Vigil to be Held for Ducks Killed by State Rep

A candlelight vigil will be held Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashua to memorialize the ducks killed by state Rep. David Campbell, D-Nashua, last year.

Keith Carlsen, a political activist who will be attending the New Hampshire Liberty Forum, a three-day event conference that is being held at the hotel, put together the memorial service to offer “a moment of silence in honor of our fallen friends.” 

The service will take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, outside the hotel where the flock was slain two months ago to the day. 

Since December, the death of the ducks has surrounded Campbell who was the prime sponsor of a multi-million dollar gas tax proposal that was struck down last year in the state Senate. The Legislature is currently eyeing another, smaller tax increase.

About a week after the ducks were killed, Campbell issued an apology for the accident.

He later pled “no contest” in court and paid a fine. Even though he had purchased alcohol at the hotel before striking the ducks and leaving the scene, Campbell was not charged with driving while intoxicated. 

An investigation into the matter ensued and it was found out that longtime Nashua Police Commissioner Tom Pappas assisted Campbell on the night in question with his interaction with police. Pappas resigned from the position earlier this month.

Despite calls that he resign his state representative position, Campbell, so far, has refused.

At the memorial service event, an update on the current political situation will be presented by activists as well as a reminder not to drink and drive. Anyone who is interested will be allowed to speak or make a presentation, for up to one minute.