Can't we have a selectboard race without this hateful diatribe?

To the editor,

Phobia politics came to Meredith, in this paper, last Saturday. I, for one, am tired of the kind of fear monger messaging, callously used to try and disparage Carla Horne, a candidate for Meredith Selectboard. Aren't you sick of it too? Can't we have a Selectboard election, which does not affiliate candidates with political parties, without this kind of hateful diatribe? We all want and need honest and qualified people to run for office and represent us. Such tactics are meant to intimidate people away from serving. But my letter isn't directed at the writer of that regretful letter. The purpose of my letter is about my hope that we can elect the best person willing and able to represent us on the Meredith Selectboard. I believe that person is Carla Horne.

I was disappointed that Representative Worsman, candidate for Meredith Selectboard did not attend the recent candidate's forum. Representative Worsman's ability (energy) to perform both her legislative and Selectboard duties was discussed at the forum and is not in question. What I believe was skirted at the forum was conflict of interest. While not a legal issue, perhaps the potential for it and how it can impact the interests of Meredith, does warrant consideration. Evidently, as stated at the forum and in this paper, Selectboard Member Worsman has disqualified herself from Selectboard votes due to a conflict with her role as a N.H. State Representative. In turn, I wonder, does Representative Worsman disqualify herself on committee and General Court voting when such a vote could be in conflict with those she represents in Meredith?

I am grateful that Carla Horne has come forward for a seat on the Meredith Selectboard. Carla Horne holds no allegiance to political shenanigans in Concord that continue to shift tax burden from the state to local communities and ever increasingly interjects government into our private lives.

Carla Horne has my vote for Meredith Selectboard and I hope yours.

Rick DeMark

Meredith