I am Loren Selig and I am running for state representative for Strafford County District #10, which represents the Town of Durham.
As a former teacher, with experience from kindergarten through graduate school, I know the importance of high-quality public education. My students ranged across all socio-economic statuses and from every type of background. They taught me the value of looking at issues from multiple perspectives and of seeking deeper understanding when looking at complex problems. Consequently, I also believe that we should teach children to honor and seek understanding of ideas different than their own. By learning to look at problems through multiple lenses, they learn to critically evaluate the issues and identify a variety of ways of solving problems. If elected, I hope to serve on the education committee so that I can fully support our public schools and teachers. I am proud that the AFT-NH chose to endorse me for my views.
I am the parent of two teenagers who have never known a school year without a mass shooting in the news, so of course I am committed to supporting smart gun laws. This includes having a 48-hour waiting period and comprehensive background check to ensure that people who want to own guns are mentally healthy enough to do so and that they have the knowledge and skills to keep those guns locked in safe places. I also believe in legislation encouraging licensing and monitoring procedures for gunowners, similar to what we require for licensed drivers. Every action to prevent gun violence must be taken.
As a woman, I feel strongly that the only people who should be involved in any medical decision any woman needs to make are herself and her medical care team. I am strongly pro-choice and will work to ensure that the right to choose is codified into New Hampshire’s constitution as we are the only New England State where that is not the case.
I have always worked to not only include but to celebrate people of all backgrounds and identities, and I know how hard it is to be marginalized and excluded. Consequently, I strongly support Black Lives Matter, openly welcome the LGBTQIA+ community with mom hugs, and joyfully celebrate the diversity of religious and ethnic backgrounds of others. Years ago, after Durham lost one of our teens to suicide, I ordered dozens of signs for myself and my neighbors stating “An Ally Lives Here” so that all teens in our community know that my home is a safe and supportive one for them.
I also pledge to protect the environment with sustainable energy practices which create long-lasting careers and reduce climate change while being economically feasible. Solar installations, like the one in Durham powering local offices and part of the school system, ultimately save money and protect the earth. I will work to increase the funds available for homeowners and business owners to make their properties energy efficient in financially viable ways. To protect our children’s future, we need to protect our planet and the economy.
In addition to AFT-NH, I am proud to be endorsed by the Progressive Turnout Project, Renew-US, and Rights and Democracy-NH. Please vote for me (I will be the 4th bubble on the list) at the Durham primary on September 13, 2022, and again in the general election on November 8, 2022. Polls are open at Oyster River High School from 7 a.m. to 7p.m. with absentee ballots available at the town clerk’s office now.
For more information, visit www.LorenSelig4NH.com or Instagram @ lorenselig_fordurhamnh or Facebook @ LorenSeligForStateRep. I look forward to serving you in Concord.
Loren Selig lives in Durham, NH, with her husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. A former teacher and real estate agent, Loren serves on the Board of Temple Israel Portsmouth, the advisory committee for The Elephant In The Room Project®, and the planning committee for Leadership Seacoast, from which she is a proud 2021 graduate. Loren is a Democratic candidate for State Representative for Strafford County District 10 (Durham).
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