Three NH Gubernatorial Hopefuls Face Off for First Time

CONCORD, NH - Earlier this week, the three Democratic gubernatorial candidates met on the same stage for the first time.

Submitted by Beth D’Ovidio of State Employees’ Association/SEIU Local 1984

Colin Van Ostern, Steve Marchand and Mark Connolly participated in a town hall style forum hosted by the State Employees’ Association/SEIU Local 1984. The Forum took place at NHTI in Concord and was open only to union members and their families.

Members of the union asked questions the candidates each had the opportunity to answer. Candidates were asked what they would do, if elected, about issues that are important to the state’s public workers. Topics included high student debt, revenue shortages, infrastructure challenges ranging from bridges to passenger rail, and retiree health benefits.

“This was a great opportunity for members to hear from the candidates face to face,” said Rich Gulla, President of SEA/SEIU Local 1984. “This sort of interaction with the potential new Governor will allow members to make a more informed decision when they head to the polls this fall.”

Member reaction to the Forum was positive and many stated they liked some of what each candidate had to say.

“This experience has given me more knowledge about my choices in the election of our next governor, and will help me make a decision about who I support in the upcoming race” said Cheryl Towne, a member of the union. "Each of the candidates came across well and they all seemed capable of the job. I was very happy to have had this opportunity, I know this doesn’t happen easily and I thank the union staff and members who made this event possible."

She added, “I think it is very important for public employees to get to know all of the candidates. After all, the person who wins this race will be our ‘boss’ and they will be the one putting together the next state budget. I like hearing that they have been listening to our issues. I thought they answered our questions with ease and showed they were very knowledgeable about our concerns. Their budget will fund the services that we provide and drive policies that affect the delivery of services, as well, so we need to learn as much about the candidate’s as possible.”

Connolly agreed that the forum was a positive experience.

“Monday night's SEA Candidates Forum offered an important and thoughtful debate, and I was excited to join state employees to directly discuss the issues that matter to them and to working families across the Granite State,” he said. “As governor, I look forward to partnering with SEA and its members to continue building a government that works for all of us. Together, we'll push for more secure retirements for public employees and forward-thinking state budgeting, and we'll keep New Hampshire moving in the right direction.”

Van Ostern also commented on the event, saying, “It was a privilege to meet and learn from the hardworking members of SEA. I’m proud to have stood with state employees against so-called right to work legislation and as governor, I’ll work with state employees to continue moving New Hampshire forward.”

Marchand also spoke highly of the evening.

"I appreciate the opportunity to speak with public employees in New Hampshire. We need to be honest about the need for additional revenue to make the public investments which attract private investment, young talent, and new jobs to New Hampshire. Maintaining a high-quality public sector workforce is a critical part of that vision,” he said Marchand. “As governor, I am committed to strengthening and valuing the partnership with our public employees essential to making New Hampshire an amazing place to start a family, and start a business."

SEA/SEIU Local 1984 is currently planning a similar forum for the Republican gubernatorial candidates to take place later this summer.