Hillsborough County, located in the southern part of New Hampshire, is home to a diverse population and a thriving economy. As an expert in local politics, I understand the importance of having strong and capable leaders who can guide the community towards progress and prosperity. In this article, I will take a closer look at the current elected officials in Hillsborough County and the election campaigns that brought them into office.
The Significance of Local Elections
While national elections often dominate the headlines, it is crucial not to overlook the impact of local elections. These are the elections that directly affect our daily lives and shape our communities.In Hillsborough County, local elections are held every two years for various positions such as county commissioners, county attorney, sheriff, and register of deeds. Local elections also tend to have lower voter turnout compared to national elections. This means that every vote counts even more in determining the outcome of these races. As an expert, I urge citizens to educate themselves on the candidates and their platforms in order to make informed decisions at the polls.
The Current Elected Officials in Hillsborough County
As of 2021, the current elected officials in Hillsborough County are:- County Commissioners: Toni Pappas (R), Sandra Ziehm (D), and Michael Cryans (D)
- County Attorney: Michael Conlon (D)
- Sheriff: James Hardy (R)
- Register of Deeds: Joseph Kelly Levasseur (D)
The Election Campaigns in Hillsborough County
The election campaigns in Hillsborough County are always highly competitive and closely watched. In 2020, there were several hotly contested races, including the county commissioners' race and the county attorney race. The county commissioners' race saw incumbent Toni Pappas facing off against Democratic challengers Sandra Ziehm and Michael Cryans.Pappas, a Republican, ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and economic growth. Ziehm and Cryans, both Democrats, focused on issues such as education and healthcare. In the end, Pappas was re-elected for her fourth term as county commissioner. In the county attorney race, incumbent Dennis Hogan decided not to run for re-election, leaving the position open for new candidates. Michael Conlon, a Democrat and former prosecutor, ran against Republican challenger Dennis O'Connor.
Conlon's campaign focused on criminal justice reform and improving community relations with law enforcement. O'Connor's campaign emphasized his experience as a defense attorney and his plans to address the opioid crisis. In the end, Conlon emerged as the winner and is now serving as Hillsborough County's county attorney.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Election Campaigns
The 2020 election campaigns in Hillsborough County were also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing measures in place, traditional campaign tactics such as door-to-door canvassing and large rallies were not possible.This forced candidates to get creative with their campaigning strategies. Many candidates turned to virtual events and social media to reach voters. This allowed them to connect with a larger audience and engage with voters in a more personal way. However, it also presented challenges as not all voters have access to the internet or are comfortable with technology. The pandemic also led to an increase in mail-in voting, which allowed voters to cast their ballots safely from home. This resulted in a record-breaking turnout for the 2020 elections in Hillsborough County, with over 80% of registered voters participating.
The Future of Election Campaigns in Hillsborough County
As we look towards the future, it is clear that election campaigns in Hillsborough County will continue to evolve.With advancements in technology and changes in voter behavior, candidates will need to adapt their strategies to effectively reach and engage with voters. Additionally, the issues and concerns of the community will also shape the focus of future election campaigns. As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, it is likely that issues such as healthcare, economic recovery, and social justice will remain at the forefront of voters' minds.
