Service is more than a title
As a retired two-star Navy Admiral with 30 years of service, including 12 years in the Pentagon, I know character is everything. In the military, we take a dim view of exaggerating one’s record and accomplishments.
When my wife and I retired to Portsmouth, we attended a Democratic dinner. Maura Sullivan came to our table and introduced herself, saying she knew the Pentagon “like the back of my hand” and could “put the admirals and generals in their place.”
This struck me as dismissive and disturbingly similar to how the current Secretary of Defense views senior military leaders. Looking into her background, I found her time in the Pentagon amounted to four months, barely enough to orient oneself. And her role as a public affairs officer was nowhere near the center of policymaking she frequently claims.
That encounter made the choice clear. One candidate wants to be something, while the other wants to do something.
Stefany Shaheen wants to do something. Over eight years in local office, she championed infrastructure, helped families exposed to PFAS water contamination and led the police commission to introduce body cameras and mental health support. She built a local business, coached high school volleyball to a state tournament, and earned Coach of the Year honors. Her work speaks for itself without embellishment.
We need a leader grounded in truth, real achievement and demonstrated service to the people of NH’s 1st District. That leader is Stefany Shaheen.