costs to the cities and towns. The following paragraph from the NH Municipal Association newsletter should make clear this is not the case:

Addressing a state budget shortfall of this magnitude was
an extremely onerous task, with difficult choices having
to be made every step of the way. Although there may
be some indirect impact on municipal budgets from the
significant reductions at the Department of Health and
Human Services, overall the adoption of SSHB 1 did
not result in a direct downshift of state budget shortfalls
onto cities and towns, and ultimately property taxpayers.
For this, your legislators should be commended. Please
express your appreciation to them.

The entire article can be found at http://www.nhlgc.org/attachments/nhma/Bulletins/2010Bulletin-24.pdf. The article also confirms that there was no reduction in the rooms and meals distribution tax nor was there any change in the state retirement contribution of 25 percent for fiscal 2011.

Finally, it has now been confirmed that a surplus of about 70 million dollars remains after the close of fiscal 2010. Predictions for what will happen in fiscal 2011 are just that, predictions. We can all make them and, because it is an election year, probably will. But the catastrophic deficit predicted by Republicans for 2010 did not occur. And, it is also important to remember that every single tax and most fees in New Hampshire were enacted under Republican leadership.

Balancing the State Budget

2010-10-05T07:49:00.000-06:00

I thought the following article by Susan Almy, the House Ways and Means Chair, might be of interest.
Even In Deep recession, We Balanced the State Budget Responsibly

The bi-partisan revenue projections set by the New Hampshire House Ways & Means committee, despite the claims of critics, were done very carefully and conservatively, and they have been more accurate than most other states. It was the economy, not our revenue projections, that caused revenues to fall short of even our lowered expectations.

Estimates are produced for our biennial budgets between two and two and half years before revenue collection is completed. Since the Democratic majority took over for the first time in 150 years, we have worked to make our projections as accurate as possible to avoid asking for more money from taxpayers than we needed to balance the budget.

But just three months after the final 2008 – 2009 budget was passed, the first thunderclouds of the terrible recession appeared. As the economy tumbled, revenues began to fall short. The magnitude of the national economic downturn was beyond anyone expectations. Eight years of failed Republican policy did enormous damage to our economy.

In creating the current revenue projects for the 2010-2011 budget we had two advantages that we didn’t have before. We knew there was a bad recession on, and we had a new commissioner who had been studying economic cycles. Together, my committee, including ranking Republican Rep. Norm Major, created bipartisan estimates. We used the recession from the mid-1970’s, at that time the worst recession since the Great Depression, as our model for what might happen to revenues.

This recession proved to be far worse than the one in the 1970’s. Still, our revenues for the first year, fiscal year 2010, came in only less than 2% under the estimate, much better than many other states’. And so far revenues for fiscal year 2011 are above the estimate we made in mid 2009. This is due directly to conservative and careful estimating.

The budget year 2010 ended with a surplus of more than 60 million dollars. The budget is balanced, responsible, didn’t downshift costs to local cities or towns or impose a new broad based tax, and it maintained the essential services our most vulnerable citizens depend on. It did depend partly on one-time money – just as in Governor Judd Gregg’s day in the early-1990’s recession, they depended on one-time money for nearly 30% of their total. In that recession also, the Republican legislature raised 9 taxes significantly, trying to balance their budget; we have raised two, tobacco and meals & rooms.

To secure our state’s future, Democrats have been working hard to make the New Hampshire government more efficient and user friendly. This is the kind of cost-cutting that makes sense – it costs less to the state, less to citizens and businesses that need to use state services, and less to tax-payers. Currently we have the 5th lowest state spending per capita in the nation, but we have found many places where our government had become cumbersome and expensive. In the past few years, we have:

· Replaced the state’s 30-40 year-old incompatible computer systems,

· For the first time released data on state spending at month’s end (rather than 18 months later!) so that budgets can be more rational,

· Disbanded countless antiquated committees that required agencies to employ excess staff,

· Enacted prison reform that will both cut this rapidly growing cost and make us more secure, and

· Reformed the pension system funding formula, resulting in a more than 15% solvency increase and bringing it back from the verge of collapse.

