Kristi St. Laurent, Windham State Representative Candidate

Kristi St. Laurent

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Position Sought

State Representative - Windham

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Rob - Husband Robby - son Grace - daughter Abby - daughter. All three raised in Windham, attending Windham public schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Rob serves as Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee and the Construction Project Steering Committee for the Windham School District.

Education

Master of Science - Physical Therapy University of Miami, Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences - Grand Valley State University. High School - Pinkerton Academy, Derry.

Occupation

Physical Therapist 29 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Current:
NH State Commission on Aging - by appointment of the Governor
Windham Economic Development Committee
Previous:
Windham Planning Board - 3 elected terms (9 years) and 2 years as appointed Alternate Member

Campaign website

https://www.krististlaurent.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

Most people I talk with in Windham believe, as I do, that State government can be functional when it tackles our challenges rather than fighting partisan battles. I am a passionate problem solver with a history of working with people of a variety of political persuasions.

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

COVID-19 response and recovery will overshadow the next Legislative term. I will work to see that the State responds in ways that are equitable and do not downshift costs to cities and towns like Windham.

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

In this era of COVID, I bring over 30 years' experience in healthcare, with a recent focus on infection control and new antimicrobial technologies. My healthcare experience has also shown me the gaps in our healthcare system and the challenges faced by people with disabilities and older adults in New Hampshire. With three children, two now in college, I have been attuned to public and higher education issues in NH for the past fifteen years. We pay property taxes in New Hampshire and my husband works (and pays taxes) in Massachusetts so we understand the struggles of families trying to make ends meet.

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

Voting this year looks very different because of COVID-19. Many people, including hundreds in Windham, are taking the opportunity to vote safely from home under temporary provisions enacted to protect NH voters. The bill (HB1266) to allow Absentee voting due to concern for COVID-19 infection had bipartisan support and was signed by the Governor. However, Mrs. Griffin was 'not voting/not excused' while Mr. Kolodziej and Mr. McMahon voted against it. I would have voted for it.
Access to healthcare and mental health care is limited in rural and in urban areas due to a lack of providers and to those without access to coverage. This was made worse by the corona virus lockdown. Providers were able to resume non-emergent care earlier with telehealth digital communication. After several months incorporating remote care, both patients and practitioners found benefit to at least some of the care being delivered via telehealth. A bill (HB1623) with bipartisan sponsorship would have defined and expanded utility of telehealth beyond the COVID emergency order. Mr. Kolodziej was 'not voting/not excused' and Mrs. Griffin and Mr. McMahon voted against it. I would have supported it.
HB466 would have made a modest increase in net metering capacity in NH to help cities and towns lower their energy costs with solar projects and to decrease reliance on fossil fuels. I would have supported this bill. Mr. Kolodziej was 'not voting/not excused' and Mrs. Griffin and Mr. McMahon voted against it.
I will strive to be present for voting to represent Windham. I will vote for what is best for Windham and NH voters, not for one party or against another. These and many other bills would have seen at least one vote cast differently in the House for Windham.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Corona virus will overhang all issues. The Legislature should endeavor to provide guidance for cities, towns, schools, businesses, charities and other institutions. As the state continues to respond and recover we need to address the NH workforce to support the NH economy and businesses including childcare and home health care. The provision and funding of education throughout the state will have to be addressed to prepare our children and our state for the economy of the future. Thirdly, the environment as impacted by our energy choices and pollution needs to be protected and preserved.

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

I am a skilled problem solver. I have put this mindset to work with the Planning Board, the Economic Development Committee and various Town events such as the Ham and Bean supper for the 275th Celebration or Connect Windham to coordinate assistance at the onset of the corona virus shutdown.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

When you see something that needs fixing, just do it.

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

I know I don't have all the answers. I am always willing to listen and to learn. I will seek input from constituents and share information about the goings-on in Concord with our local Boards, administrators and residents. I would greatly appreciate one of your four votes for State Representative to represent Windham in the New Hampshire Legislature.