Rep. Mike Bordes: Fear, bullying in legislative halls can discourage creativity, prevent doing best for constituents

To The Daily Sun,

With respect to Susan Smith's recent letter to the editor I will say the recent behavior of Speaker Sherman Packard and his leadership team is disturbing. I stand with Dr. David Nagel and am disturbed by the notion of removing him from a committee because he does not see eye-to-eye on some legislative "priorities" which certainly aren't mine or my constituents' priorities.

Rep. Dr. Nagel has shown himself not merely a committed physician but a committed public servant. His experience and first-hand experience of health care provide him with special insight into the impact of legislation on public health. To take such an experienced and well-informed member out of committee duties based on differences of opinion is ill-advised as a matter of good government.

The approach in which only similar views are valued are not responsive to the needs and desires of our constituency. Rep. Dr. Nagel's oppositions to certain bills would certainly be based on a stance of medical responsibility and care for the constituents that he serves.

Through silencing other voices, the current leadership in Concord are insulting the integrity of the legislative process. I am also a victim of the schemes and tried manipulation of this current leadership it is also interesting to note that most of the priorities are Libertarian Free Stater priorities and not Republican.

The prevalence of fear and bullying in the legislative halls can discourage creativity and prevent legislators from doing what they believe is best for their constituents. I concur with Dr. Nagel's position and will keep listening to my constituents and do the right thing in spite of pressure from leadership. We are elected to speak on behalf of our constituents and not an unelected "leadership team".

Rep. Mike Bordes

Laconia