Laura Dunham: Running to show up to represent both Alton, Barnstead

To The Daily Sun,

When I retired after 32 years as a public school teacher, I had almost 250 unused sick days. I showed up for work — for 32 years. Now I’m running for state representative for Alton and Barnstead, and I promise to bring that same work ethic to Concord.

One of my current representatives, Peter Varney, is running for his fifth term. He currently has no prime-sponsored bills listed for the 2026 session, and he is not currently serving on a House committee.

His attendance record also deserves attention. According to the voting records, he has missed or not participated in a substantial number of roll-call votes this session. Out of 302 roll-call votes, he cast a Yea or Nay vote 22 times — a dismal 7.3% of the time. The General Court’s records distinguish between votes marked “Not Voting,” “Absent,” and other statuses, so I don’t want to suggest that every missed vote had the same reason.

I understand that life happens, and there can be legitimate reasons for missing a vote. But being present matters. If elected, I promise I will show up for work — just as I did every day when I was teaching. People can’t make a difference or effect meaningful change if they aren’t there to do the work.

Showing up matters. Being present matters. And most importantly, Alton and Barnstead deserve representatives who are working on their behalf. I hope to be that person, and I would be honored to earn readers' vote.

Laura Dunham

Center Barnstead