Danielle Evansic, District 2 State Representative Candidate

Patch Candidate Profile, Danielle Evansic

Age (as of Sept. 1, 2024)

49

Town or City of Residence

Bedford

Position Sought

State Representative

Family

My husband and I have three children that attend Bedford’s schools. Between the five of us, we have some pretty diverse interests, resulting in weekends full of enjoying the outdoors - hiking the rail trails, camping, skiing, and fishing and hunting; and participating in (or cheering for) youth sports - basketball, volleyball, karate, cheer, and track and field.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

I have a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Penn State University and an MBA from Cornell University.

Occupation

This is my 16th year as a high school STEM teacher (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and FIRST Robotics coach. Prior to that, I worked in Land Development, designing sites for restaurants, retail centers, and golf courses, in addition to municipal water and sewer conveyance systems.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I am currently serving as an appointed member of the Bedford Sewer and Water Committee and as an alternate representative for Bedford on the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission.

Campaign website

www.danielleevansic.com

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing the residents of the Town of Bedford is the economy. The average family is spending $1,000 more per month to “afford the basics” that would maintain their standard of living from January of 2021*. Energy costs are forcing families to choose between energy bills, food, rent and their children’s activities. Nationally, “1 in 7 households spend about 14% of their income on energy,”** while New Hampshire is ranked as the 8th highest state in residential electricity rates.*** Many people are struggling to bridge the gap by burning through savings, followed by increasing credit card debt, and many empty-nesters are reopening their homes to adult children. As a State Representative for Bedford, I will work to provide economic relief to our residents by preserving the New Hampshire tax advantage; fighting wasteful spending; and supporting energy solutions that address the unique needs of New Hampshire residents while protecting the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the Granite State.

* https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inflation-households-need-extra-11400-these-states-its-even-higher
** https://www.cbsnews.com/news/energy-prices-electricity-heat-costs
*** https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/electricity-rates-by-state/

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As voters are considering whether to choose me to represent their interests, I would like for them to consider the following about me:

• My background in civil engineering and land development gives me unique insight into the various advantages that big businesses hold, to the detriment of small businesses and local residents. I have great compassion for the average citizen who is trying to build a better life for themselves and their families.
• My passion for enabling others to seize opportunities led me to a second career as an educator. I have dedicated my life to helping students prepare for and be able to pursue their visions of the future. Our children are capable of great things and can achieve beyond our expectations, so long as we refrain from erecting barriers to their success.
• My experiences, as a mother of children currently in Bedford schools; as the daughter of and friend to veterans; and as a volunteer with local charities, fuel my empathy for the daily struggles of so many of our fellow residents. Locally, I have worked to improve situations for some, but I would love to work at the state level to improve situations for many.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Other issues that are facing the voters of Bedford include:

• Housing, for both young workers who are trying to set roots in New Hampshire, and for empty nesters who are seeking to downsize. Red-tape at the state level is inhibiting response to the housing-crisis. I will work with my peers in the State House to streamline the permitting process so that communities can grow to meet the needs of their residents.
• Parental Rights, because the family is a child’s first place of education and the primary foundation upon which we learn to function as a society. The power to make decisions for educational placement, curriculum, and health care should originate with and defer to parents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this position?

Prior to moving to Bedford, as the coach of an award-winning FIRST Robotics Team, I worked with teens, parents, industry professionals, volunteers, and charitable organizations to create opportunities for the youth of our community. Countless hours and many late nights were spent investing in a culture of opportunity that extended beyond our schools and our town. As one of the State Representatives for Bedford, I will show the same tenacity and commitment to the pursuit of increasing opportunity by reducing government interference.

The best advice ever shared with me was…

“Don’t complain about something unless you are willing to do something about it.” I took this adage to heart, decades ago, which has led to me becoming an active volunteer with so many great organizations over the years. When I began complaining about the common sense measures that either failed or barely passed in the NH House of Representatives, it became clear that I had better stop complaining or step up to do something about it - so here I am, asking your vote to represent you in the State House.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

The current law in New Hampshire permits abortion within the first six months of pregnancy, and beyond if the life of the mother is at risk or in the case of a fatal fetal abnormality.

• I will not vote in favor of increasing the window of opportunity for abortion.
• I will not vote to include provisions for abortion in the NH State Constitution.

On January 1, 2025, the Interest and Dividends tax will be reduced to 0%, meaning that retired citizens and those who earn income from investments will also be “Income Tax Free.” This great achievement was threatened by a Democrat introduced bill (HB1492) which would have reinstituted the Interest and Dividend Tax at 5% on January 1st.

• I will not vote in favor of new or increased taxes.

Article 2-a [The Bearing of Arms] of the New Hampshire Constitution states that “All persons have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves, their families, their property and the state.” Additionally, Article 2 [Natural Rights] specifically addresses the rights of all men to defend life and liberty and to protect property.

• I will not vote in favor of any gun confiscation legislation.
• I will not vote in favor of waiting periods for firearms purchases.