Keene, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) N.H. Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander met with constituents at The Keene Public Library’s annex, Heberton Hall, on Friday afternoon, engaging in a wide-ranging discussion about the pressing issues facing the state and the nation. The event, which drew a standing-room-only crowd, brought out local residents eager to share their concerns and hear directly from their representative.
 
Goodlander, who has been in office for just 56 days, opened her remarks by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet with community members. “I can do best at my job of representing you when I hear directly from you,” she said. “There is no substitute for showing up and from talking with one another in person.”
 
One of the dominant themes of the conversation was the rising cost of living, particularly housing and childcare. Goodlander cited a report by the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, highlighting the economic strain on families. “I want to get to work to lower the high cost of living,” she said. and pledged to fight for every dollar that had been promised to New Hampshire and make sure those dollars go to our communities.
 
Another major concern raised was the impact of federal worker layoffs and what Goodlander described as “chaos and uncertainty” caused by the instability in Washington and the “weaponization” of federal funding. She pledged to stand up for federal workers and ensure their rights were protected.
 
Goodlander also touched on the influence of unelected billionaires in politics, saying we can’t let a handful of powerful interests dictate policy that affects millions of hardworking Americans.
 
The town hall featured a robust Q&A session, moderated by Keene State College President Melinda Treadwell. Attendees asked questions about topics ranging from the protection of national parks to the future of Social Security and Medicare.
 
One resident voiced concern about the potential use of a federal prison for immigrant detention. Goodlander responded by emphasizing the need for humane and just policies, upholding the values of fairness and dignity in all aspects of governance.
 
Another resident questioned the leverage Democrats hold in upcoming budget and debt limit negotiations. Goodlander acknowledged the challenges but stressed the importance of standing firm. We have to create leverage by making the case to the American people, she explained, because these are real lives at stake.
 
As the event wrapped up, Goodlander encouraged attendees to stay engaged and take action. She urged constituents to visit national parks to support their preservation, share their experiences with her office to help shape policy, and explore ways to increase the congressional office’s presence in Keene, such as hosting office hours at City Hall or the public library.
 
“I am waking up every single day and using every single tool at my disposal to fight for you and to deliver for you, and that is the sacred oath that I took 56 days ago,” said Goodlander. “It’s the honor of my lifetime to represent you in Congress, and I want you to know I’m fighting with everything I’ve got every single day to deliver for you and to deliver for this country.”