STEPANEK: VOTERS WANT ACTION, NOT BROKEN PROMISES!

Deborah Pignatelli has failed in her promises to "stop" no-bid contracts and resolve the Merrimack Toll issue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                               Contact: Stephen Stepanek

September 18, 2008                                                                                                                  cell: 603-801-9496

Nashua, NH***Stephen Stepanek, candidate for Executive Council District 5, charged Deborah Pignatelli of broken promises and failed leadership at a press conference in Nashua today. 

"We live in a time where the people's trust in their elected officials is at an all-time low.  And quite honestly, elected officials don't deserve that trust because all too often promises are made in campaigns, but are rarely honored.  Sadly, this is the case with current Executive Councilor Deborah Pignatelli," said Stepanek.

Deborah Pignatelli campaigned for Executive Council on two major issues: "stopping no-bid contracts" and resolving the Merrimack Toll issue.

On October 29, 2006, Pignatelli stated in the Nashua Telegraph, "There were an extraordinary amount of no-bid contracts the two years before I came.  I said I would stop that.  It sends a strong message to agency heads that we won't stand for that".

After her election, Deborah Pignatelli had 506 chances to vote against no-bid contracts, but only did so 30 times. (see Executive Council Minutes 2007-08)

Stepanek said, "For a Councilor who has campaigned so heavily on an issue one would think she would do what she said she was going to do and "send a message to agency heads" by voting against no-bid contracts.  But, by ignoring her campaign promise and pledge to the voters, she has actually empowered agency heads who submit no-bid contracts."

On the Merrimack Toll issue, Deborah Pignatelli's own words say it all.  On July 26, 2007, Councilor Pignatelli said in a newsletter to the Merrimack Town Council and Delegation: "I am sorry to report on my failure".

"Councilor Pignatelli has had four years on the Council to deal with the Merrimack Toll issue yet she has failed to resolve the excessive and inappropriate toll burden that plagues the residents of Merrimack. This is what happens to politicians who are in government for twenty years and care more about their political career than the fulfilling promises they made to the voters," said Stepanek.

Deborah Pignatelli summed up her political quandary with the following quote from the Nashua Telegraph, May 4, 2004, "I don't think one party should run everything.  A monopoly of political power is not a good thing...arrogance and unreasonable certainty set in."

Stepanek concluded, "Deborah Pignatelli has failed the constituents of District 5.  I will bring needed change to Concord - Fiscal Responsibility, Trust and Faith in your elected officials, and bi-partisan solutions to the challenges that EVERY community faces. 

If the voters of District 5 want more election year promises - then they should vote for Deborah Pignatelli.  But if they want action - not political rhetoric - then I hope they will join my effort to bring reform to State Government and vote for Stephen Stepanek."