Merrimack Tollbooths

Dear Merrimack Residents,

           My opponent for Executive Council issued a press release recently alleging that I violated my vow to Merrimack in failing to bring about toll relief.  As I am sure that members of the Town Council can attest from my numerous visits, I never made a vow that I could eliminate or reduce tolls for Merrimack residents.  I consistently informed them and townspeople that it would be a very tough sell in Concord, just as your state representatives have found in their efforts.  The only vow that I could have made in good faith to Merrimack was exactly what I did—to give it all that I had.

            As you know, when my effort failed at a meeting of the Governor and Executive Council in Merrimack last October, I openly admitted my failure.  It is frivolous for my opponent to say, though, that I violated an oath I made to you when I never had it within my sole power to bring about toll relief.  The legislature has stripped the Council of its power to offer toll discounts so all I could hope to accomplish was total removal of some tollbooths.

           I believe Merrimack is being treated unfairly, and I will make the very same vow I did before.  If I am re-elected, I will continue to search for every opportunity to bring toll fairness to Merrimack. That is all any of your elected officials can do.

            Oh, one more thing.  Did my opponent deliver toll relief for Merrimack in his years as a state legislator? No, his effort in the legislature went down in flames, too.  I don’t accuse him of violating his word.

Sincerely,

Debora Pignatelli

Executive Councilor – District 5, including Merrimack