Rep. Joe Alexander, R-Goffstown has filed his Legislative Service Requests (LSR’s) for the 2026 House Session. Coming under the heading of “the cruelty is the point” he would like to add more grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute. He also wants to “prohibit the rental of residential property to individuals unlawfully present in the United States.” I’m sure he means New Hampshire where about 0.7% of the population is undocumented. Doesn’t sound like the state is exactly overrun and where does he think he has the right to tell property owners what to do with their own property or who to rent to? What happened to “personal choice?”

Sounds like a dictionary might take care of his other proposed legislation, “relative to the definition of intimate partner.” Why can’t the majority party stay out of people’s bedrooms? And finally, “enabling certain disabled persons to hunt from a motor vehicle.” What could possibly go wrong?

The NH Controlled Drug Act (RSA 318-B) regulates the use, distribution and prescription of controlled substances, to prevent misuse and ensure public safety. It defines many terms related to drug use and abuse, scheduling of drugs and defines legal responsibilities of healthcare providers and law enforcement in regards to controlled substances. Rochester Rep. Aidan Ankarberg would like to see this repealed. He’s also seeking “parent-taught driver education as an alternative to traditional driver education programs.” What could possibly go wrong?

Why is Milton’s Rep. Glenn Bailey sticking his nose in California’s business by bringing this forth, “affirming the state of California's request to divide into 2 states.”?

Rep. Ross Berry, Weare, apparently thinks beating a dead horse is fun with his voting eligibility legislative request. “Providing that only legal resident US citizens who are at least 18 years of age or older who reside in the place they claim as domicile shall be eligible voters.” 

NH’s refugee resettlement program is run by the state Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and funded by the federal government. DHHS also works in partnership with nonprofit organizations such as the International Institute of New England. Concord, Manchester and Nashua have all participated in this program. Another Weare Rep., Travis Corcoran would like to see this program repealed and prohibit spending state funds on refugee resettlement. What could possibly go wrong. . . for those fellow human beings seeking asylum?

Hoo-boy! More parental rights proposed legislation that most of us parents thought we already had! This piece of vagueness is brought to you by Milton Mill’s Rep. Michael Granger, “providing that parents and guardians have a right to direct the education of their children.” And what is a “permanent vehicle registration”? Sounds like more chipping away at revenue, which means property owners are left holding the bag again. 

What could possibly go wrong by continuing to vote in the Free Stater extremists? 

If you are a delegate to the New Hampshire State Democratic Party convention on October 18th, you should have received an email explaining the steps to vote on proposed amendments to the state party’s constitution. If you did not receive the email, please let me know so I can help get that rectified by NHDP.  

Our Ask: 

We are reaching out to express my strong support for the proposed amendments, which is shared by the majority of the other county chairs as well as the members of the Hillsborough County Executive Committee. We ask you to please vote YES on the amendments. 

If you have questions, please watch the presentation from the amendment's authors before voting. View ALL the arguments, and make up your own mind.

2025 NHDP Rules Amendments Webinar (YouTube Video)

The panelists in the webinar are the proponents of the amendments that are on the ballot. Tim Smith, a former Rules Committee member, is one of them, and he kindly offered to post the recording on his YouTube channel.  The panelists' contact information is shared at the end of the video.

We have also included information on the individual amendments below. 

• This is a Slate Vote: The amendments must be voted on as a group. We are not offered the opportunity to pick and choose to vote yes on some and no on others. As a package, these amendments will Strengthen Our Party. Please vote YES to pass all amendments.
• Approved by the Rules Committee: These amendments were vetted, voted on, and approved to be added to the ballot by the Rules Committee. Not all the submitted amendments made it to this stage.
• Expanding Our Voice: Several of the amendments will expand the State Committee, giving a voice to many who are closest to the voters and directly involved in our work - Democratic State Representatives and Town Chairs. Increasing representation on the State Committee will make the process more democratic. Currently, a large percentage of State Committee members are appointed.
• The Importance of Gaining Ground and Connecting With Voters: Democrats in NH have been losing ground - we have lost majorities in state government and we’ve seen a significant decline in registered Democrats in New Hampshire. Let’s add the voices of those who connect daily with voters in their community - Democratic State Representatives and Town Chairs!

