Richard Metcalf: Rep. John Sellers misrepresents his own record

To The Daily Sun,

Rep. John Sellers is well known in Bristol for his constant efforts to block community projects and cut programs from our public schools. But I was particularly surprised by his blatant misrepresentation of his own voting record in his letter of Aug. 22.

Mr. Sellers sponsored HB 1248 (one of only five) — banning abortions after 15 days with no exceptions for rape or incest. It was defeated 363 to 14. Gov. Chris Sununu stated, “we are putting this one in the crazy pile.”

Mr. Sellers has consistently fought to undermine our public school system. He advocated for cuts in the Newfound Area School District that would have eliminated all junior varsity sports, all middle school sports, drug and alcohol counselors, field trips, and libraries. His cuts were overwhelmingly rejected 237-14 at Bristol town votes. He votes to consistently expand the school voucher program but refused to support accountability and audits of the program (HB 1594). He wrote last year “I strongly, strongly suggest that parents get their children out of public government schools.” So much for supporting the 89% of our kids who attend public schools.

If Mr. Sellers cannot even get his own record straight, I would suggest we should ignore his attacks and misrepresentations of others. He won his election in 2022 by four votes (facing certain defeat this year in District 18 he has “switched” to running in District 10). Bristol and Bridgewater deserve better than Mr. Sellers, his conspiracy theories and out of touch policies.

Richard Metcalf

Bristol