LETTER: 'I Will Be Your Voice in Concord'

To the editor:

My name is Phil Straight and I’m campaigning for a Merrimack House of Representative seat. I hope to earn your vote on Sept. 11.

I was born in Iowa, aged in California, and finally got to live in New Hampshire. A good friend of mine likes to say, “I got here as fast as I could.” Having lived here 13 years, and for many reasons, I can honestly say it was the best move of my life.

I worked at Fidelity, state government, surface coal mine reclamation, owned two businesses, held a securities license, and was a member of Master Appraisers of America. That background training will serve me well on many of the potential committees that will be available if I am elected. Further service to Merrimack includes six years on the Conservation Commission, seven years on the Zoning Board, five years on Watson Park Committee, one year on Parks and Recreation, one year on Master Plan Advisory Board for Merrimack, and Vice Chair of the Merrimack GOP. I also serve on the State Republican Platform Committee trying to help steer New Hampshire to a smaller/better government.

Though I received a degree in Civil Engineering Technology, the best teacher is life experience. The most important thing I have learned is that government may mean well, but it is just too bloated to function well. I believe in “yellow page” budgeting; if you can find it in the yellow pages, the government probably should not be offering that service.

I will study each bill, never vote on one I haven’t read, listen to both sides of every argument, and make the best decision I can. If you will be my eyes and ears in Merrimack, I will be your voice in Concord.
Thank you for voting on Sept. 11.

Phil Straight
Merrimack