Janet Stevens fights for the developmentally disabled

(Seacoast Online)

Oct. 15 − To the Editor:

During this time of elections, actions matter.  We suffered an arduous process applying for long term care for our adult disabled son.  We were met with rejections, misinformation, and unresponsiveness from DHHS and were losing hope that our son would ever get the support he so desperately needs.  Then Executive Counselor, Janet Stevens, stepped in and proved herself a true champion for the developmentally disabled.  A chance meeting put her on our path when we heard her speak about how she demands accountability from DHHS and those awarded contracts through them—ensuring disabled residents access to the best healthcare possible and safe, supportive housing.  When Janet Stevens learned of our plight, she became that “light” at the end of the tunnel for us—her drive and determination got it done!  After an 18-month battle, our son was finally approved!

You may be aware that NH’s housing shortage has created a crisis for disabled residents, often forcing them to live out of state away from their loved ones.  Janet Stevens fought to get approval for 105 supportive housing units for the developmentally disabled…people like our son.  With no one to turn to for help, Janet Stevens was an inconceivable resource for us.  We were complete strangers to her with nothing to offer in return, yet she became a strong advocate for our son.  She stepped up for us and stands for all in this vulnerable population.  Janet Stevens fights for the developmentally disabled and delivers on the promises she makes (I know…a rarity in this age of politics).  We witnessed firsthand how she demands accountability from DHHS and she never failed to follow up and keep us informed.  She is truly a breath of fresh air and will have our vote on November 5^th.

Ken & Michele Woonton, Pelham

Union Leader – 10/15/24

To the Editor: New Hampshire is very fortunate and unique to have a five-member Executive Council that approves appointments and advises the governor on most matters. Our district’s council member is Janet Stevens, who is seeking another two-year term. We are proud of her record of constituent services to the 266,000-plus residents in District Three. Janet Stevens is fighting to preserve critical health care services at Exeter Hospital, following an unjust and abrupt termination of multiple services. She is working with the attorney general, the Charitable Trust Unit, and calling on the state Department of Justice to intervene and stop the closures. Expanding access to health care while sustaining New Hampshire’s current system is a top priority. Janet Stevens is the sole executive councilor to consistently support the $100-million investment in New Hampshire housing programs. She is committed to improving housing inventory, affordability, and stability to all residents. This includes accelerating the availability of workforce housing in New Hampshire. Her commitment on a wide range of issues is to keep New Hampshire the best place to live.

Stella & Doug Scamman, Stratham

District 3 Leaders Supporting Janet Stevens for Executive Council

“Janet Stevens has the experience and commitment needed to be our next Executive Councilor. She has spent many years giving back to our community through her work with nonprofits, local government, and her proactive participation in state government as a gubernatorial appointee to boards and commissions. I’m excited to support her bid for this seat and encourage others to do the same.”

- Former District 3 Executive Councilor Ruth Griffin, Portsmouth

"When a New Hampshire insurance carrier dropped reimbursement rates by 20% in major coding categories, the negative impact to New Hampshire practitioners and families could not be ignored.  I rolled up my sleeves and went to work for all New Hampshire families and Licensed Marriage Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Care Providers, Psychologists etc. to find a solution – proud to have advocated/negotiated a return to original rates!

Through an amazing advocacy effort from the NHAMFT Board, the Family TEAM, Executive Councilor Janet Stevens, NH-NASW, and many, many of our outspoken members who advocated on a personal and systemic level, we are proud to inform you that rates for these billing codes will be restored to 2019 rates by 9/1 or 10/1!

NHAMFT wants to highlight the work of Executive Councilor Janet Stevens. She was integral in this effort to push these concerns on a governmental level to influence this change. Councilor Stevens has not only been outspoken on this issue, but she has also been an advocate for mental health, NH families, and therapists. Her email is janet.l.stevens@nh.gov for any of you who may want to reach out to extend any thanks.