Voting Process: 

The process for voting for amendments/resolutions is laid out in the email you should have received. Here’s a recap on the 3 ways you can submit your vote:

• Online Voting will be open until 2PM on October 18th. This is the quickest process. Voting prior to election day ensures your vote will be counted should you experience last-minute scheduling issues or cannot attend the Convention in person.
• By Mail, to be received at the NHDP office by October 17th.
• In Person at the Convention, to be completed by 2PM on October 18th. The Convention schedule will be wrapped up by 12:30PM to allow people to attend No Kings rallies that afternoon.

The Amendments & Why You Should Vote Yes:

1. All Democratic State Representatives become members of the State Committee.

• Voting YES for this amendment would provide Democratic State Representatives with a voice in our party’s direction and future.
• State Representatives, elected by their constituents, have unique insights on the voters and issues of their communities that are hard to replicate. They know the political pulse of their districts.
• Expanding the state committee to include these voices strengthens the party and recognizes the commitment, perseverance, insights, and impact of our elected Democratic State Representatives.
• A State Rep could opt out of the role on the State Committee, if they choose to do so.

2. All local (town) chairs become members of the State Committee.

• Voting YES for this amendment would provide Democratic Town Chairs with a voice in our party’s direction and future.
• Town Chairs are hard-working volunteers and have strong insights into the characteristics and voter concerns unique to their community. In addition to running the town committee, they help recruit and train candidates, run campaign efforts, and organize volunteers.
• At a time when the Democratic party is consistently struggling to win local and statewide elections, empowering Town Chairs with membership on the State Committee will increase the Party’s focus on local needs and challenges, and garner the necessary resources and support needed to elect Democrats to state office.
• Expanding the state committee to include these voices strengthens the party and recognizes the hard work, insights, and impact of our Town Chairs, who are elected in their communities.
• Being a member of the State Committee could encourage more interest in and give voice to the Town Chair position, which could benefit rural and red areas, and the party as a whole with more complete committee coverage across the state.
• Listening to and involving the Town Chairs in the State Committee acknowledges the responsibilities that Town Chairs have and the collaboration necessary to achieve our shared goals.
• A Town Chair could opt out of the role on the State Committee, if they choose to do so.

3. Clarification of Regional Committee formation and management.

• Regional Committees offer a proven, workable solution for more rural areas where communities are small and it can be challenging to form town committees.
• This amendment clarifies and strengthens the policies for the formation of Regional Committees, which will help Democrats reach every corner of the state.

4. NHDP Legal Counsel changed to a non-voting member of the Rules Committee. Rules Committee expanded from 6 elected members to 7.

• This amendment changes the role of the Legal Council to a non-voting member of the Rules Committee.
• Currently, NHDP’s legal counsel is appointed to the Rules Committee by the state party Chair.
• With the passage of this amendment, a 7th member would be added that would be voted on by the State Committee members, consistent with the six other Rules Committee members.
• This amendment would align the election of all 7 voting members in a democratic fashion, while maintaining the expertise provided by the inclusion of legal counsel as a resource in the discussions and procedures of the Rules Committee.

5. NHDP officer elections to use ranked-choice voting.

• Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is an election system where voters rank candidates by order of preference rather than choosing just one.
• This type of election process promotes majority support: the winner is ultimately supported by a majority of voters, which can build party unity and discourage negative campaigning.
• To learn more about RCV in general and its benefits, please visit https://fairvote.org/our-reforms/ranked-choice-voting/.

6. Proxy voting prohibited for State Committee voting.

• What is Proxy Voting? Proxy voting is a process that allows an authorized representative, known as a proxy, to cast a ballot on behalf of an eligible voter. This is typically done when the voter cannot attend a meeting in person.
• Proxy voting has become antiquated as we now have an online voting process that has been working well and more efficiently for several years. Online voting is one of the 3 ways you can cast your vote for these amendments.

