Dear Friends,
I am David Trumble, Democratic candidate for New Hampshire State Senate in District 8. District 8 is made up of 20 towns in four counties, from Charlestown and Claremont all the way to Weare.
My wife, Linda, a special education teacher, and I have been married for 30 years and have two grown children, who both attended our public schools. We built our home and farm in Weare, a good place to raise a family and run a small business. I have been an organic farmer for 40 years. I am running for office to help our towns be a great place to live and raise a family for young people today.
Our rural towns need a strong voice for our public schools and our natural environment. I ran for this seat in 2024 and have been active throughout the district. I have been a strong voice at the State House in Concord, testifying over 100 times on legislation to benefit our region and the people of the state.
Here are my top three priorities for common sense solutions.
First, the state should live up to its constitutional duty to provide adequate funding to the public schools. Every child in New Hampshire deserves a good education. Ninety percent of our children attend a public school. They represent the future of our economy and our democracy.
New Hampshire is last in the country in terms of the state’s share of funding for public schools. The state provides only 25% of expenses, while the national average is around 50%. For special education, the State of New Hampshire only funds 11%. No other state leaves the cost of paying for the public schools almost entirely to the towns.
The local property tax system is near the breaking point, causing stress for homeowners and renters alike. Seniors are being forced out of their homes. Homelessness in New Hampshire has risen four-fold in the last seven years. More state funding for public schools would provide property tax relief and allow towns to adequately fund their fire departments, roads, and libraries.
Republicans have been in charge for the past 10 years and start each session with a tax cut for the wealthy and large corporations. They expanded the voucher program to provide subsidies to the wealthiest families in the state. Combined, these steps cost the state over $400 million a year in revenue that could go to support all our people.
Second, we need to make New Hampshire a place where young people can afford to settle down. This means being able to own a home, raise a family, and have access to affordable childcare and healthcare, including mental health care.
The state needs to be an active partner in addressing these issues. Instead, the Republicans have defunded the Housing Champions program, which helps towns that want more affordable housing. They defunded the state’s major childcare workforce program, refusing to pay early education workers a living wage. They defunded the arts. They have made it harder for people who need food assistance and medical care to get help.
Third, we need to restore civility and treat everyone with respect. There is no room for policies that drive people apart. We are our best when all members of the community are welcome.
We have run a grassroots campaign with hundreds of people volunteering their time or making contributions. You can learn more at www.trumble4nh.com, and on Facebook and Instagram.
When it comes to ballot question No. 2, I urge you to vote “no.” It does not solve the chronic underfunding of public schools by the state, and it will force our local schools to cut essential education programs like art, music, career and technical education, AP classes, extra reading instruction, and after-school activities.
I would be honored to have your vote on Nov. 3. Also, I would ask you to please vote for my fellow Democratic candidates. Together, we will work hard for you. Thank you!
Sincerely,
David Trumble
Paid for by Trumble4NH
52 Poor Farm Road
Weare, NH 03281.
David Trumble, Treasurer