– Chair-Elect of NH Association of Marriage Family Therapists

"So, I invited Counselor Stevens to join, and she indeed plans to, in case she doesn't like what she's hearing.  BUT... I'm hoping it's good news.  I'll get back to you all later with any information.  Councilor Stevens is being an amazing advocate for we providers and for NH families, by the way. She gets it, and she also receives all sorts of contacts from constituents, families in her district that are so struggling with pandemic related changes, mental health problems, suicidality, and much more. She was all over this, and between all of these meetings and I believe her applying pressure, …..really felt it. I scarcely dare to hope that they would change this rate drop, though if they do, it will be a great victory for all of us and for families."

- Former Chair of NH Association of Marriage Family Therapists

"Janet Lannan Stevens thank YOU and Commissioner Nicolopoulos for correcting an egregious attempt by (Insurance carrier) to shortchange providers who serve couples and families in NH.  The impact would have been devastating, especially during a time when families have never needed us more.  Your tireless efforts and support do not go unnoticed.  Thank you for making this right for all NH mental health providers and the consumers who would have had devastating ripple effects had you not stepped up."

- Former Chair of the NH Board of Mental Health Practices and Licensed Therapist.

“Of all the candidates running for District 3 Executive Council, Janet Stevens is the best equipped to handle the duties of the job. I have been impressed with her depth of understanding of the issues facing the Council. It’s not only about the fiscal aspect of approving contracts, but also having a sense of the most efficient and effective way of delivering government services. Her experience in and outreach to the business community and the nonprofit sector, as well as her service on the board of Mental Health Practice make her especially well prepared to thoughtfully evaluate contracts large and small, as well as the Governor’s nominees for state positions in the executive and judicial branches.”

- Former Speaker of the New Hampshire House Donna Sytek, Salem

“The communities, businesses, and families of District 3 will be best served with Janet Stevens as their next Executive Councilor. The Council is responsible for crafting a state government that is transparent, efficient, and responsibly serves the taxpayers who fund it. With experience in the nonprofit, private, government sectors, Janet will make an exceptional addition to the Council and will be a strong advocate for our district. She has already shown her ability to lead during this pandemic by working to improve access to mental health, advising small businesses on state and federal support options, and working with locally elected officials on projects in their towns. I am proud to announce my endorsement of her campaign and to cast my vote for her in the Republican primary.”

- Former State Senate President Bill Bartlett, Kingston

“Janet will end government waste, protect our 2^nd amendment, support our veterans, expand school choice, defend elections from fraud and say no to taxpayer funded abortions. Janet Stevens has my full support for Executive Council and I encourage the voters in District 3 to join me in supporting her.” -State Senator Regina Birdsell, representing Derry, Hampstead and Windham 

State Senator Regina Birdsell, Representing Derry, Hampstead and Windham

“Janet’s experience at the local and state level is quite impressive and I applaud the work she has done with the Mental Health Practices Board during the pandemic. After learning of the work she’s done for nonprofits, her community, and our state, I believe she is the best candidate in this race. Janet Stevens will protect taxpayers’ dollars from wasteful spending, vote to appoint qualified, effective leaders to our state agencies, and will be a conservative, commonsense voice representing District 3. I encourage my colleagues and constituents to join me in support of Janet Stevens for Executive Council.”

- State Senator John Reagan, District 17

“New Hampshire’s Executive Council, essentially, serves as the Board of Directors of State Government. Janet has the skill set, knowledge and experience to uphold the role of an Executive Councilor - at an exemplary level. Discernment, empathy, leadership, the ability to build consensus, while providing a public service for the people of New Hampshire, is what it takes to be an Executive Councilor. Janet exudes all of these qualities. The constituents of District 3 will be well served by Janet Stevens as their next Executive Councilor – they can trust she will work hard each and every day to represent them.”

