Peter Petrigno, Milford State Representative Candidate

Peter Petrigno

Age (as of Election Day)

66

Position Sought

State Representative

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Marie (Milford Elementary School Teacher - Retired) Children: Christopher, Laura

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

M.Ed. (Education); B.S. (Political Science) - Boston State College

Occupation

Social Studies Department Head and Teacher:
Merrimack High School, Merrimack, NH (2000-2017)
Masenic Regional High School, New Ipswich, NH (1996-2000)
Don Bosco Technical High School, Boston, MA (1976-1996)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

State Representative - Elected in 2018

Campaign website

www.peterpetrigno.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I look forward to continuing my work as a State Representative in an effort to build upon New Hampshire’s success while expanding economic opportunities and social justice for all. Along these lines, my focus has been on property tax relief, education funding, children and families issues, public safety, veterans' interests, and equal rights protection. I am honored to lend my ideas, voice, and vote to address many of these issues and more.

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

The issue of education funding and property taxes go hand in hand. One of the most pressing challenges is the question of adequate and equitable funding for education in every school district throughout the state. No child in New Hampshire should be denied opportunities because of inadequate funding in their respective school districts. The problem is the result of the state's heavy reliance on property taxes to fund education.

Property taxes continuously go up regardless of an individual's ability to pay. The downshifting of costs from the state to cities and towns over a number of years has added to the property tax burden. House and Senate Democrats fought for and won revenue sharing in the last budget to address this issue. Milford's share was $2,558,081.00.

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

The biggest distinction in this election is that I am the only incumbent in the Hillsborough 23 race for State Representative. I was first elected in 2018. Previously I served as a high school teacher for 40 years. I am a New Hampshire Teacher of the Year recipient, Milford resident for the past 33 years, and long-time community activist. I have dedicated myself to my family, students, and neighbors. I am honored to bringing the same commitment to the State Legislature.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Paid Family and Medical Leave: A statewide family and medical leave program is the best option to insure coverage for all of New Hampshire's workers, regardless of their income. There are times when individuals have no choice but to take time off from work for family and medical reasons. No one should be torn between their loved ones and their livelihood. The most recent bill called for a 0.5% payroll deduction to provide 12 weeks off at 60% of one's salary to be used for the birth of a child or tend to a seriously ill relative.

Minimum Wage: The minimum wage in New Hampshire is $7.25 an hour. While it may be true that few workers in New Hampshire earn that rate, even with a few extra dollars, workers in every other New England state fare much better. The minimum in Massachusetts is $12.75, Maine is $12.00, while Vermont is just under $11 and tied to inflation. There is no 'advantage' in New Hampshire for workers. Low wages is a contributing factor as to why so many residents commute to jobs out of state. I support a gradual increase in the minimum wage and making it comparable to our neighboring states.

Gun Safety: I support common sense gun safety measures. In 2008 the Supreme Court affirmed the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. However, the Court also ruled that this right is not unlimited and that guns and gun owners would continue to be regulated. Just as individuals have the right to bear arms to defend themselves, I believe the public has the right to defend itself from certain individuals who should not possess firearms. Responsible gun owners support measures to limit the misuse of firearms.

Social Justice: I will strongly defend everyone's right to be themselves without prejudice. Nothing is more basic to the American creed of "liberty and justice for all."

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

The best advice ever shared with me was …

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you." Matthew 7:12

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