I am voting for Emmett Soldati in the Democratic primary for Executive Council District 2 on Sept. 8. When Emmett and I were growing up together in our economically disadvantaged city of Somersworth, being a “Townie” was an insult. That sentiment is not unique to Somersworth – New Hampshire has been struggling to retain young people for years.

So when Emmett decided to open a sober, LGBT friendly, British-style teahouse in the middle of our struggling downtown, everyone thought he was crazy. We underestimated him. Today, Teatotaller is a thriving local business and the heart of downtown, which is coming back to life in ways we never imagined. Emmett built more than a café, Teatotaller is a community gathering place, a safe harbor for the queer community, an organizing command center for progressive campaigns, a recovery-friendly social space, a beacon of ethical business practices, and a model for creative adaptation to the demands of a pandemic. Fundamentally, Teatotaller is a reflection of Emmett’s values: welcome the outcast, celebrate differences, and embrace challenges.

When suddenly and without cause, Facebook deleted Teatotaller’s Instagram account, Emmett didn’t rollover in the face of Goliath, he picked up a stone and took aim. Representing himself, with no law degree, he successfully argued a precedent-setting case in New Hampshire’s Supreme Court, taking on Facebook’s four corporate lawyers. No one imagined Emmett could takedown the social media giant – we underestimated him.

Emmett reversed that tired “townie” narrative for me and so many others. My small town is a tight knit, thriving ecosystem of activists, art, food, families, and hard-working folks striving to build a community. Yours probably is, too. We’re Proud Townies: we know what our little cities have to offer is special, though often written off as provincial. Emmett has made it his mission to show just how much rural and small towns in New Hampshire have to offer. We have big ideas, fierce community spirits, and lots of pride.

If it’s one thing I’ve learned: don’t underestimate Emmett. I hope you will join me in voting for Emmett Soldati on Sept. 8.