Forrester’s accomplishments speak to competence and respect

To the editor,

In Senator Jeanie Forrester's first term I have had the first hand opportunity to work with her on a number of health care and economic development matters affecting the district, the region and the state. Her ability to accomplish as much as she has in a first term stems from her competence and her colleagues respect, which earned her a position on the powerful Senate Finance Committee. Returning Jeanie to the Senate to build on that position is in my opinion vital to the district and region's interests.

In my experience, she has been very accessible, solicitous of input, willing to listen, and always attempting to be of service. She has clearly tried to act in the best interests of the district and the state when it has come to preserving access to health care while being constructive in controlling health insurance costs for the long-term. Also, she has an impressive track record of respecting property rights, whether it is the Northern Pass, the JUA funds due policyholders, or Laconia's pitch to acquire the State School Property from the state.

She was not able to solve every matter and concern during her first term, and we have not agreed on her every vote, the budget last year represents the biggest case in point as it affected Medicaid funding. In every other regard, however, she was as spot on as one could hope for. In my opinion she subscribes to the notion that reasonable people can disagree and still work together. It is clear too she cares deeply about the people she serves, and that typifies someone who is destined to be an effective leader.

Henry Lipman

Laconia