Candidate Bio: Shannon Chandley, Democrat For State Rep

Amherst Patch has sent a candidate bio to all people running for state representative and state senate to tell Patch readers a little about themselves and why they are running for office. Bios will be posted as they are received and will feed into our Election 2012 topic page which can be found under the "News" tab above.

Shannon Chandley, Democrat

Running for State Representative

Your background /education:

University of Rhode Island, B.A., 1983

Experience/Occupation: 

Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains Board of Directors, Third Vice-President, Chair of External Affairs Committee; SHARE Board of Directors, member; University of Rhode Island, College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Advisory Council; Nashua Community College, Peace and Justice Advisory Board, member. I am a member of several local organizations, including the Amherst Junior Women's Club, the Souhegan Valley Quilters Guild and the Amherst PTA.  I have been an active supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, Souhegan High School, local theatre, dance and arts and youth sports.  Formerly, I served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and on the Amherst Town Ways and Means Committee.

Prior elected office:

New Hampshire State Representative, 2008-2010

Personal: 

Married, 25 years to Tom Silvia. Four children, James, 23, Isaiah, 19, Elizabeth, 14 and Eamon, 12

Priorities:

Education, vibrant economy, fiscal discipline, environmental preservation, public safety

Why are you running?

I am running to be the voice of the people of Amherst in our General Court.  I bring a common sense, fiscally responsible approach to government. State legislators address issues that deeply affect the everyday lives of families in Amherst. I will represent our people, express our shared values and advocate for our common concerns. New Hampshire is a wonderful place to live and a model for other states, but our advantage is challenged by extremists who would do away with all that we hold dear. It is essential that the legislature recognize both what is done well in New Hampshire and where improvement and efficiencies are needed. I will champion the effort to achieve the best quality of life for New Hampshire families.  I am committed to ensuring quality education, creating a vibrant economy, maintaining public safety and protecting privacy.  I will serve the people of Amherst with energy, civility and discernment.