Candidate Profile: Patrick McDougall

(Editor's note: Salem Patch is contacting candidates for the state House and Senate for Salem with a questionnaire, and their responses will be published as candidate profiles between now and the Sept. 11 primary. Disclaimer: Salem Patch will be publishing these responses as they are returned to us.)

NAME: Patrick George McDougall

DATE OF BIRTH: Dec. 6, 1974

YOUR BACKGROUND/EDUCATION: I have worked in communications and sales and management. I graduated from Methuen High school in Methuen, Mass. in the year 1993. I have been members of the following organizations: The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Community television, Salem N.H. Republican Town Committee, The Young Republicans of America, Past chair of the friends of the Route 28 Bike Ped corridor fundraising effort.

EXPERIENCE/OCCUPATION: I have worked in communications as a videographer/editor and recently served as president Top of the world video productions of Salem, N.H., a small business venture created by my wife and I after leaving such reputable communications organizations such as WMUR TV 9 and WNDS TV and the Manchester Monarchs, an affiliate of the LA Kings.

PRIOR ELECTED OFFICE: Appointed by the BOS to the Salem, N.H. Conservation Commission, Appointed to the Route 28 Bike/Ped Corridor Committee, Elected to the Salem, N.H. Zoning Board of Adjustments with one term as secretary, later I was proudly elected to the Salem, N.H. Municipal Budget Committee.

PERSONAL: I have lived in Salem, N.H. for over 10 years now with my wife, Jane, who I am proud to say we are celebrating our 10th anniversary this month. We are proud or our six-year-old son Daniel Patrick who is excited to have started first grade at our great Salem N.H. Public School District.

Why are you running?

Because I myself see how difficult these economic times are and I hope to be part of the next legislative group that continues to be responsible to the fiscal needs of their constituency during this fiscal crisis we are all involved in.

I believe that being a member of the House of Representatives takes bold leadership and understanding that not every decision will be popular but being guided by what is right versus what is popular are important to the integrity of that individual making decisions derives real criticism and persecution for his or her fiscal philosophies that may impact someones life.

I believe that I am a fair and considerate fiscal conservative that along with that comes the acknowledgment that the more we spend, the more taxes rise and the more taxpayers are faced with the burdening task of home foreclosure or dream home sale and also paying for their everyday expenses like food, prescriptions, energy and just sharing valuable family time together due to massive tax increases.

What is your stance on expanded gambling?

I have always been a strong supporter of expanded gambling, as a matter of fact it has been proven that $175 million in state revenue annually will be generated from casino gaming. I believe this will be extremely beneficial to Salem's economic recovery over the next several years and addresses critical infrastructure that Salem and New Hampshire needs.

Rockingham Park has been a great friend to Salem and New Hampshire and we owe it to them to go to Concord and work with our colleagues and opposition to work tirelessly to craft a successful expanded gambling bill that will be signed by our next governor! Creating 4,000 jobs and millions of dollars of revenue to our deserving constituents has been passed up for to long and that needs to stop!

How would you stoke up the economic development in N.H.?

Very simple, tax incentives to derive business to our community. And to practice more pro-development on the local level such as reducing impact fee structures.

Also we need to encourage our citizens be trained for the jobs of tomorrow so that we as a state will be an attractive community or state for businesses to move to and employ from their own community!

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, please vote for a trusted friend and loyal public servant who is not afraid to take a stand on the issues, Vote for Patrick McDougall for your next District 8 State House Representative. Number 7 on the ballot on your Republican Ballot.