Mrs. Priscilla Bean, 72,  lives in Gilford, and recenly lost her husband, State Representative Harry Bean, to cancer.  She is, in fact, using his campaign signs with her name taped on.  She has served as an Election Inspector for several years, which we applaud, but has limited preparation  local, county or state experience, other than assisting her late husband.   She has lived in Gilford for many years, however, and knows the needs of her town.  

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Mrs. Bean has chosen not to return her Citizens for Belknap questionnaire, nor has she returned Citizens Count NH questionnaire, so we few specifics of her positions, other than the profile interview she conducted with the Laconia Daily Sun.   

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In her LDS interview, she did address some county issues, including homelessness, which she recognizes is a complex issue.   She was quoted as saying:

“I personally have talked with a number of homeless people, and I know it’s not everybody, and a lot of them don’t necessarily enjoy being homeless, but they don’t want to live by any rules." 

and "“I feel we are giving way too much for the homeless, or not what they really need. I’m not quite sure what is right.”

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Mrs. Bean also brought up the renovation or replacement of the county jail, but appears not to have made up her mind about which should occur.   On adequate staffing of the Belknap County  Nursing Home to achieve its full capacity, the Laconia Daily Sun quoted her as saying:

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“In the nursing home, I know they need to get workers in there, in order for them to fill the beds,” she said. “It is hard, because funds are limited, and you’ve got to get the right person. This day and age, there just aren’t enough out there who want to work, especially that type of job.”

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She has written few letters to the editor in the Laconia Daily Sun, but recently did a candidacy announcement letter which included this:

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“As a moderate Republican, I value limited government, responsible spending, strong local communities, and protecting the freedoms that make the Granite State such a wonderful place to call home."     

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She echoed her "moderate Republican" description in her LDS interview, and added that she was prepared to vote against her party if it was for the benefit of District 6 constituents.   

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NEUTRAL RECOMMENDATION

Unfortunately, her avoidance of two Citizens for Belknap questionnaires at the urging of her her party leadership is not a good start for her or her constituents.  She said she had a conflict with the candidate forum in Gilford.   Such decisions suggest she would be unable to stand up to the libertarian leadership in the State House, either.  Combined with her lack of experience in town, county or state affairs, Citizens for Belknap will only give a neutral recommendation to Mrs. Bean for this election cycle.

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