Estevez on luncheon incident: My vision of working together to advance public interest failed miserably
The Pelham state representative accused of disrupting a luncheon for Nashua lawmakers denies there was a physical altercation and claims he was making a “good faith” effort to “discuss important policy issues” with the host, Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau.
“My vision of the southern New Hampshire region working together to advance the public interest failed miserably,” Rep. Eric Estevez (R-Pelham) explained in a letter to the editor published by the Hudson~Litchfield News.
An earlier HLN account of the incident described a heated exchange between Estevez and Lozeau during an April 1 luncheon in which Estevez became belligerent and cursed the mayor before slamming his plate down and leaving.
Estevez acknowledges he and Rep. John Manning (R-Salem) attempted to attend the event as uninvited guests. “The fact is too many political lunches, receptions and events are invitation only depending on party, ideology and region, etc.” Estevez wrote. “This exposes a serious problem in our political system. Our contemporary political climate of polarization creates inefficiency and mistrust of government.”
HLN reported House Speaker Shawn Jasper has directed Estevez to apologize in writing to Lozeau and Nashua Rep. Bill Ohm, who reportedly separated Lozeau and Estevez by pulling a pocket door shut between them. A defiant Estevez, who has been involved in numerous controversies throughout his political career, offered no such apology in his letter.
“Instead of Pelham, Hudson, and Salem having a diplomatic dialogue with Nashua regarding job creation, fighting taxes, providing local aid to our region, and helping people through constituent services,” Estevez wrote, “Nashua essentially told Pelham, Hudson, and Salem that they were ‘Persona non grata,’ i.e., not welcome.”
“We can accomplish great things if we begin to work together,” Estevez concluded. “As your state representative, I will continue to work with anyone who is committed to the progress of our great state. Conducting myself as a statesman, not a politician will always be my top priority.”