Candidate Profile: Peter Leishman
Ahead of tonight’s (8/31) Peterborough Parley Debate and Salon and in preparation for the 9/13 Democratic Party Primary, GoMonadnock sent some basic questions to the three candidates running for two seats representing Hillsborough 33 in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. We will be publishing candidate responses, unedited, as we receive them.
—CJD
GoMo: Why are you running for the NH House this year?
I am running to continue to give something back. As a member of the House Finance Committee, I have had a unique opportunity to shape state spending and policy for the last seven terms. I have been a sponsor of many bills that have, I believe, made NH better. I have sponsored legislation that has supported the developmentally disabled community, provided health care to more than 50,000 low and moderate income residents, provided oversight of the executive branch of government and provided funding to municipalities to improve and modernize water and waste water facilities. I will continue to stand up to extremism on both sides of the political aisle.
If elected/reelected, what will be your top legislative priority/priorities?
I will continue to be a loud voice for providing more state funding for our public schools and will continue to oppose the use of taxpayer’s dollars for non-public schools and home schooling. I will continue to support a woman’s right to choose.
If elected/reelected, what do you see as the most important thing you can do specifically for Peterborough?
Being available to represent my constituents. Because of COVID, it was not uncommon for many members to miss committee and session days. Even without COVID, members are elected and don’t realize the time commitment being a member of the House requires. I take my position very seriously answering emails and returning phone calls. During session, January-May, I am often in Concord five days a week.
What is your ideal vision for the relationship between a member of the NH House and their constituents?
Despite my 11 terms in the House, I am still learning as the process of government is ever changing as members of the House change and what constituents expect from their elected officials is ever changing. As in my response to #3, being available and responding to constituents’ concerns and requests is paramount for me.
The Peterborough Parley II will take place on Wednesday, August 31, at 6:30 pm at the Peterborough Town Library in the 1833 Room. It is cohosted by the PTL and GoMonadnock.