We – Governor Lynch and the majorities in the legislature – are also near to completing work on other problems we have identified. We are working on a first-in-the-nation single-permit system for environmental regulation, which should greatly reduce the costs and paperwork for local businesses and homeowners. We are working on streamlining procedures in every department, using the business LEAN model.

When we get out of this recession, assuming these initiatives are allowed to continue, our state will be in a much stronger position for the future.

Short Break for the Election

2010-09-06T10:49:00.000-06:00

The legislative session is over, except for some committee work, and election season has begun. Fortunately there is no Democratic primary but I will still be campaigning hard from late summer through election day on November 2, 2010. Because this blog deals primarily with legislation, I am planning a Re-elect Maureen Mann facebook page which will be up shortly. Please visit Maureen Mann--NH State Representative, I really appreciate your support.

Robert Johnson Highway is Official

2010-09-01T10:51:00.000-06:00

On September 1, the signage identifying Route 43 in Northwood as the Robert A. Johnson Highway was installed. There are signs at the Deerfield line and near the Chesley Library. I was delighted when Chief Glen Drolet of Northwood notified me that the Northwood Police Association voted to fund the full cost of fabricating and installing the signs. Thanks.

STOP!

2010-06-20T15:20:00.000-06:00

Installation has begun on the traffic signal at the intersection of Routes 4 and 107 in Epsom. New England Signal Systems of Northwood has been awarded the contract for the work. [Our own little ARRA project?]

If all goes as planned with the several subcontractors involved, it is anticipated the project will be completed by the end of June.

UPDATE: The light is in and functioning and traffic is flowing smoothly. This, along with the Forum and one February day in the legislature are my proudest moments in public service.

Honorable Robert A. Johnson Highway Signed into Law

2010-06-01T16:03:00.000-06:00

Jeanne Johnson [center] and family, as well as bill sponsors and some former colleagues, surround Governor Lynch as he signs HB1181.

On Tuesday, May 25, Governor John Lynch signed HB1181, a bill naming the portion of Route 43 from Route 4 to the Deerfield line for the Honorable Robert A. Johnson. Johnson, who died in January 2009, was a beloved public figure who served Northwood, his state and nation in multiple capacities for seventy years.

Several members of Johnson's family were able to attend the signing ceremony as were some of the representatives with whom he served in the State House. The prime sponsor of the bill was Representative Maureen Mann. Co-sponsors included Senator Jack Barnes and Representatives Frank Case, Susi Nord, John Reagan and James Sullivan.

The design and size of the memorial sign will be determined by the Bureau of Traffic in the Department of Transportation. When that is finalized the signs will be fabricated at the state prison in Concord. They should be installed within a few months.

Budget Woes

2010-05-30T15:55:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday May 12, one bill, SB450, an effort to deal with the budget deficit, took almost seven hours to debate in the New Hampshire House. While many of the votes on the 14 amendments which were introduced along the way followed party lines, this was not always the case. People in both parties, let alone the Libertarians, had concerns about different sections of the bill which included substantial cuts, new revenue sources and bonding-"the good, the bad, and the ugly" according to Representative Neal Kurk of the Finance Committee.

For a detailed explanation of the process, and to see how your representatives in Rockingham 1 voted, click here .

Then, click here to see what happened in the Senate.

Finally, an Adequate, if not Excellent Education.

2010-05-15T15:47:00.000-06:00

The issue which most occupied the legislature from 2006 through 2009 was defining, costing, funding and establishing accountability measures for an adequate education of New Hampshire's children. The funding formula, which was to be put in place for fiscal 2012, faced a challenge in the legislature on May 5.

Click here to see how your representatives voted on funding education-and the effect on your property taxes if the state does not assume its fair share.