7. NH Democratic Presidential Electors made members of the State Committee.

• A Presidential Elector is an individual chosen by their state party to cast a vote for the President and Vice President of the United States through the Electoral College process. When American citizens vote for a presidential candidate, they are technically voting for that candidate's slate of pledged electors, not for the candidate directly.
• This amendment would give these electors a seat on the state committee for their term.

8. Responsibility for filling ballot vacancies removed from local committees

• This is a housekeeping issue to ensure the state party process aligns with state laws. 

State Convention on October 18th from 9AM-12:30PM

The State Convention is being held on Saturday, October 18th. 

It is a ticketed event, with a lower rate offered for Delegates. Tickets can be purchased here: 

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/25-convention-tickets

Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. Would you please let me know if we can count on your support for the proposed amendments?

Thank you,

The Amendments are supported by the following Democratic County Committee Chairs.

Carroll County: David Paige 
Cheshire County: Mohammad Saleh 
Coos County: Henry Noel 
Grafton County: Ann Garland 
Hillsborough County: Katy Cutshall
Merimack County: Amy Metcalf
Rockingham County: Lisa DeMio 
Stafford County: Walter King

Here’s more doozies about what is headed for the upcoming 2026 New Hampshire Legislative Session:

The Republican majority sure do love themselves some “Off with their heads” capital punishment laws. The New Hampshire death penalty was abolished in 2019 for those convicted of capital murder, having been last used in 1939. However, it is still legal for crimes committed before May 30, 2019. Studies have shown that capital punishment is more costly to implement rather than a life imprisonment sentence, roughly $1.1 million versus $6-700,000 for life imprisonment. 

Reps. Doug Trottier, Belmont and Seth King, Whitefield, would like to see it brought back for capital murder. Liberty Alliance members Rep. Mike Belcher, Wakefield wants to reinstate the death penalty for certain offenses against minors under 13 years of age, while Rep. Jonathan Morton, Manchester is a little vague with his “relative to the offense of capital murder”. Salem’s Rep. Joe Sweeney, taking a moment from targeting immigrants and Executive Council members, thinks himself the champion of minors with this proposed legislation, “making all offenses against minors involving sexual penetration or contact felony-level offenses punishable by death.”

Liberty Alliance member Rep. James Spillane, Deerfield, wants to “repeal the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors.” The State Senate found this proposed legislation to be “Inexpedient to Legislate” in 2025, so the bill was essentially killed. But it seems to be slithering its way back to the House in 2026. 

Liberty Alliance member Rep. Samuel Farrington, Rochester, takes issue with “restrictions on public colleges and universities regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus.” That’s all it says, but could it be he wants those restrictions removed? One can only imagine why . . .

Rep. Belcher would like to “exempt certain firearms and firearm accessories manufactured and retained in NH from federal regulation.” Government. Always sticking its nose in . . .

One the one hand we see an overzealous abundance of loosening restrictions on all manner of weaponry. On the other hand the lust for punishment and death seems to supersede the compassion of possible rehabilitation.

Rep. Joe “if you are in NH illegally, you are NOT welcome in NH” Sweeney has set his sights on Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill. He wants the House of Representatives to investigate whether grounds exist to impeach her. 

Why, you wonder?

For the horrendous “crime” of reaching out to five individuals/organizations to assist a constituent who asked for her help concerning the latest voter suppression bill SB 287, that was recently signed into law. This bill makes it harder for those who vote absentee to continue to do so by now requiring an acceptable photo ID or appearing in person before a notary or clerk. Proof of her transparent “crime” can be viewed here.

A true public servant is motivated by altruism, has a great sense of duty to the public, and is committed to integrity and transparency. Their decisions and actions are guided by the welfare of their constituents and community, often at the expense of personal gain or comfort. Thank you, Councilor Hill for exemplifying the true meaning of the words “public servant.”

