Luisa Piette, Londonderry State Representative Candidate

Luisa Piette

Age (as of Election Day)

61

Position Sought

State Representative

Party Affiliation

Democratic Party

Family

1. Matthew Piette, husband, 56 years old 2. John Handem Piette, son, 35 years old 3. Natasha Piette-Basheer, 28 years old.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

Master's degree in International Human Rights Law (Essex University, 1988); Bachelor of Arts in French & Government (Essex University, 1983)

Occupation

Media and Corporate Communications Consultant, with over 20 years of experience.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None.

Campaign website

https://tinyurl.com/y2zp6mof

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for State Representative because I have the knowledge and determination to help resolve many issues that our state is facing, amid a deadly pandemic, and racial tensions, from the systemic racism, still lingering within our institutions, especially within law enforcement, our schools and workplace. We also see rising unemployment, and high numbers of homeless people from the LGBTQ+ community. I am running a positive campaign, hoping to get elected to help find workable solutions for those issues, as well as to address the contaminated water problem in my community, and our preparedness for climate change. New Hampshire is home to the nation's primary elections, and we must lead by example, and fight to protect our most vulnerable citizens, veterans, students, small businesses, and ensure availability of Medicare and affordable healthcare for all. I am also eager to support gun control legislation, and help to end the opioid crisis in our state.

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

Water quality is a key issue in district 5, with our wells containing much higher levels of cancer causing perchloroethylene (PCE) chemicals, according to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. I intend to join other legislators in the State House to push for stricter compliance by our town, and to promote strong citizen awareness of the situation and available short and long term solutions to the problem.

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

I possess strong communications and organizing skills, and would bring diversity - as a member of the Black community - and a strong background in activism, for rural broadband, women's issues and human rights. I am also a published writer and a polyglot, knowledgeable about global issues, having traveled extensively around the world as a reporter, and in my capacity as a media development officer for the United Nations. On a more personal note, I am empathetic and connect well with voters.

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

Our community was failed multiple times when Republican State Representatives voted against their interests, including: not authorizing vote by mail, in response to Covid-19, and not authorizing extension of emergency benefit enhancements during the pandemic. State Representative Al(fred) Baldasaro also voted against an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour, when our state has one of the lowest minimum wages in the nation, and Granite Staters are underemployed and underpaid; Voted against prohibiting firearms on school property, and against background checks for firearms purchase; voted against the proposed $100 in co-payment for insulin patients, and against the establishment of a redistricting commission, among many other proposed legislation to improve the lives of his constituents in Londonderry.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am very interested in also addressing: the current pandemic effects on the normal functioning of our schools - by listening to teachers, parents and students; discrimination against minority students, women and LGBTQ+ pupils; enhancements to rural broadband; support to small business owners, and green policies for our state.

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

I am a small business owner, who ran a communications consultancy with multiple stakeholders, and helped to launch a K-12 School in Texas, and the Rural Mobile & Broadband Alliance (RuMBA) to advocate for stronger Internet in rural and semi-rural communities. I am also an experienced corporate communications executive with background in broadcast journalism and human rights law. My desire to promote democracy and American values began almost three decades ago, when I joined the federal government, working for the Voice of America (VOA) in Washington, DC. My career includes senior positions for Information Technology firms, including start-ups, as well as philanthropic and non-profit work, promoting justice, education for all, individual rights, and freedom of the press. I hold a Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law and a BA in Government.

I am a seasoned communicator, news anchor and writer, with fluency in more than five languages. If elected, I shall contribute my skills, vision, and experience to my neighbors in Londonderry, and to the state of New Hampshire in general.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

From JFK: "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country"!

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

I am a good listener, and will be seeking your input, if elected... Please know that I will always fight for your best interests and the greater good of our community.