Report from the Legislature: Energy and Speed Limits

2010-05-12T15:39:00.000-06:00

A lot of work, but not many roll call votes are taking place in the NH House. On May 6, small scale energy projects and Winnipesaukee speed limits got the most attention. Check it out right energy projects here.

NH Gets on Board?

2010-05-01T15:31:00.000-06:00

SB515, voted on this week, would allow the Commissioner of the Department of Employment Security to participate in the Local Employment Dynamics [LED] Program. The Program provides online information for economic development, transportation planning, emergency management and workforce development. It is used by companies across the nation and the world seeking to expand as a first step in relocation consideration. All the other states plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands already participate. Because New Hampshire does not, it receives no consideration from those using the tool.

Check how your representatives in Rockingham 1 voted on this proposal to support economic development by clicking here.

You can also read how your reps voted on land parcels and DWI as well as concurence issues.

Report from the Legislature: Gambling on Water

2010-04-24T15:25:00.000-06:00

This week those who feel gambling will solve all New Hampshire' financial woes had their chance to present their case to the 'full House. This week also saw a vote on whether the state will support local control of resourses, particularly water.

For a full report, click here.

Next time you see them, ask your Republican reps how they voted on the water issue that so affects their Nottingham and Northwood constituents.

Save NH State Parks-and other stuff

2010-04-09T15:02:00.000-06:00

This week the NH House voted in support of license plates to support state parks. NH is the only state which relies totally on fees and our parks, one of the cornerstones of the NH advantage, need help. There is a serious threat from those who want to privatize these treasures.

The governor has indicated that he would support sequential numbers as a version of park vanity plates [get yours early for a low number] which could make them even more enticing as NH has a high incidence of vanity plates.

Click for photos from The Forum of the plate designs as well as other issues considered recently.

Report from the Legislature: 4th Grade Legislators

2010-03-30T14:57:00.000-06:00

Ready for a new New Hampshire cat, rock or fruit? To find out how click here.

Constituent Concerns

2010-03-13T15:54:00.000-06:00

This week in the New Hampshire House there were 28 roll call votes, 18 division votes and too many voice votes to count. All House bills must be acted on by March 25in time for "crossover" to the Senate.

For a list of the votes on those issues which elicited the most emails and from constituents click here.

Report from the Legislature: Short-Term Bedfellows

2010-03-12T01:50:00.000-06:00

Just in case you thought the five House members representing Rockingham District 1 never agreed on anything, or thought disagreement was consistent along Party, social or economic lines, you might be interested to see the results of some recent votes. Perhaps it is Spring Fever, but lately there have been some odd alignments.

Take a look.

Report from the Legislature: Freedom and Choice

2010-02-27T15:45:00.000-06:00

Once the Blurb War got out of the way, some actual business was conducted during the New Hampshire House of Representatives sessions on February 10 and 17. Several of the role call votes dealt with issues of personal choice and individual freedom.

Click here for details.

Report from the Legislature: Positioning for the Fall Election

2010-02-13T15:26:00.000-06:00

The white gloves came off at the February 3 session of the New Hampshire House, and the boxing gloves went on, as the Parties began to duke it out for votes in November. Multiple bills were presented, sponsored by members of the Republican Party, whose purpose was to show their members as tax cutters and Democrats as big spenders unconcerned about the taxpayers. The Democrats fought back during debate on each bill, casting the Republicans as happy to cut but unwilling to deal realistically with the cost of services taxpayers both want and need.

Click here for a summary. [Again, originally posted in The Forum.]

Report from the Legislature: Blurb Wars

2010-02-10T15:20:00.000-06:00

The February 10 session of the House of Representatives took twice as long and accomplished half as much as could reasonably be expected, due to what would be described as a hissy fit if it had been carried out by an eight-year-old. Because it was engaged in by a member of the legislature, that member chose to call it "exercising his right to freedom of speech."

Read more.

