government works best when it listens to the people. 

 

I have been a bookkeeper for 40 years.   That involves solving problems, managing surprise expenses, keeping a watchful eye on liabilities, managing budgets and recording transactions with accuracy.    And whether it’s a household, a business or a government entity, all books must be balanced.

I am the mother of a remarkable young man.   He happens to have special needs.    And I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is for our community to support people with disabilities as well as their caregivers and families.

People are often passionate about their position on issues.   And, if emotions run high, hey, parenting is a matter of the heart, it has always served me well to go in with a “no blame, no shame” approach.   The facts will lead us to then possible solutions if everyone shares what is truly important to them.

With the loving support of my husband, David, I’ve had the incredible privilege of caring for my parents, Moe & Lea Paquette, who were lifelong residents of Manchester.   I did my best to keep them in their own home until it was no longer safe.   What do you do when one falls in the middle of the night?   You take them to the ER…. And leave the other home alone…?  I moved them into a local assisted- living facility when they were 91 years old.   They both passed away at the age of 92 having been married for 71 years.   Their good-natured humor and practical approach continues to guide me in my life.  

Come on, Manchester, tell me what you’re passionate about.  I’ll listen.   And I’ll do my best to represent you.     

I won’t have all the answers, but I promise to listen, to learn and to represent every resident of our district with integrity.    I am practical.   We can’t spend what we don’t have.   But that doesn’t mean we don’t get what we want.  

Send me to Concord so I can roll up my sleeves and get to work.