I am a retired attorney. I practiced law in the Lakes Region for 45 years before retiring in 2020 - just before the pandemic! My twin sister blames the pandemic on that decision of mine; I think there may have been a bit more to it than that, however.

 

I was really enjoying my retirement - reading, walking, working in the yard and garden, having coffee at Wayfarer, etc. Then there was the massacre in Uvalde, Texas; I knew I could no longer be a bystander - I had to do something. After some serious cajoling and pleading from Ms Kessin and after meeting Scott Ringer, I agreed to run for State Representative, following the path of my courageous wife, Jane!

 

There are three major issues around which I am focusing my campaign.

1. Free public education is essential to our democracy. The legislature should be invigorating public education not eviscerating it. 

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2. Safe and affordable housing should not be limited to the wealthy. This is both a social and economic imperative for without housing for those who want to work, businesses cannot survive.

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3. Safe gun ownership is a civic responsibility. I believe anyone owning a firearm should be required to take a gun safety course; no one under 21 should be able to purchase a firearm; 5% of the purchase price of any firearm should go to funding the Suicide Prevention Hotline and the gun safety courses; and gun owners who do not properly secure their firearms and ammunition should be held accountable for the consequences.

 

I also want to preserve and protect the independence and integrity of Gunstock; I want to make sure the State School property is developed in a manner that best protects the interests of Laconia and Belknap County; I want to bring back financial accountability to the state budget; and I want to work diligently to bring back civil political discourse.

 

Obviously, there are many concerns we all have. I spent my adult life listening and learning and trying to help others; I hope to continue this way of life.

 

Patrick