Report from the Legislature: Water Bills

2010-02-06T15:38:00.000-06:00

This week the Senate heard some bills directly related to local water issues. I was pleased to be involved as a sponsor on SB411 with Senator Cilley who at one point during the hearing expressed the crux of the issue when she remarked "DES is worried about pumping and communities are worried about quality."
Click to read all about it.

UPDATE: SB411 received some serious mangling when it reached the House. Because if changes it was killed when it returned to the Senate.

Report from the Legislature: A Good Man Honored

2010-02-01T15:29:00.000-06:00

For over 60 years, the Honorable Robert A. Johnson served his community and his state, as well as being a great family man. On January 27, 2010 the New Hampshire House of Representitives honored his service by a unanimous vote naming Route 43 in Northwood the "Honorable Robert A. Johnson Memorial Highway. I was proud to be the prime sponsor of that bill.

Click here to read about some of Johnson's contributions.

Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics*

2009-12-13T01:21:00.000-06:00

The results of the UNH Granite State Gambling Poll prepared by Andrew Smith have been released. The poll is part of data gathering by Governor Lynch's study panel on gambling created last summer; the final report is expected next spring.

The report can be seen as both good news and bad news for both proponents and opponents of gaming in New Hampshire, depending upon how one wished to use the data.

The 77 page report is available at NH.gov/UNH poll. For those who do not wish to plow through the entire document, the explanatory charts can be found near the beginning of the report.

*There are three kinds of Lies: Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics -Benjamin Disraeli

Report of the Legislature: Veto Day

2009-10-28T14:15:00.000-06:00

The legislature is back in session for the second year of the 2009-2010 bienium. Most of the work being done is in committee where the more than 1000 bills filed get a hearing and a recommendation before they reach the floor.

But a full session was held this week to deal with the legislation passed by both the House and the Senate but vetoed by the governor. Some of the vetos were anticipated, some were not. Check out the results by clicking here.

Report from the Legislature: Education

2009-06-13T14:00:00.000-06:00

For close to 20 years, education in New Hampshire was under the oversight of the courts. When a Democratic majority took control of the legislature after the election of 2006, high on the Party's agenda was to define, cost, fund and create a system of accountability for education of the state's children. After three years it has happened and the court is now out of the education business.

For a review of the final step click here.

Report From the Legislature: Marriage Equality

2009-06-03T14:08:00.000-06:00

It took three House bills, multiple Senate amendments and some reluctance on the part of the Governor until he thought it was finally right, but on June 3, 2009, marriage equality came to New Hampshire. By a vote of 186 to 179 in the House and 14 to 10 in the Senate, we did the right thing.

Review the steps to equality here.

Report from the Legislature: Crossover

2009-05-02T14:48:00.000-06:00

Crossover has occurred in the New Hampshire legislature. The House is now dealing with Senate Bills and vice versa. For a report on the Senate vote in support of same-gender marriage, a vote which surprised those on both sides of the issue, click here .

For a report on House votes on employement and election bills which have crossed over from the Senate click here.

Public Hearing to Decide on Traffic Signal

2009-04-22T13:42:00.000-06:00

The New Hampshire Bureau of Highway Design will hold a public informational meeting to discuss Route 4 safety improvements at the intersection of NH Route 107 and North Road in Epsom. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 7:00 pm at the Epsom Fire Station, 1714 Dover Road in Epsom.

The purpose of the meeting is to present "concepts to improve safety and gather input from officials and the public in order to ensure that project decisions meet public transportation needs and community goals, and protect the environment". In other words, to see if a traffic signal will improve the safety of the intersection.

This is the final step before approval of a traffic signal in that location. While three of the four Epsom representatives have been supportive as has Senator Barnes and many Epsom residents, there is also opposition from residents who, not having to turn onto Route 4 from North Road, see no need for the signal.

