Politics & Government

Linda Camarota, Bedford State Representative Candidate

The candidate for the Sept. 7 special election Hillsborough County District 7 seat explains why she is running.

Linda Camarota, state representative candidate
Linda Camarota, state representative candidate (Provided by Linda Camarota)

Linda Camarota

Age (as of Election Day)

69

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Position Sought

NH State House Representative

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Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Married to Michael and we have two daughters, Heather and Abigail.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No one in our family works in government.

Education

Registered nurse; UNH Graduate certificate in Public Health; Bachelors degree in Sociology/Psychology; earned NH teacher certificate 2000-2021 Career & Technical Education in Health Professions

Occupation

Rehabilitation nurse x7years; entrepreneur-Independent Medical Consultants x5 years; School nurse inner city school x4 years; Career & Technical teacher & LNA Program Coordinator & Clinical nurse x17 years; entrepreneur - LR Camarota’s Services 2020

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

2018-2020 NH State Representative Hillsborough District 7; Bedford School Board ~ mid-1990s for 3 year term

Campaign website

www.lindacamarota.org & on Facebook Linda Rea Camarota for State Representative

Why are you seeking elective office?

I did not run again in 2020 because we were going to winter in North Carolina but our plans changed. I would like to serve Bedford residents again to preserve our way of life and local control, to support our police, veterans and senior citizens. I want to protect our constitutional rights and our NH Advantage with no broad base taxes. Fulfilling Honorable Dave Danielson’s term would be an honor.

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

There are so many pressing issues in light of the pandemic and the national picture, I have to say the single most pressing issue facing our state and Bedford is the threat of our constitutional rights being violated. Our NH Constitution tells us to maintain a balanced budget and the Bill of Rights are enumerated including such rights as equality of all men, bearing of arms, right to privacy, unalienable rights of conscience, religious freedom, state sovereignty, free speech, separation of powers, and more.

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

My opponent in the Men’s Club forum did not rebut my statement that I was the only candidate to promise protecting the citizens’ constitutional rights especially their first and second amendment rights.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Not applicable. We are running to fulfill the Honorable Dave Danielson's term due to his recent passing.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I believe the local and state officials did the best they could under the unchartered COVID waters in 2020. However, now that we know a lot more about the virus and the impacts of our reactions to such, and that some of our national public health officials have voiced contradictory public health messages, it is incumbent upon NH public health officials and our NH legislators to ensure we are following scientific evidence. It’s not science, if it’s not debated. In 2021, school children need to return to the classroom. One new law includes houses of worship as considered essential thus would remain open in the event of a future state of emergency. I would have supported the NH legislation to do its due diligence in oversight of the Governor’s emergency powers. We must move forward now with a focus on helping all and the most vulnerable folks reach their ultimate healthy status thereby reducing their risk of illness.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Local control is important to my constituents. Reducing business regulations and supporting the free market attract entrepreneurs and the NH Advantage. Preserving and protecting our natural resources is an ongoing priority. NH housing shortage needs a fresh look to see where the needs are and how we can collaborate in meeting the citizens’ needs.

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

I kept my campaign promises to the Bedford voters during my 2018-2020 NH House Representative term. I will do the same if the voters send me back to the State House.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always be honest, listen carefully and do your best.

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

I am a true and accomplished former Bedford State Representative and I would be honored to serve you once again.

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