The New Hampshire House will begin the 2026 Session on Jan. 7th. Proposed legislation will make their way onto the floor for debate and a vote. Depending on the nature of these proposed bills and the outcome of the vote, a lot of the bills coming from the majority party will hurt the majority of NH’s citizenry. Let’s explore some examples of what they have in mind for us:

Rep. Aidan Ankarberg I-Strafford District 7 is looking to repeal some taxes. Specifically, car registration, business profits and business enterprise taxes. That’s revenue for the state the majority party is hoping to get rid of. Where will that shortfall be made up from? Us! Property owners. An example, beginning in 2026, vehicle inspections will no longer be mandated. While I realize a lot of people are thrilled to have their unsafe cars and trucks on our roads in order to save money, that’s an annual, roughly, $6 million loss in revenue for our state. 

Rep. Matt Drew R-Manchester, wants to repeal the Housing Champion and Grant Program. In order to address the housing shortage issue in NH, this program was adopted in 2023, encouraging municipalities to develop pro-housing zoning and land use regulations. Apparently, Rep. Drew prefers the shortage of affordable housing rather than see towns become housing friendly.

Wanting to put the kibosh on anything that addresses clean and/or renewable energy Liberty Alliance member Rep. Len Turcotte R-Barrington, wants to repeal the solar energy systems tax exemption. Not to be out done, fellow extremist Rep. Jeanine Notter R-Merrimack, wants to repeal renewable energy fund compliance payments. In order to understand what this is, please go here as it really is a lot of information for this one small article. 

So much repealing!

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is also in their cross hairs. Liberty Alliance member Rep. Jim Kofalt R-Wilton, has come up with proposed legislation to determine “eligibility for public assistance, including the NH employment program, family assistance program, and SNAP.” NH already has the lowest participation in the following Federal Nutrition Programs:
-School meals (free and reduced price) ranked 47th in School   
-SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) ranked 39th
-SUN Meals (Summer Nutrition Program for kids) ranked 35th.

Rep. Mike Belcher R-Wakefield, is going after China. Maybe tariffs by the federal government weren’t enough, as he is proposing a ban on citizens of the People's Republic of China from attending state institutions of higher education. Additionally, he wants to ban school districts and personnel from teaching critical race theory and LGBTQ+ ideologies in schools as well as establishing a private right of action if his proposed ban is violated. (I wonder what he has in mind for violation punishments.)

Rep. Melissa Litchfield R-Brentwood, proposes to ban the use of personal identity ideology in public school instruction and policies. No word on what happens in the case of violations . . .

Rep. John Sellars R-Bristol, wants to bring this gem back, “requiring the viewing of certain videos demonstrating gestational development from embryo to fetus through birth by public school students and college or university students.” This past July, Gov. Ayotte vetoed HB 667 which was basically the same thing, forced video viewing. 
Sellars also wants to “restrict abortion providers from the definition of charitable organization for the purposes of games of chance.”

Huh??

Rep. Samuel Farrington R-Rochester, has three pieces of proposed legislation aimed at abortion and contraception services. Would those “contraception services” include vasectomies and condoms, I wonder . . .?

Rep. Jason Osborne R-Auburn, House majority leader who wants to put a leash on local governments, has proposed legislation going after free speech and another one to establish a commission to study transitioning all public schools to public charter schools. 
And there it is! What they have worked for all along, getting rid of public education! I wonder if Latitude Learning Resources is thought to be a “public charter school”?

“Widespread public access to knowledge, like public education, is one of the pillars of our democracy, a guarantee that we can maintain a well-informed citizenry.” Scott Turow, author

“In the U.S., we believe the best way to improve lives is to improve public education.” Bill Gates, businessman and philanthropist

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be coffee?

Yes, there will be coffee at the kickoff event in Keene.

Should I bring a sign?

Yes, bring a sign. Please keep it tasteful.

Should I bring baked goods to share at the kickoff event?

