In CD2 we have two highly-educated and experienced individuals running for the seat being vacated by Rep. Annie Kuster. However, there are significant differences between them that should be considered beyond their resumes. Consider what representative government means to you. Should our representative live in the district? I think so. Should our representative have a history of working in and for the district either through employment, volunteering, advocating, and/or other means? I think so. Should our representative have a history of voting in the district? I think so. As a native Michigander who left the state at the age of 19 and has visited close to 100 times, I recognize how the demographics and needs of the area have changed since I lived there. It would be arrogant of me to think that I could “represent” it now.

And should I be considered a viable candidate by taking up a short-term residence while choosing to live in another area of the state more to my liking? I don’t think so. For me, a congressional seat is not a birthright. It must be earned. I want my representative to have experience in the district, knowledge of what is important to its residents and have built relationships that can be called on to assist in serving the district. I want my representative to know what it is like to work for what they have, to deal with the uncertainties in life like having a mortgage then getting laid off, or having college debt and scrimping to pay it off. For me, that person is Colin Van Ostern.

Sherry Dutzy

Nashua