Steve Fournier | Oppose HB686

For the record, my name is Steve Fournier, and I serve as the Town Manager for Newmarket. I’d like to respectfully voice my opposition to this proposed amendment to HB696-FN limiting the ability for municipal staff to educate the public on issues facing the town. This legislation is yet another attempt—similar to the previously vetoed SB 213—to restrict the ability of public employees to share factual, nonpartisan information with the public. Specifically, it would have the effect of limiting municipal officials, such as town managers and administrators, from providing critical resources like voter guides and explanatory information on warrant articles. These materials are not political advocacy. They are factual tools that help residents understand what is on the ballot and how local government functions. Curtailing our ability to provide this information does not strengthen democracy—it weakens it. Voters are best served when they have accurate, accessible, and unbiased information. The Governor rightly vetoed a similar measure earlier this year, recognizing the chilling effect it would have on open government. This amendment tries to revive that same idea, and it risks silencing municipal officials from fulfilling one of our most basic duties: informing the public. I urge you to reject this amendment and allow municipalities to continue providing the transparency and clarity our residents expect and deserve. Thank you for your time and consideration.