We wouldn't say no. If you want to bring something tasty to share, feel free to drop it off at the food tent. Please avoid nuts or other foods that would cause allergies.

Can I volunteer to help?

Yes, we have many roles to fill throughout the day, from set up to clean up, crossing guards and food service. You can sign up here to volunteer for Keene events. For other events, you will need to check with those organizers.

Where do I park?

For the kickoff event at Ladies Wildwood Park, you can park across the street at Wheelock Park or on local neighborhood streets. There is no parking on Arch Street or Park Ave.

For the Bridge Brigade over 101, use the following map to park:

For the Bridge Brigade over Route 9, here is the parking map:

For the event in Swanzey in front of the Potash Bowl, please park behind town hall, down the street out of the way, or on the edge of the High School parking lot.

Do I need to sign up ahead of time?

You can let us know you are coming for the Bridge Brigades:

Sign up to stand at the Route 101 pedestrian bridge in Keene

or 

Sign up to stand at the Route 9 pedestrian bridge in Keene

If there are counter-protesters, should I engage with them?

Please don't. Should you encounter a hostile attendee, we ask that you follow these guidelines:

• Do not engage verbally
• Ignore and/or move away
• Maintain safe physical distance
• Listen to instructions from event organizers
• Safely document any hostile actions you witness with photos or video
• Report threats of harm, vandalism, or physical altercations to local law enforcement and organizers 

Let's work together to keep everyone safe!

Anything else?

For questions, contact Bobby Williams - spikewilliams@gmail.com

You’re in luck! The advocacy group, Kent Street Coalition have put together a panel of activists who will be discussing many aspects of the Free Staters. Some topic examples: Project 2025 plays a big role with Free Staters both in and out of the NH legislature, which shows by the votes of the Republican majority. Important issues under constant attack are public education and its funding along with the eroding of voting rights are topics for discussion. Most people are probably unaware of any neo-nazi and white supremacy disinformation campaigns taking place in NH. That too, is up for discussion. Want to make your voice heard in Concord? Learn how to do so while also learning more about the legislative process.

The panel consists of: David Trumble who received a law degree in 1983 from the University of NH School of Law. 
Bill Maddocks is affiliated with No Hate NH at Granite State Progress. 
Rep. David Meuse of Portsmouth, Rep. Russell Muirhead of Hanover and Rep. Wendy Thomas of Merrimack complete the panel.

This will be a ZOOM event held on Thursday, Oct. 9th from 6:30-8:30. It is billed as, “Shaping New Hampshire - How Free State, Project 2025, and Outsiders Are Influencing Our Laws—and What Comes Next.” Click here to register for this event. 

In the meantime, if you would like to get involved there are plenty of organizations who would welcome more willing help during these uncertain times. A list is below, perhaps one of those organizations is right for you!

Remember, this all ends when enough of us say “NO”!!

Racial justice and DEIJ: NHCJE, NAACP Chapters (Seacoast, Manchester, Nashua), Black Lives Matter, Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Jewish Federation of NH

Voting rights and legislative action: Open Democracy, Kent Street Coalition, Rights and Democracy

Hate crimes watch and peacekeeping: Granite State Progress/No Hate New Hampshire, NH Peace Action Peacekeeping Project, Task Force Butler, 603 Equality

Reproductive rights: Planned Parenthood of Northern NE, Reproductive Fund of NH, NH Women’s Foundation Reproductive Fund

Civil rights, education, and LGBTQ support: NH ACLU, Seacoast Outright, Queerlective

Immigrant rights: NH Brazilian Council, Welcoming NH, American Friends Service Committee, NH Immigrant Rights Coalition, Granite State Organizing Project, NH Alliance of Immigrants and Refugees, Building Community in NH, Project Home

Earlier this year, most of us watched in near helpless horror the confirmation of Robert Kennedy Jr. to the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services. A man who has repeatedly denied scientifically proven benefits and/or risks for vaccines that have been in existence and recommended for decades. Given the craziness which continues in both the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Dept. of Health and Human Services, this article will focus on a newly formed health collaborative that New Hampshire has, regrettably, neglected to join. 

