June 20, 2008
Nashua Telegraph
House member explains switch to other party
Ward 3 Voters, I owe you an explanation.
After you elected me to the House of Representatives in 2004, Mayor Bernie Streeter called a meeting of all the elected Nashua representatives. At one point, he asked each of us to say why we had chosen to run. When it was my turn, my answer was very simple. I said: “I just want to serve.” The mayor’s reply was that I would have plenty of opportunities, and I now can confirm that he was correct in his answer.
On June 2, 2008, I changed my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. I have been very concerned about the direction that the current leadership in the House has been taking us during the past two years.
I was asked to support legislation that I felt was not in the best interest of you, my constituents, and the people of New Hampshire.
I did not vote for it. I take my oath most seriously. My oath is to the people of New Hampshire. It is not to the governor; it is not to the party; it is not to party leadership.
I feel that New Hampshire has democracy at its best. Every single voter, if he wishes to do so, can get to know his or her representatives and watch their voting records.
Each representative has to stand for re-election every two years. If a representative performs poorly, the voters can sent that person home.
Although I was not personally involved because I am not in party leadership, the recent scrubbing of party chairs and vice chairs who voted against and were openly against the governor’s constitutional amendment for education was the last straw.
To be reprimanded for doing their duty to let their constituents know how they felt on such important legislation is against all the democratic principles of government that I believe to be the basis for our oath.
Unlike many of my Democratic friends who feel much like I do, they have decided not to run next term. I seriously considered this option, but I knew that was not in the best interest of the voters of Ward 3.
You put me into office, and if I still wish to serve another term, you should have the opportunity to make an election decision. Republican or Democrat, I am the same person.
Rep. David L. Smith
Nashua