Bourassa vs. Coffill: committed leader vs. wannabe
For Republicans (like me), Nov. 3 is particularly troublesome, complicated by the President’s instruction to pretend he’s on the ballot. But the many serious issues facing New Hampshire prompt me to choose local/state officials based on their individual strengths and mastery of the issues.
Bristol’s candidates’ night shed light on the qualifications of two men running for the state legislature, Steve Coffill (R) and Marc Bourassa (D). They defined issues along party lines, but I was heartened that both candidates believe big decisions are best made locally.
Bourassa described his involvement in municipal administration: service on Bristol’s Budget Committee as Vice Chair, and the Planning and Energy Committees. Oddly, Mr. Coffill didn’t mention similar experience, so I did some research. Turns out, my party’s nominee for State Rep didn’t disclose his public service because he doesn’t have any.
It’s not for want of trying; Coffill ran unsuccessfully for Bristol’s Select Board multiple times, the voters deciding that important decisions were best left to others, not him. He volunteered for Bristol’s public events committee, then stopped showing up. Now, Coffill seeks to reinvent himself as a legislator.
Even given the benefit of doubt, multiple failed campaigns and ghosting the events committee don’t help his cause. Contrast Mr. Bourassa, in whom Bristol voters have placed their trust. Honest and committed, it’s a safe bet he’ll hit the ground running in Concord. Fingers crossed….