With both departments in almost continuous upheaval due to mass employee terminations (or the threat of) and the overabundance of dis and misinformation, officials from the following states announced the formation of a new collaboration. Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont have created the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. The main objective is to coordinate public health efforts and give vaccine advice, separate from the federal government. With public health and safety foremost in mind, they will work together, sharing data, emergency preparedness and vaccine recommendations.

Why, look who’s missing . . .

Here in NH, we’ve seen the concerted effort by the majority party to negate the need or even acknowledge the reason for vaccines. The fight in this country against diseases has a long history. To that end, the New Hampshire Vaccine Association (NHVA) was formed in 2002, a not-for-profit voluntary corporation that works to improve childhood vaccine accessibility. This has helped to keep the cost of health care low. So, let’s re-cap . . .

In March, the Republican majority voted to repeal the NHVA. However, it went back to the Ways and Means Committee who will begin their work session next month. In early May, the majority party again showed their disdain for protecting children through vaccination by adding an amendment to a horse racing bill phasing out the required childhood vaccinations for chicken pox, Hepatitis B and influenza type B. 

The east coast is not the only area of the country to realize the danger from those tasked with keeping the nation’s citizens healthy,  safe and informed. The West Coast Health Alliance, comprised of California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, came together in early Sept., to form their own collaborative. 

All is not lost for NH though. The Public Health Commissioner from Massachusetts, Dr. Robert Goldstein, has stated his department is in communication with NH health officials and other “red” states, in hopes of bringing them on board. 

We’ll see . . .let’s hope it doesn’t take too long!

This is from Arthur Caplan, the founding head of the division of medical ethics at N.Y.U. Grossman School of Medicine, “The announcement on autism was the saddest display of a lack of evidence, rumors, recycling old myths, lousy advice, outright lies and dangerous advice I have ever witnessed by anyone in authority in the world claiming to know anything about science.” 

Here’s a thought, autism has been around long before most vaccines or Tylenol were invented.

Under the guise of concern for their fellow New Hampshirites and wanting to honor their slain “hero,” two Republican extremists have filed two separate bills. One aimed at what can be taught in public schools (always a favorite target) and the other would be interfering with RSA 98-E:2. They have called this the “Countering Hate And Revolutionary Leftist Indoctrination in Education Act.”

Rep. Mike Belcher R-Wakefield, wants to remove leftist indoctrination in public schools, (what, no private schools? How about home schoolers?) The vague language in this bill says “no teacher, school or district shall engage in practices that promote purposeful division, dialectical worldviews, critical consciousness, or anti-Constitutional indoctrination." What does that even mean?

In addition to also filing the above mentioned bill, House Majority Leader Rep. Jason Osborne R-Auburn filed a separate bill aimed at “removing statutory freedom of expression protections for state employees who encourage or condone violence against civic leaders.” 

Uh-oh, someone needs a reminder; RSA 98-E:2 Interference Prohibited. – “No person shall interfere in any way with the right of freedom of speech, full criticism, or disclosure by any public employee.”

"You are not allowed to be an employee of the state if you are supportive or encouraging of the assassination of an American citizen," Osborne said. 

He should talk . . .

Fun fact: A 2021 study published in the journal Criminology, Criminal Justice, Law & Society analyzed ideologically motivated extremist killings from 1990 to 2020. Forty-two incidents of politically motivated homicide, or 15.6% of all incidents, involved far-left. On the other hand, far-right extremists were responsible for 227 incidents, 84.4% of the total. 

