Marcella Termini
Running forNH State Rep Hillsborough District 43
in 2020
Running as Democrat
At age41
I worked in public housing management in Cambridge, Mass., health insurance and in hair salons in New Hampshire, as well as running two successful small businesses here, a vintage clothing online retail shop and a specialty hair styling service before becoming a stay at home mom in 2008. I have been doing volunteer work as a parent advocate for special education since 2017. I currently am the organizer of Mask Makers of Manchester where I coordinate all aspects of the effort as well as sew masks that are distributed free of charge to organizations serving the neediest populations in Manchester.
I have not held political office prior to being a candidate for this election.
Current jobMom
Time lived in NH1978-1999, 2003-2004, 2007-Present
I am a high school graduate and I have a cosmetology degree.
Best way to contact candidatemarcellaterminifornhrep@gmail.com
Facebook Messenger: @marcellafornhrep
Phone: 603-767-0115 (call or text)
If elected or re-elected, please describe legislation you expect to sponsor or co-sponsor.
If elected I expect to sponsor or co-sponsor legislation regarding paid family and medical leave, affordable child care/universal pre-k, and public school funding reform. I would like to sponsor or co-sponsor legislation to expand the use of medical marijuana for folx who are on the Autism Spectrum. I will also work on bills aimed to raise our minimum wage in New Hampshire and address the housing crisis.
What are the most important concerns facing you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected?
Our public schools are underfunded, understaffed and are often seen as a hindrance to our city. I will bring this to the table and work on legislation to address the inadequacy of our public school funding so that our public schools can be a model of excellence. Affordable housing and low wages- our minimum wage that is so low many people are working 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet. Housing is so expensive that many are struggling to make rent payments. I will work to raise the wage so that Manchester folx are able to afford to live and work- not just work to live.
How does your background (excluding time serving in the position you are seeking) qualify you for the position you are seeking?
I am committed to putting in whatever time is necessary to perform my legislative duties while the House is in session and when I am in the community during off-session times. After many years of watching our citizen legislators from the side lines, I now have the ability to run for and be a state legislator and I do not intend to take this role lightly.
In your view, describe the atmosphere within the legislature over the past two years. Do you believe this atmosphere will continue and how would that affect how you approach this position if elected or re-elected?
In the past two years the atmosphere within the legislature has been one of divisiveness due to the fraught political atmosphere our entire country is facing. I believe that if elected I will be approaching the duties with an open mind that is willing to work with anyone for the good of our state so that we can change the atmosphere and get important things done.
What is the most significant issue facing Manchester at the municipal level and how can you, as a legislator aid the city government on that issue?
Funding and paying for our public schools. I would work with the legislators and organizations already hard at work on making changes to the public school funding policy so that we will have a solid, adequate base for our schools budgets.
With the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 in the future, do you support the legislature meeting remotely?
I do support this. I think that the legislature should model best practices to keep our state safe during this pandemic.
In your opinion, what were the five most significant pieces of legislation introduced in the New Hampshire General Court over the last two years? Please explain what made them significant.
- SB684-relative to Medicaid to Schools. This is significant because in the past this money was mishandled. This bill gives the assurance that students with disabilities will have access to services and supports covered by Medicaid to Schools. The oversight of this law is of high importance to individuals with disabilities in our public schools who have access to this benefit.
- HB651 allowing campaign funds to be used for child care. This bill makes it possible for anyone to run for office in NH. It took away the stigma and barriers parents and caregivers faced when deciding to run for office or not.
- HB608- expanding the law against gender identity discrimination to other laws prohibiting discrimination. Every human in New Hampshire deserves to live with dignity and respect and free of discrimination.
- SB282- an act relative to suicide prevention education in schools. Manchester is not immune from suicide deaths and requiring training and education to help prevent even one suicide is vitally important.
- HB731- raising the minimum hourly wage. People are working for $7.25 an hour. This means that one must work more than one job to pay for necessities. It is shameful that this bill has been vetoed.