To the Editor:

Last year, no one but me ran for the Strafford District 13 seat in the State House. I was honored to represent Ward 1 in the State House last legislative session on the Election Law Committee. I learned what sets a good rep apart from an ineffective one. After the session ended, my partner, an academic at UNH, received a prestigious fellowship in Germany. Rather than being an ineffective legislator, I resigned at the end of June, which triggered a special election this Tuesday, October 24. But I am maintaining my docile in Dover and I’ve already voted for Casey Conley.

Of the drawbacks of New Hampshire ’s volunteer legislature is that it is hard for young people to be involved. As a result, our state’s policies and resources often do not support young people. That is why we do not adequately fund kindergarten, and resort to regressive revenue schemes like keno. That is why we do not have paid family leave. That is why the rent is too damn high.

Fortunately, we are starting to see a new generation of political leaders who are finding ways to balance the 21st-century economy with our 18th-century system of government. State Rep. Amanda Gourgue from Lee is a rising star in the State House. State Senator Dan Feltes from Concord is a champion for education and social justice. Executive Councilor Chris Pappas from Manchester has shown that a progressive agenda is more popular in his conservative district than partisan ideology.

On Tuesday, we have the chance to add another to their ranks. Casey Conley is running to replace me, and I can’t think of a better person to represent Ward 1. If you read this paper, you know Casey from his years of thoughtful, honest, and fair reporting. He knows this city better than anybody, and he knows what we need to do to make it a better place to live, work, and raise a family. If Casey were running in an election against me, I would vote for him.

I am glad that there is a competitive election. Our democracy stagnates when voters do not have a choice. I know all three candidates, and they are all good people. But libertarian government does not pay for schools. Republican budget cuts in Concord drive up property taxes in Dover. Only one of the three candidates will actually represent the interests of Ward 1 in Concord, and that’s Casey Conley. When I cast my absentee ballot last week, it was an easy choice.

If you live in Ward 1, please take the time to vote on Tuesday at St Mary’s Church between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Isaac Epstein, Dover