Pelletier Declares Candidacy in 13th

Republican Director Cheri Pelletier announced her candidacy for the 13th State House District on Friday, May 16, at the Lincoln Center in Manchester. Both the JI and the Courant had articles about Pelletier’s bid.The Journal Inquirer - after putting the wrong district number in the headline - wrote a good article covering Cheri’s announcement.

Republican town Director Cheri Ann Pelletier announced her candidacy for the 13th House District seat this morning, saying she will bring “a level of energy and action to the state House like no other candidate.”Pelletier, who has been a member of Manchester’s Board of Directors since 2005, likely will face Democrat John W. Thompson, who has held the 13th District seat for 22 years. Thompson hasn’t filed campaign documents yet, but has said he plans to run.

Pelletier said Thompson’s “service, although admirable, was largely during a time when manufacturing and private industry thrived, the dollar was worth more, and the times and issues seemed simpler.”

The Courant piece was interesting if only for this quote from Rep. Jack Thompson: “She’s free to do what she wants,” Thompson said. “I don’t know her very well, but I welcome anyone who wants to run against me.”  Is it possible that after more than two years of Pelletier’s service on the Board of Directors - in addition to hailing from South Manchester like Thompson, State Rep. Thompson still can’t claim to know Pelletier well?