Perhaps Osborne should look to his own House for those who “encourage or condone violence against civic leaders” as the majority of it doesn’t appear to be coming from the left. Same goes for the lack of shame when caught doing something illegal or unethical; Now we know the reason for Rep. Troy Merner's sudden resignation! | DemocracyNH

Ex-New Hampshire state senator Andy Sanborn charged with theft in connection to state pandemic aid | AP News

NH rep. stepping down as chairwoman of commission on gaming laws

No Conflict Here. Or is there . . .? | DemocracyNH

https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2022-07-13/inside-the-decline-of-the-nh-house-majority-leader-jason-osborne-mammoth-tech-in

New Hampshire can do so much better, and we need to, because look who has set his sights on us!

https://www.politico.com/newsletters/west-wing-playbook-remaking-government/2025/09/17/white-house-puts-new-hampshire-on-notice-00569679

A Statement from Keene City Councilor Bobby Williams

September 17, 2025

I will accept any judgment that the Keene City Council has for me and bear any penalty that they impose. 

I recognize that my words were unkind and inflammatory at a time when passions were running high, and I am sorry if what I wrote on Facebook caused any pain to those who knew and loved Charlie Kirk. It is a tragedy that two children have now lost their father.

While there are aspects of the charges against me that I would challenge, they are a trifle compared to the challenge we are all facing right now, as a nation. Namely, we are losing our democracy, more and more each day.

I believe that the death of Charlie Kirk is being used as a pretext for the undermining of the American people’s right to free expression. If I was just one guy who screwed up and was facing consequences, that would be one thing. But across the country, there are hundreds of cases like mine, in which people who have expressed negative sentiments about Charlie Kirk are being subjected to organized harassment campaigns, of the kind that Kirk himself pioneered. This is being supported by the Federal government, who are now using criticism of Charlie Kirk as grounds for deportation. People are losing their jobs and students are getting kicked out of college.

This is a concerning and frightening phenomenon, and its one reason I’m going to sit down and shut up for a while. But before I do, I want to remind my friends on the City Council of one thing: as the left-most member of our body, I am the canary in your coal mine. If I am loud and annoying, that’s a sign that things are going relatively well. But if I am intimidated into silence, what does that say about the danger we all face?

James Baldwin said, if they come for me in the morning, they will come for you in the night.

God bless us all.

On Sunday, Sept. 21st, you can attend the largest PRIDE Festival in the area! From noon to 7:00 pm, the Keene Pride Festival will be hosting a day long celebration which includes several live bands, drag performers and other entertainment. This is a family friendly event and will feature entertainment for the kids such as magic shows and circus performers among others. There will be food trucks, local restaurants are open and more than 150 vendors to visit. Be sure to say “Hello” to this year’s hosts, Kelly Mantle, Sherry Vine and Miss Ginger Soulless!

Now in its fourth year, this popular event has grown large enough to include not only Keene’s Central Square, but now heads down Main Street onto Railroad Square. Plenty to see and do for the whole family!

Another event taking place on Sunday in Keene is one of hundreds happening nationwide. Sun Day Keene runs from 1:00-4:00 at Fuller Park on Washington St. by the Recreation Center, which is just up the street from the Pride Festival. This is being billed as a day of action to celebrate and bring awareness to the power of clean energy. Information, resources, and opportunities to take action with others who want to be part of clean energy solutions will be provided. 

There will be art activities for all ages beginning at 1:00 (young children need to bring a special adult with them), with a parade at 2:00 showcasing the newly made artwork, climate-target cornhole, resource tables and other fun surprises. If you are unable to make your own sign, there will be many colorful signs to purchase by donation, and a limited number to loan for the event. 

There will be music, featuring a sun-themed sing-along with Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill at 3:00. Speakers are broken up into two different time slots and include: 
Melanie Griffin from the Third Act organization; 
Rob Werner, NH State Director of League of Conservation Voters; Karen Liot Hill, NH Executive Councilor, District 2; 
Lucius Parshall, NH Representative, Cheshire District 8;
Cynthia Nichols, volunteer with NH Healthy Climate; 
Jason Beaubien, NPR climate and global health reporter; 
Matt Boulton from Clean Energy Team & Monadnock Sustainability Hub. 
Half will speak just after 1:00 and the rest will speak at 3:00. (No long speeches!) 

Weather sounds promising for Sunday. Put on some comfortable walking shoes and come spend a fun day in downtown Keene!