By Eric Parry
Staff writer
Fri, May 16 2008 DERRY — Republican state Rep. Paul Hopfgarten of Derry said he does not plan to run for re-election this fall after having missed the last two months of service in Concord. With little more than a month before this year's session ends, Hopfgarten has voted in 13 percent of the legislative votes so far this year. He did not respond to a call to his home or cell phones, but responded by e-mail and said his absenteeism is due to a new job. Hopfgarten said he has been unable to participate in any session since Jan. 16 because he is working during the day instead of a night shift. He resigned from the Election Law Committee in January but did not resign as a Derry representative because he didn't think a special election could be held before the session ends in June. "Just more proof that real, regular working folks like myself (unless working third shift) cannot get to serve in the Legislature," Hopfgarten said in the e-mail. Hopfgarten is one of 11 Derry state representatives. Colleague Phyllis Katsakiores, R-Derry, said if officials like Hopfgarten aren't going to meet their obligations, they should resign. "Why do we elect them if they're not helping the town?" she said. Katsakiores and her husband, George, have near perfect attendance this year. Phyllis Katsakiores works part-time and her husband is retired. George Katsakiores, R-Derry, has served in the Legislature for the last 26 years and said it can be difficult being a representative if you work a full-time day shift. New Hampshire's 400 state representatives are paid a $100 per year stipend. Now that the Democrats are the majority in the Legislature, Phyllis Katsakiores said it's even more important for the local Republican representatives to vote. "We need every Republican vote we can get up there," she said, noting this year's session has included several important votes such as education funding and the retirement system. But Hopfgarten isn't the only local representative who has missed more than half the votes taken. Of the 89 votes taken so far this year, Londonderry Rep. Karen Hutchinson has participated in 29 percent. Derry Rep. Rick Wickson has participated in 31 percent. Londonderry Rep. Robert Introne has participated in 35 percent. Introne said his poor voting record this year is due to health problems, a demanding work schedule and taking care of his 94-year-old mother, who was battling cancer. Still, Introne, 66, said those are no excuses for not showing up to work in Concord. His record for the last six years has been much better, he said, but vowed that if his other responsibilities don't relax he won't run for re-election. He does, however, plan to vote in the remainder of the sessions this year. "I'm not going to run and not be able to get up there," said Introne, who wasn't able to walk for two months this winter due to back problems. He said he feels badly that he hasn't been able to represent Londonderry very much this session and has already resigned as a board member to the nonprofit company that occupied a lot of his time this year. Missing in action Local state representatives who have missed more than 50 percent of legislative votes this session: Paul Hopfgarten, R-Derry — 13 percent voting participation Linda McCarthy, R-Derry — 45 percent Rick Wickson, R-Derry — 31 percent Karen Hutchinson, R-Londonderry — 29 percent Robert Introne, R-Londonderry — 35 percent Charlotte Lister, R-Chester — 42 percent
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Photos
Paul Hopfgarten File photo