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Paid for by Sullivan County Democrats—PO Box 88, Acworth, NH—Claudia Istel, Treasurer

sullivancountynhdems.org—[email protected]

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Benjamin Nelson

CountyCommissioner District 1
AcworthCharlestownClaremontCornishCroydonGoshenGranthamLangdonLempsterNewportPlainfieldSpringfieldSunapeeUnityWashington
What Made You Want to Run for Office?

I'm running to see the important work that the County does to support its residents flourish. We do a lot to care for our elders but have neglected the other generations. Lowering energy costs and workforce housing are my top issues for Sullivan County.

Experience That Matters

I graduated Stevens High School and Dartmouth College. I've been the owner and operator of Claremont Spice and Dry Goods with my wife since 2019. I served on the Board of Directors of Vital Communities 2020-2026 and have been on the Board of Corporators for Claremont Savings Bank since 2021. As a lifelong resident of Sullivan County I know the beauty and the struggles of rural New Hampshire. We need to plow to a better future for all our residents and grow a home where our children and grandchildren can live and thrive.

Bio
My family has long roots in Sullivan County with my maternal line being of Villers and Simoneau. I was born and raised in Sullivan County graduating Stevens High School in 2013 and Dartmouth college in 2017. Graduating with a degree in History with a specialization in Agriculture I managed and worked various farms in the Upper Valley. I managed orchards, dairy and cheese operations, and row crop vegetables, at various levels of conventional and organic practices at different farms. My wife and I purchased Claremont Spice and Dry Goods in 2019 and I brought my background of food production to bring fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and fruit to the store. I've seen the struggles of many of my classmates from Stevns having to leave Sullivan County to make a life for themselves and the depopulation, brain drain, and ageing of the remaining residents as a result. Now with record increases in property tax the ability of our remaining residents struggle to keep themselves afloat let alone build a better life for their kids and grandkids to live and thrive here. We need to build different systems at every level of government because for many of our elders,ourselves, our kids, and grandkids life isn't working. We currently spend over a million of our tax dollars for food. I don't think we can afford to not farm for the County any longer.
Candidate Status:

Democratic Candidate

I graduated Stevens High School and Dartmouth College. I've been the owner and operator of Claremont Spice and Dry Goods with my wife since 2019. I served on the Board of Directors of Vital Communities 2020-2026 and have been on the Board of Corporators for Claremont Savings Bank since 2021. As a lifelong resident of Sullivan County I know the beauty and the struggles of rural New Hampshire. We need to plow to a better future for all our residents and grow a home where our children and grandchildren can live and thrive.

nelson4nh.com