We’re familiar with the saying “Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Indeed, we must vet the environmental stance of candidates we vote for. Attention must be paid to every detail regarding a candidate’s record, their judgment, expertise, and those people within their inner circle who have influence on crucial environmental legislation votes. The Democratic Primary in the State Senate District 15 race should be of particular interest and concern for environmental activists across the state. It appears there is a wolf in the race. Tara Reardon is running to represent Concord, Hopkinton, and Bow. Reardon’s husband, Jim Bouley, is a paid lobbyist for Casella Waste Systems.

Questions surround the level of influence and potential conflict of interest former Concord Mayor Bouley had in business dealings between Concord and Casella. For example, Casella’s sweetheart disposal deal, paying a mere 6 cents per gallon to dispose of millions of gallons of toxic, PFAS-laden leachate from its landfills in Bethlehem, NH and Coventry, VT in Concord’s wastewater treatment facility. How much influence would Reardon’s husband and lobbying interests have on votes cast in the Senate? Remember, in 2012 Reardon resigned as Employment Security Commissioner amid allegations she hired her daughter, then laid her off to receive unemployment benefits. Voters should consider Reardon’s history and ethics because in tight Senate votes, a recusal is the same as a vote to keep state waste regulations favoring industrial polluters. Support Rebecca McWilliams, an experienced environmental champion to end PFAS in the Granite State.

Jon Swan

Dalton