To the Editor,
Twenty-two years ago my family and I moved from Bellingham, Washington, to the NH seacoast. At the time, I was juggling a new baby and a toddler with severe food allergies. My daughter spent much of her early life with chronic health challenges. Every day, I prayed that she would have the chance to not only survive, but to thrive. Our new beginning proved to do just that for all three of my children. The product of my children’s ability to thrive and grow was largely due to the community we lived in and the relationships we built.
I met Mindi Messmer shortly after our move and her children and mine have been growing up alongside each other ever since. I remember the first time we met- it was clear that Mindi was a problem-solver whose fierce compassion, drive as a scientist, and commitment to our friendship was empowering and something that I was grateful to surround my kids with. Mindi has been a trusted friend and mentor to so many for decades and her fight for economic, political, social, and environmental justice is truly the essence of her steadfast spirit and commitment to illuminating the truth.
Our community was first informed of the life-threatening environmental exposures from the Coakley landfill when Mindi, a then state representative from Rye, identified PFAS contamination of drinking water. Due to her tireless efforts to expose the seacoast “Pediatric Cancer Cluster” and the PFAS contamination, Mindi has made it her mission to fight for our health and safety, a commitment she will bring to her seat on the NH Executive Council. Our friendship and walk through motherhood confirms that Mindi Messmer has the full endorsement from me and my family.
As a retired nurse, a Greenland resident, and a mother of three, I believe there is no greater threat to our livelihoods and our children’s futures than ignoring the environmental degradation that has been allowed to persist, through negligence and exploitation of public trust. I know Mindi will finish what she started and will continue to bring justice to our community as an elected member of the NH Executive Council. She has my full and unwavering support.
Sincerely,
Kathryn D. Bivona
Greenland, NH
