Statement on MLK Day

On this holiday,

I’m reminded of the fact that NH was the last state in the nation to formally recognize MLK Day.

Then, as now, the legislature failed to represent the will of the citizenry. Then, as now, only the wealthy elite could afford to serve in a position that pays $100/year. Then, as now, our state legislature was largely out of touch with working-class values.

In the 70s and 80s, NH lawmakers characterized the goals of the Civil Rights Movement — the right to vote, the right to be free from violence, the right to eat in a damn restaurant — as “communism”. Voters in NH were embarrassed of their legislature, but then, as now, had little power in our political system.

As governor I will represent all Granite Staters, and I will work to bring about a legislative system that is truly democratic.

— Jon

Pictured is article from Concord Monitor, 1989.