As a legislator for 12 years, Pat was known as the go to legislator in his district. Emails, letters, texts, or phone messages were always responded to. He would never check to see the party affiliation, but simply reply to understand the issue needing resolution. Those replies were by phone or email, but if a more complicated issue, he would meet constituents at a coffee shop. Sometimes Pat would have the answer and provide advise; sometimes he would call the relevant state agency (usually the appropriate Commissioner) for the information or relaying of the issue that that agency would need to resolve; many times, he would accompany the constituent to meet a commissioner or a senior staff person to discuss a problem solution; and when needed Pat would file legislation to fix quirks in statute. As far as bills go, he would file them for individuals in his district, the town, the heritage commission in town, for organizations, and many times state agencies would ask me to file legislation such as the Department of Revenue given my Vice Chair role on the Ways and Means Committee. He would always give a speech on Memorial Day honoring those who died in the line of duty.
While a State Rep, Pat spoke at every Memorial Day ceremony in Stratham.
He was given the honor to give Memorial remarks on the floor of the House for former three-term Stratham State Rep who went on to work in President George W. Bush’s administration.
Pat on the left, Poppy Johnson flanked by her son in the center, and Speaker Sherm Packer on the right.