Debora Pignatelli, District 5 Executive Council Candidate

Debora B. Pignatelli

Age (as of Election Day)

72

Position Sought

Executive Councilor

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

Husband - Michael.
Children - Adam Pignatelli and Jessica Forrest, and Benjamin and Lizzi Carr Pignatelli, 3 grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Just me

Education

B.A. University of Denver, Denver, Colorado - 1969

Occupation

Executive Councilor - 10 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

State Representative 1986-1991, State Senator 1993-2003

Campaign website

www.debpignatelli.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To continue my service to the state on the Executive Council.

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

I don’t know if this is the single most pressing issues, but these are important for Executive Councilors to know about and to work for.
The first is that we make sure that the Governor’s nominees to become Judges and Agency Heads are qualified, believe in the mission of the Agency to which they have been nominated and are willing to listen. This goes for our numerous Boards and Commission members as well.
The second is that we review any money that is spent over $10,000. This makes sure that bids were solicited whenever possible and that the vendor has a good history and will complete the contract.
The third is seeking and receiving input into our 10 year Highway Plan, which is updated every two years. It means going out to our communities to have Public Hearings, listening carefully to what is said and making needed changes to the Plan.
One of the most important duties, as I see it, is to help our constituents and businesses and cities and towns with problems they may have with our state Agencies. I spend a good deal of time on this and it is one of the most satisfying parts of being an Executive Councilor.
All of this is made much more difficult because of COVID-19.

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

I'll let the voters determine our differences and decide which candidate best represents their interests and their views on government.

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

Please see above about the duties and responsibilities.

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

I provide excellent constituent service to constituents, businesses and cities and towns in my District
I began the process of holding Public Hearings on Agency Head nominees.
I send out personalized Council Updates after every Council meeting.
I got rid of the Exit 11 toll booth in Merrimack (I had been working on this since my first campaign in 2004!) Finally got it don this past January!!
I brought the DMV office to Nashua Exit 6. Prior to this, Nashuans had to leave the city to go to a Division of Motor Vehicles office to renew driver's licenses and get a driver's license and any other business dealing with the DMV.
Oppose unnecessary No Bid (Sole Source) contracts to encourage bidding and save money for the state.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Listen more than you talk, ask questions when clarification is needed and treat everyone with kindness, even if you disagree. This has stood me in good stead, in life and government service.

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

I ask for you vote on November 3rd. I will not let you down.