CANDIDATE LETTER: Samsel for State Rep

The following is a candidate letter for state office. Submit your own by following the same format as this letter. Make sure to provide a photo. All submissions should be sent to michael.ryan@patch.com

Name: Mark Samsel

Date of Birth: 3/18/1957

Background/Education

BS New Hampshire College (Information Technology) AS Springfield Technical Community College (Information Technology) 

Experience/Occupation

Currently employed by the Lincoln Financial Group as a Senior Manager of Program Management, Planning and Forecasting. Over 30 years in the IT field managing Professional Services organizations that included leading business operations, sales and delivery functions. Experience in owning responsibility for financial performance (P&L), resource management and site management.

Legislatively has participated in writing and passing RSA’s working with Agency Directors, members of the House and Senate, as well continues a working relationship with DOT and DRED.

Prior Elected Office

Current and 7 year member of the Windham Zoning Board of Adjustment (4 years and currently serving as Chair); Appointed as Alternate on the Rockingham Planning Commission. (current)

Personal:

Resident of Windham for 32 years, married to Janet Samsel, daughters Abigail (BA/MA Simmons College) and Emily, (BA Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Heath Sciences) graduates of Salem High. Gregory, Eagle Scout and attends Windham High School. All educated through the Windham School System.

President and one of the founding members of the Windham Rail Trail Alliance, Vice President of the New Hampshire Rail Trail Coalition, Chairman of the Windham Depot Advisory Committee, member of Windham Trails Committee, former Director and Manager in the Windham Baseball/Softball league and the Salem Softball League.

Priorities

-       Maintain or reduce current state budget while setting priority to support the critical services required by New Hampshire citizens, business and state operations.

-       Support of laws, rules and regulations that will mandate the state to operate in manner that supports current and future business development.

-       Ensure the state does not implement a state sales or income tax.

-       Support responsible expanded gaming.

-       Support of the 2^nd Amendment of the State and Federal constitutions.

-       Address the feasibility of consolidation of agencies and operations.

Why are you running?

The past session brought positive change to the state, and that momentum needs to continue. Pressure is on by the opposition to return to irresponsible spending at the state level further burdened by both fiscal and regulatory mandates. My neighbors and many I have met throughout the state and country speak of the uniqueness and special qualities that New Hampshire represents. We need to maintain and in some cases return to what makes this state unique. Many talk about the “New Hampshire Advantage.” I do not want to see a legislature with a desire to place additional financial burden on its citizens and business and the continued erosion of family values and individual liberties. The 2013 session must be dedicated to the continuation of bringing New Hampshire back to its values.