- Former District 3 Executive Councilor Bill Cahill, Piermont

OTHER ENDORSEMENTS INCLUDE:

The Honorable Ruth Griffin of Portsmouth, former District 3 Executive Councilor

The Honorable Donna Sytek of Salem, former Speaker of the NH House & NHGOP Chair

The Honorable Bill Bartlett of Kingston, former State Senate President

The Honorable Bill Cahill, former District 3 Executive Councilor and Chairman of NH BIA

State Senator John Reagan of Deerfield, Senate District 17

Kitty Sununu of Rye

John Lyons of Portsmouth, former Chairman of the State Board of Education

Sean Mahoney of Portsmouth, former RNC National committeeman & business leader

State Representative & Selectman Arthur Barnes of Salem

State Representative & Town Councilor Brian Chirichiello of Derry

State Representative Mary Griffin of Windham

State Representative & Selectman Joe Guthrie of Hampstead

State Representative & Town Councilor Phyllis Katsakiores of Derry

State Representative Walter Kolodziej of Windham

State Representative & Selectman Charles Melvin Sr. of Newton

State Representative John Potucek of Derry

State Representative David Welch of Kingston

City Councilor Peter Whelan of Portsmouth

Bill Epperson of Rye

The Hon. Sean Morrison of Epping

Patti and Dr. Jim Bette of Rye

Henry Boyd of Seabrook

Tina Carey of North Hampton

Joan and Jerry Gittlein of Rye

Patricia and Dr. Mark Henschke of Rye

Michael Kane of North Hampton

Nancy and Warren Kindler of Epping

Greg Mikolaities of Rye

State Representative Betty Gay, Salem

State Representative Everett McBride, Salem

State Representative David Milz, Derry

State Representative John O’Connor, Derry

State Representative Stephen Pearson, Derry

State Representative Kim Rice, Hudson

Selectman and former State Representative, Joe Hagan, Chester

Tanya Donnelly, Salem

Barbara Dunkle, New Castle

Lauren LaMarsh, Derry

Susan Parker, Greenland

Patty Steele, Hampton

16-term Rep. Ken Weyler of Kingston

Rep. Stephen Pearson of Derry

Former House Judiciary Committee Chair Joe Hagan of Chester

Former Rep. Richard Gordon of East Kingston.

Peter Rice of New Castle

The Hon. Jeff Oligny, Former State Representative, Plaistow

Doug Abrams, Rye, Seacoast business leader

Bill Burke, former Chief of Portsmouth Police Department

Nancy Novelline Clayburgh, School Board Member and former Assistant Mayor, Portsmouth

Alan Gould, former Chief of Rye Police Department

The Hon. Gates Lucas, Former State Representative, Portsmouth

KIND WORDS FROM DR. RHONDA HODGE

Friendship Drive Board
P.O. Box 1514
Salem, NH  03079

Dear Counselor Stevens,

I am writing for the board of Friendship Drive Cooperative, a resident-owned manufactured housing park in Salem.  Last month we were told by a city inspector that an on-going electrical issue might lead the town to send the residents of the park notices saying all (44) households would be having their electricity shut down, which would mean they would have to leave their homes and not be able to move back in until the concerns were resolved.  This was particularly scary because the supply-chain issues holding up the project are still a factor.

Knowing that this would have disastrous long-term consequences for the people who live here, we called a number of officials and people connected with the project for help.  You were one of the first to respond to us and made a number of calls on our behalf.  For this we are very grateful.

As it turned out, the city was already aware of the project and agreed that we could stay in our homes throughout the unavoidable delays.  The key players from the town, our funders, and the ROC-NH team that provides technical assistance to the cooperative are now working closely with us to bring the project to a swifter close.

Thank you again for your assistance in this crisis,

Yours sincerely,
Pamela Rothgaber
President of Friendship Drive Cooperative

I wanted to express my gratitude for your assistance in helping me with my application progress for The Emergency Rental Assistance Program. I appreciate your kindness and taking the time to intervene on my behalf by contacting ERAP, in which I quickly received notification from a case manager that my application has been approved and that my landlord would be receiving payment.

Thank you so much for going above and beyond, the people here in New Hampshire are truly lucky to have you represent us. I appreciate all the work that you are doing to make New Hampshire a great State to live in.

With Sincere Thanks,

Linda Severs-Dreher
Portsmouth, NH 03801