For many voters, including some independents and Democrats, Chris Sununu may appear to be competent and moderate. Many hours of television coverage during the pandemic have given the governor plenty of opportunities to project that illusion. Yet, when we think more deeply about our situation, what is it that our governor has done? He has done what you and I would expect any competent governor to do. He has listened to health experts and followed their advice, but only up to a point. And this is where Sununu pulls the curtain to hide his political wizardry and signal to those watching closely where he truly stands.
Unlike every other New England governor, our governor did not issue a statewide mask mandate even though state, federal and global health experts have stated time and again that transmission of COVID-19 is significantly reduced through the wearing of masks. Who else famously and disastrously flouted the wearing of masks? Our president.
All of us must remember that Gov. Sununu has stated clearly that he is “a Trump man through and through.” Wearing masks is not “Trumpian.” Nor is taking clear and effective action again climate change. Nor is supporting public education. What is Trumpian is appointing a commissioner of education who believes that our public tax dollars should support private education.
Gov. Sununu would like you to believe that he is a competent, moderate leader. He is not. He is a political wizard of Oz who is undermining our democracy just as surely as the president he champions. Your vote, your choice.
JANET WARD
Contoocook