Op-ed: Keeping the Lights Bright

Reflecting on my 50 years in public service to the state of New Hampshire, I have been blessed with the chance to make a difference in people’s lives. I have been a part of building a better and stronger state for our residents and our future. But most importantly, these years have given me the profound opportunity to forge relationships with people from all over the state.

Through these relationships, I have been able to learn about countless people’s lives. At the State House, on my front porch, and at places throughout the state, Granite Staters have generously shared with me the stories of their lives–their hopes, their dreams, and even their fears. And because of these relationships, I have led a richer, fuller life. More importantly, these relationships have helped me to understand the value of service to our state and have driven me to dedicate my life in service to the state of New Hampshire.

New Hampshire is truly a unique state. It is the Live Free or Die state, it is a state full of people who come from different backgrounds, walks of life, and perspectives, and it is a state that is built on a granite foundation of service and commitment to one another. My wife, Pat, and I chose to raise our family in this state, and now a number of my grandchildren are being raised here as well, because New Hampshire is a special place.

New Hampshire and those who live here have shaped so much of my life, and one of my greatest honors is the trust and faith they have put in me over the years. I am grateful to my constituents for believing in me and the vision I shared with them for the future of the Granite State. We have been able to achieve so much over the years, building a state that is more inclusive, just, and vibrant for us all. I owe countless people a debt of gratitude for working with me to achieve important milestones in our state such as, the Feeding and Nutrition Act, the food stamp bill, the birth records bill, and several others.

Although we have achieved so much, there is still more to be done. Our country and our state continue to face challenges of extremism, housing insecurity, income inequality, and much more. It has been an honor to stand in service to New Hampshire for decades, working to combat challenges and to strive to do good, but as the last few months of my term approach, I know it is time to pass the torch on to the next generation. Serving as an elected official has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I cannot thank the people of New Hampshire enough for their support, faith, and friendship over the years. What you all have given me is a debt I will never be able to repay.

I hope that the legacy left behind is one that inspires people to act in service to their community in whatever way they can- to build relationships with one another that foster our better natures and help us to come together in times of strife. Of the people I have built relationships with over the years, I know they will continue to fight for a brighter future in New Hampshire; they will continue to advocate for people in trouble, strive to build a state that works for everyone, and work to bring us together.

At the end of the day, relationships are what truly matter, and the relationships I built over the past 50 years are invaluable. So again, as I turn the page on the next chapter of my life, I say thank you for the relationships that have guided me, supported me, and helped me to achieve great things for the people of New Hampshire. So, thank you to each and every one of you for believing in me and for believing in a bright future for New Hampshire.