I am Patricia Turner, a Democratic candidate running for House Representative in Strafford-District 5, Rochester-Ward 1.
My family and I have lived in Rochester for 25 years, where my son attended public school and Great Bay Community College, and is now serving overseas in the Marine Corps. My husband of 32 years works at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
While working and caring for my family, I attended evening and online classes at Granite State College until completing a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in finance. Presently, I am an office manager for Psychological and Counseling Services at the University of New Hampshire.
Additionally, I am honored to be serving my first term representing Ward 1 on Rochester’s City Council. The committees I serve on are Finance, Community Development, Codes and Ordinances, and the Arts & Culture Commission.
Why Am I Running?
There are several issues that motivated me to run for state representative. I believe in honest and transparent government that advocates for a free, democratic society for all. New Hampshire can be a place for people and businesses to thrive and where civil liberties are protected.
Our state policies should support strong communities, healthy families, and a strong economy that provides ample opportunities for all. New Hampshire residents need access to all aspects of healthcare, quality public education, great employment opportunities, and affordable housing and utilities.
Affordable Housing
Clearly, affordable housing is one of the most important issues for New Hampshire. If elected, I would support initiatives that help increase the amount of affordable housing and rental units available in our state.
Public Education
Quality public education is one of the most important investments for the state’s future and it is every student’s right. Public schools provide opportunities for children to grow and achieve who might not otherwise have it. A healthy curriculum that includes diverse perspectives improves critical thinking, cognitive, and interpersonal skills as students consider viewpoints different from their own. These skills help prepare students for adulthood, civic engagement, and the professional world where many employers consider such skills vital. Businesses are attracted to states with good schools as it can be considered an indication of a strong workforce.
There has been a concerted effort to divert taxpayer’s funds from the Education Trust Fund to the education freedom account (voucher) program, making it difficult for the survival of schools in poorer communities. The school voucher program is already 275% over the initial 2021 budget estimate and diverted over $24 million from public schools in 2023-2024. Approximately 75% of the recipients of those funds were already attending private schools, making wealthy communities and private schools the primary beneficiaries of the voucher program. It is expected that these numbers will continue to grow each year. It is imperative to put policies in place that protect the funding of our public schools and support our teachers.
Reproductive Healthcare
As someone who has worked in the mental health field in Strafford County since 1999, I understand the complexity of health care needs of individuals. For this reason, I believe only individuals and their health care providers are qualified to make decisions regarding their medical and reproductive healthcare. State and/or federal restrictions on reproductive rights violate privacy and bodily autonomy, and may cause life threatening medical conditions. I will work diligently to protect access to all reproductive healthcare under New Hampshire’s Constitution.
Renewable Energy
The Northeast, New Hampshire in particular, has the most expensive utility rates in the country. It is important to increase investment in New Hampshire’s renewable energy portfolio to provide reliable power supplies, diversify resources, stabilize utility rates, create jobs, and provide a more sustainable future for residents and businesses.
With Your Support
I understand, first-hand, the struggles of New Hampshire families. My family has worked hard for what we have, and we are grateful for the opportunities we have had. With your support, I will use my experience and strong work ethic to ensure that New Hampshire residents, businesses, and public schools have many opportunities in which to thrive.