How you can help: Even if you have sent emails in the past or attended the previous meeting, it is important to continue to stay active. If you can attend the meeting, please do so. If you cannot, please send another, or your first, email to maureen.mann@leg.state.nh.us stating your reasons for supporting the project. Encourage others who use the intersection to do the same

Report from the Legislature: the 'Bathroom Bill'

2009-04-18T17:25:00.000-06:00

Sometimes partisan rhetoric becomes so strong that any relationship between the actual content of a bill and how opponents categorize it is lost. Such is the case with HB 415 which became known, thanks to Republican Party chair John Sununu, as the "bathroom bill". Sununu, with the help of multiple interest groups, some clearly misled and manipulated, convinced many New Hampshirites that if transgender individuals were given the same rights as other individuals, bathrooms would no longer be safe and perverts would overrun the state. This was a mean and nasty attack for purely political gain.

To read about the battle, click here.

Report from the Legislature: Abortion, Marriage, Drugs and Death

2009-03-28T13:03:00.000-06:00

The legislative sessions on March 24, 25 and 25 saw votes on over 250 bills, including such controversial issues as a woman's right to chose, repeal of the death penalty, same-sex marriage, transgender rights and medical marijuana. It was an exciting and emotional week for all members, no matter on what side of an issue.

For details of the votes cast by members of the House of Representatives from Rockingham District 1, click
here.

Report from the Legislature: Tolls and Taxes

2009-03-24T13:17:00.000-06:00

Throughout March, the House of Representatives has dealt with issues of finance. For results of some of those votes, and to see how representatives from Rockingham District 1 voted, click
here to read the report posted in The Forum [www.forumhome.org].

Report From the Legislature: HCRs or "if you want my opinion"

2009-03-15T13:15:00.000-06:00

HCRs or House Concurrent Resolutions are used to put the legislature on record on some aspect of national or state policy. If they start in the Senate they are, not surprisingly, SCRs. Since they are not signed by the governor they are essentially opinions of the legislature.

Last session there were resolutions in the House on impeaching Bush and building a 700 mile wall along the border with Mexico among several others. They were tabled. My preference would be to table all House Resolutions and Concurrent Resolutions until the end of the sessions as they take a lot of time that could be better used doing the real work of the legislature. They anyone who wants to can debate as long as they please.

During the past two weeks there were four House Concurrent Resolutions which if passed also had to go the the Senate; thus they had to be considered now. They included issues concerning international agreements, election funding, and nullification and seccession. To read about the HCRs click here.

Report from the Legislature: Voter Privacy, Seat Belts and Education

2009-03-08T09:46:00.000-06:00

After some weeks of committee hearings, the legislature has begun voting on legislation. Voter Privacy, Seat Belts and Education were hot issues in early March.

You can read about the role call votes of the state representatives from Rockingham District 1 by clicking here.

2008-10-27T07:11:00.000-06:00

Have spent a lot of time this past few weeks canvassing and doing visibility in Candia, Northwood, Nottingham and Deerfield. Have met some wonderful people from both parties and had some great discussions; even if the encounters do not lead to a vote, I am learning that people realize the seriousness of the issues and want to be informed.

Progress on Traffic Signal at 4/107

2008-10-27T06:59:00.001-06:00

Some constituents had asked that I see what could be done about getting a traffic signal at the intersection at Routes 4/107 south. Accidents occur at the site quite regularly. The past week, the site was added to the list of locations where a traffic signal would be effective. For more details, click here

Forum Candidates' Night Summary

2008-10-20T06:39:00.000-06:00

The Forum Candidates' Night attracted quite a few citizens to hear candidates for state rep and state senate. The event is being telecast on local public access stations and a summary by Forum reporter Bob Strobel can be found here. Sadly, of the ten candidates running for the five state rep positions, three Republican candidates--Duarte, Reagan and Stucker--declined to attend. They attended a private Republican only candidate event the evening before where statements were presented but no questions from the public were allowed from the floor. We are elected to represent all residents and need to be willing to engage in dialogue with all residents both before and after the election. And it turned out to be a great dialogue, and a positive event.

