The New Hampshire state Legislature has been dealing with a wide range of critical issues this session. Topics have ranged from the decriminalization of marijuana to radical changes in education funding, from the death penalty to health care reform and, perhaps most importantly, the state pension fund crisis.
These issues are among those critical to residents of Derry, Londonderry and Chester. They affect people's lifestyles and their checking account balance.
That said, these communities need vibrant and passionate representation at the State House from their full legislative contingent.
However, research by staff writer Eric Parry indicates that several local representatives have participated in fewer than 50 percent of the votes taken by the House this session. Less than half the time, these representatives, who campaigned and were elected on a promise to represent the interests of the residents of the community, have failed to live up to their responsibilities.
We recognize that New Hampshire has a citizen Legislature and that the 400 state representatives are paid a stipend of just $100 per year. But this was something they knew when they ran for office.
Job changes, home responsibilities and family issues have been cited as reasons why the lawmakers could not fulfill their obligations. While we respect the other demands on their time, the voters hired them to do a job and they are not getting that job done.
Rep. Robert Introne of Londonderry (35 percent voting participation) and Rep. Paul Hopfgarten of Derry (13 percent voting participation) should be applauded for taking responsibility for their poor attendance. Hopfgarten, who took a new job earlier this year, has said he will not seek re-election. Introne has said that if the demands of his job and personal life do not change, he will also refrain from running again. Introne also committed to attend all remaining votes this session.
Being a state representative is a poorly paid, and often thankless, job. However, the work they do is crucial to the towns they serve and full commitment is a requirement, not a suggestion.
