Why would you like to represent the people of Hillsborough County, and why should they elect you?

 

I have spent the past 34 years in Law Enforcement. I have been very successful throughout my career. I have worked on several missing children cases, bringing all of them home safely. I have also been involved with the arrest and apprehension of over 1500 fugitives. I was also assigned to a 10 year old unsolved murder case in Auburn NH, solving it within months. I have never worked on a case alone, it has always been a collaborative effort. I have the proven leadership skill s that are necessary to lead the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. 

 

What do you think is the biggest issue the people of Hillsborough County are facing today? How will you help them with that issue?

 

The biggest issue(s) facing us is the opioid problem and homelessness. I am serving my 4th term as an Alderman in Manchester. I have been very involved with both issues. Unfortunately, I have had people very close to me die from overdoses. Homelessness is an issue that needs immediate attention. Some of our homeless population are suffering from substance misuse and others are dealing with mental health issues. I have never looked down on anyone throughout my life, I have always worked hard to find solutions to assist people in need.   

 

What are your thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement? What do you think should be done to improve accountability for law enforcement and the relationship between the law enforcement and the community? What will you do to help prevent police brutality?

​

One of the biggest problems that we all face is lack of respect in our community. It is important that the men and women that choose a career in Law Enforcement have respect for all of the citizens in their cities and towns. There is no excuse for racial bias. Throughout my career I have never disrespected anyone or abused them in any way. I have been approached by people that I have arrested throughout the years and they have thanked me for treating them with respect, telling me that I had a big impact on their future. 

 

Do you think that police forces in Hillsborough county receive enough de-escalation training?

 

I will make sure that the men and women that work with me in the Sheriff's Office have the proper training. I would also make sure that our deputies are properly trained at dealing with people that may be suffering from mental illness. De-escalation is one of the most important issues that we all face in law enforcement. There are so many people that have a mental condition and it is important that they are dealt with in a delicate manner.

 

What is your stance on the legalization of both medical and recreational Marijuana? If it were to be legalized, are you in support of releasing those imprisoned for minor marijuana charges and/or expunging records of those with minor marijuana charges?

 

I am in favor of legalizing marijuana for medical conditions. I have had people very close to me that used marijuana to ease their pain during their bouts with terrible illnesses. If marijuana was legalized, I would certainly be in favor of reviewing past records of people that had small amounts of marijuana to see if we can have their records annulled. If someone was recently charged with being in possession of small amounts of marijuana and are currently incarcerated awaiting trial, I would agree to review their case.

 

The drug pandemic has deeply affected New Hampshire communities, what do you think should be our approach to help those struggling with addiction and what will you do to help?

 

Education is key to the substance misuse that has affected all of us in our community. In Manchester, I have worked on several committee's that deal with the opioid problem. It is a very complex issue. There are several reasons why someone became addicted. Some are suffering from mental illness, misuse of drugs for pain relief and others became addicted because of their earlier years in high school and college experimenting with drugs. I will take the time to team up with first responders throughout our county to work together on this very unfortunate problem. Educating our children is the first step to ending this problem.