Forum Candidates' Night

2008-10-12T17:48:00.000-06:00

The Forum candidates' night is coming up on October 15 at 7:00 pm at the Deerfield Town Hall on 8 Church Street in Deerfield. It will feature all the candidates for state rep and state senate for the towns of Northwood, Nottingham, Deerfield and Candia.

Here is a chance to ask the candidates the tough questions to get the information you need. Hope to see you there.

Keeping Constituents Informed

2008-10-03T17:10:00.000-06:00

When I ran for state representaive, I promised to keep constituents informed about what was going on in Concord. One way I did this was to write regular reports about roll call votes in The Forum [www.forumhome.org]

Links to some of these reports are listed below:

What is the Cost of an Adequate Education?

Education Funding

Tracking Devices, Marijuana and Water

Ethics and Immigration

Health and Education

Education, Parental Rights and Immigration

Library Talks

2008-10-02T17:40:00.000-06:00

Another way I keep in touch with constituents is by holding rotating monthly meetings at the libraries of the four towns I represent: Nottingham, Northwood, Deerfield and Candia. I have enjoyed every meeting and learned a great deal from those who attended.

At one meeting in Nottingham I had a chance to discuss the Downeaster and public transportation options and learned a great deal. Another meeting in Candia allowed me to discuss conservation issues. Some meetings were just general talks about legislation or government and how things work. All gave me a chance to meet with constituents and get to know those who attended. I will continue this practice when re-elected.

With your help I became a member of the General Court

2008-10-02T17:05:00.000-06:00

Thanks to your efforts, I won the special election and on January 30, 2008 was sworn in as a member of the New Hampshire General Court. I hope to live up to your expections and to the title of 'Honorable'. My opponent was a strong candidate, had formidable support, and fought hard. I am proud of our campaign which focused on positions and goals rather than personal attacks.

Thanks for your help in the special election

2008-10-02T16:50:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the many people who worked hard for my special election during the cold and nasty days of the second snowiest winter on record. Thanks for the contributions, the 'viz' at the dump and at the polls, and to all those folks who put up yard signs, some in really creative places. It was your efforts and contributions of time, work and money that made the victory possible.

Why am I runnning?

2007-11-18T18:15:00.000-06:00

I taught my students that our government is as strong as the commitment of its citizens to make it work. That requires participation, and I am fortunate enough to be able to make the time commitment required.

The people of the communities in Rockingham District 1 face such issues as balancing growth while preserving rural character, attracting and supporting business while protecting our environment and resources, particularly our water, and dealing with deteriorating infrastructure. Education and equitable property taxation are issues we share with others around the state.

My experience in education and business, and commitment to my community, give me the necessary qualifications to serve the people of Rockingham District 1.

Maureen Mann's Background

2007-11-18T18:11:00.000-06:00

Public School Teacher for 30+ years, contract negotiating team.
Realtor, Owner/Broker of real estate company, high sales awards
Original managing editor and Board Chair of The Forum, the award-winning online and print newspaper which has brought local news to the area.
Grant writer for original and subsequent grants to create and maintain The Forum
Current editor, reporter, manager and photographer for The Forum
Winner of the Sherburne Award in 2006 for contributions made to the Community of Deerfield
Charter member of Middlesex Lioness [since merged with Lions]
Trustee of the Philbrick James Library, library volunteer
New Hampshire master gardener
Deerfield Community Church Fair Committee, regular volunteer at Fair booth and currently responsible for fish chowder for Deerfield Fair.
“Senior Lunch” program cook and volunteer, rabies clinic volunteer.

Maureen lives in Deerfield with her husband Bob, a self-employed machinist, and her 96-year-old mother-in-law, Gertrude.

Maureen Mann throws her hat in the ring

2007-11-17T13:25:00.000-06:00

Maureen Mann has signed up to run in the special election for state representative in Rockingham District 1 [Candia, Deerfield, Northwood and Nottingham]. The seat was recently vacated by Robert Johnson of Northwood, the longest seated member of the General Court.

The primary election will take place on December 18 with the final election on January 22.