Biemer: Public Safety Should Come Before Politics In Merrimack County

By Andrew Biemer

Public safety is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue. It is a fundamental responsibility of government, and one that demands professionalism, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

That principle should guide voters in considering two of the most consequential offices on the Merrimack County ballot this November: County Attorney and County Sheriff.

Republican Meg Hagaman and Democrat Pete Shephard represent a compelling bipartisan choice for these positions. Both bring substantial experience, demonstrated leadership, and an understanding that the administration of justice must remain above partisan politics.

As a current member of Concord’s Public Safety Advisory Board and a former member of the New Hampshire Juvenile Parole Board, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing our criminal justice system. These experiences have reinforced my belief that effective public safety requires more than simply enforcing laws. It requires judgment, accountability, cooperation, and public trust.

Perhaps nowhere is political independence more important than in elected law enforcement positions. The public must have confidence that decisions about investigations, prosecutions, and enforcement priorities are guided by the law and the facts, not political considerations.

Meg Hagaman has spent her career doing precisely that work.

As the former chief of the Criminal Justice Bureau at the New Hampshire Department of Justice, Hagaman led teams of attorneys responsible for prosecuting some of the state’s most serious and complex criminal cases. Her experience includes managing prosecutors, overseeing difficult investigations, and making consequential decisions where both public safety and individual rights are at stake.

The County Attorney’s Office requires an experienced prosecutor, but equally important, it requires a capable administrator who understands how to lead professionals, establish priorities, and maintain the confidence of law enforcement agencies and the public. Hagaman’s background prepares her exceptionally well for that responsibility.

Pete Shephard brings an equally valuable breadth of experience to the Sheriff’s Office.

His career spans municipal and county law enforcement, military police service, and federal law enforcement. Few candidates can claim such a comprehensive understanding of how different levels of law enforcement operate and interact.

That perspective is particularly important today.

The relationship between local and federal law enforcement has become increasingly politicized. Effective cooperation remains essential, but so does respect for the distinct responsibilities, authority, and accountability of each agency.

Shephard possesses both the experience and temperament to help restore that balance. His emphasis on professionalism, training, community relationships, and cooperation reflects an understanding that the sheriff serves the residents of Merrimack County first.

Neither the County Attorney nor the Sheriff should be viewed as an extension of a political party. Both offices demand independence, integrity, and a willingness to make difficult decisions without regard to political consequences.

Hagaman and Shephard come from different political parties, but their qualifications and approaches reflect common principles that should transcend those differences.

Merrimack County has an opportunity to elect two experienced public servants who understand the seriousness of these responsibilities.

For voters who believe public safety should come before politics, Meg Hagaman for County Attorney and Pete Shephard for Sheriff are the right choices.

Andrew Biemer is a Concord resident, current member of the Concord Public Safety Advisory Board, and former member of the New Hampshire Juvenile Parole Board.