Rep. David Nagel: More on changing party affiliation to serve constituents

To The Daily Sun,

To my friends in Laconia Ward 2, Gilford, and Gilmanton: Four years ago, friends from both parties asked me to serve as their state representative. I have spent my life serving as a physician, advocate, author and citizen. My message is unity: We empower all by bringing people together to solve complex social problems. That is the message my friends believed I needed to bring to Concord.

With their support, together, we have.

I have created bipartisan groups to save a dying healthcare system and address challenges to healthcare including family, housing, food, education, community and social support.

All are welcome in this mission. My Christian faith demands no less.

This message has reverberated throughout the state and beyond.

Our work gives a voice to the 70% of Americans who feel abandoned by both parties, whether they identify as non-political, independent, or moderate. It is a deep shame for our country that so many of our citizens feel unempowered, one which we must fix.

I brought this message to the Republican Party. Instead of seizing this opportunity, the leadership in Concord actively tried to silence us. They chose to ignore the will of the people while pursuing their Free Stater “dream” which has harmed tens of thousands of Granite Staters, especially our most vulnerable.

I do not follow blindly, and We, the People must be listened to. I tried to work with them for three years. While they would not listen to us, the Democratic leadership did, and that is why I chose to make the party switch, something that was not easy for me.

My mission and values have not changed.

Everyone is important. No matter their background, they are welcome. I hope readers will continue with us to another term as their state representative.

Rep. David Nagel

Gilmanton