Hosmer has track record to predict he'll be great mayor for Laconia

To The DailySun,

On November 5, 2019 citizens of Laconia will be making a very important decision and voting for mayor. This election should not be taken lightly. Our city is at a very critical point in its history and we need a mayor who has the skills necessary so Laconia can grow in a positive manner for the benefit of all our citizens. Both candidates have served in the N.H. Legislature, but only one has a track record of bipartisan leadership and standing up for the citizens of Laconia — it’s Andrew Hosmer.

As state senator, Andrew was the prime sponsor of bipartisan bills that assisted the Winnipesaukee River Basin program and Lakes Region General Hospital. During his two terms in the Senate, Andrew built a reputation as someone who wasn’t afraid to break from a political party and stand up for his constituents. A good example of this skill was his ability to get passed and signed into law landmark legislation that banned less than minimum wages being paid to the developmentally disabled. When Andrew first attempted to pass this bill it was defeated. The following year he filed the bill again (SB-47) and it passed with unanimous support (24-0) in the Senate. I know this bill was especially important for Andrew as he and his family have been supporters of Lakes Region Community Services (LRCS) for many years. In fact, he and his family’s business have for almost 30 years employed members of the developmentally disadvantaged community.

In contrast to Andrew’s bipartisan legislative leadership, is his opponent for mayor, Peter Spanos. In his three terms in the N.H. House, he has yet to prime-sponsor a single piece of legislation. His record is replete with votes that either hurt Laconia (HB-413, 2018, which cost our city $600K!) or he’s been absent for critical budget votes (HB-1 and HB-2, 2019).

It’s also remarkable that he’s been quoted as saying, “the state needed the money more than Laconia” and Laconia gets its “fair cut.” Nothing could be further from the truth as the state has denied Laconia almost $10 million in promised aid over the last decade. This has driven everyone’s property taxes higher and higher. Laconia’s taxpayers need this money far more than the state does!

I’m supporting Andrew Hosmer for mayor because he has the skills needed for Laconia. He has a record of putting the needs of our citizens ahead of politics or ideology. When it comes to legislative work, Andrew has a record of leadership and collaboration. Public service and giving back to our community is a priority for Andrew and his wife Donna. Whether it's Lakes Region Community Services, the Boys and Girls Club, the Children’s Advocacy Center, Navigating Recovery, the Belknap Mill or Got Lunch Laconia, they are always willing to get involved and work to make Laconia everything it can be. These are characteristics and qualities that prove to me he has what Laconia needs in its next mayor.

Bernadette Loesch

Laconia