New Executive Officers
Hudson Democrats held their caucus, elected delegates to the State Convention and voted in Executives for the Hudson Democratic Town Committee (HDTC). The results are as follows: Katherine (Kate) Messner, Chair; Carol Schumann Stamm, Vice Chair; John Knowles, Treasurer and Grace Kennedy, Secretary. Since recent redistricting, Hudson shares Senate District 14 with Londonderry and Auburn and House District 37 with Pelham.
HDTC Monthly meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursdays at 7 PM at the Rodgers Memorial Library resuming on 3/21/2013. Meetings are open to the public and all registered Democrats in town are automatically members.
“We are very excited about our party’s successes in the November elections, in general, though not as much for our town, Kate said. “In 2008 we made great gains which were then systematically erased by those elected in 2010. We know mid-terms aren’t as exciting as General Elections, but that doesn’t mean we can stop paying attention. Democracy isn’t a spectator sport” said Kate.
Kate’s political involvement includes running as candidate for State Senate in the 2012 elections, where she won 41% of the vote against a very popular and accomplished two-term Republican incumbent. During her respectful campaign she was noted for saying: “If she [her opponent] were only a terrible candidate this would be a whole lot easier, but she has an excellent reputation of carefully studying the issues and listening to both sides; and that’s just the way I would like to perform the role. But there are big differences in our positions on the issues”. Formerly Kate served as Secretary and Communications Director for the HDTC, which motivated her to run in November. She also holds leadership roles in her church, the UU Church of Nashua.
Carol Schumann Stamm
Carol Schumann Stamm, holds a Masters degree in Learning Disabilities and has a Certification as an Assessment Specialist. A fellow Neighborhood Team Leader with Kate on Obama’s re-election campaign, she worked tirelessly with volunteers of all ages to inform citizens of the issues at stake, mobilize support and “get out the vote” in that role. Having witnessed her abilities in that effort, the Hudson Democratic Town Committee is thrilled that she has accepted the position of Vice Chair.
John Knowles, has a record that speaks for itself, as he was elected State Representative in the House for 2 prior terms. John is quite well known in town also for his service on the Hudson Budget Committee, School Board, Hills Memorial Library Board of Trustees and Hudson Senior Advisory Council. With his wife, Mary Ann Knowles, re-elected to serve as our Representative in the House for this legislative term, the couple has forged the Hudson Dems through years of hard work.
Grace Kennedy holds a Masters in Education and has been active in politics throughout her 12 years in Hudson. She currently works for Boys & Girls Club in Nashua, has 3 children of her own, the youngest of whom has gone through the Hudson School System since first grade. One of her children suffers from autism, so she is acutely aware of the needs of the disabled. “I think this played a large role in Maggie Hassan’s election,” Grace said. “You didn’t have to fight to convince her about the need for services; having a disabled child of her own told you that she understood their challenges intimately.” Grace said. Her active participation in the Sierra Club State Conservation Committee (while residing in another state), also speaks to Grace’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
The HDTC (Hudson Democratic Town Committee) urges all residents to stay informed of the actions of their elected representatives and to participate in town politics regardless of party affiliation, or lack thereof. Only an active, informed citizenry can produce the best outcome for our town, our state and our country. The Committee’s Facebook page is www.facebook.com/HudsonNHDemocrats and the website is: www.HudsonNHDems.org