The following public letter is reprinted from the March 14 issue of the Conway Daily Sun.

To the Editor:

For the citizens of Freedom, Ossipee, Sandwich and Tamworth: As most of you probably know, I served as your State Representative from 2002-2008. At the end of 2008 I decided to retire from state politics and did not run again. However, in the last two years I have become very concerned over what is happening in our state.

There seems to be no serious attempt to balance the budget. We cannot continue to spend money we do not have, nor should the budget be balanced by shifting the deficits to the towns. There has to be a serious effort to cut unnecessary expenditures. On each proposed bill we should be asking: Do we need it? Can we afford it? How will it be paid for? We also should not be considering laws which needlessly meddle in people’s private affairs.

After considerable thought, I have decided to again become a candidate for state representative in your district.

For those of you who were not here for the last election perhaps a review of my history is in order. I was raised in Ossipee, attended Ossipee Grammar School, graduated from Brewster Academy and then joined the United States Air Force. I served four years active duty (one in the Far East) and two years in reserves. I received an honorable discharge. After the Air Force I attended the University of New Hampshire and graduated with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering.

For the next 30 years I worked in industry. I did some work in most of the states and in a number of foreign countries retiring as an officer in a multimillion-dollar international company.

Since retiring I have served the town of Ossipee as water commissioner and am currently in my fourth term (12th year) as an Ossipee selectman (three years as chairman). During my six years in the House of Representatives I have served on the resources, recreation, and development committee (one term as vice chair).

I believe we need tax relief while at the same time providing adequate housing for the elderly, adequate affordable health care and medicine, and reduction of waste in government. I am a strong believer in the Second Amendment and strict interpretation of the Constitution. I have and will always make myself available to discuss my voting record and any concerns any of you may have.

I urge all of you to exercise your right to vote and hope that you will consider voting for me.

Harry C. Merrow
Ossipee