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With ten more Platform Committee members than last cycle, we are working overtime to schedule additional hearings for Berlin, Hampton, and Nashua. And, thanks to some great input we got at a recent Brown Bag Lunch at Party Headquarters, as time allows, representatives of the Committee also hope to meet with groups that have been hardest hit by this Legislature such as our friends in the labor, women's health, and equality communities. Finally, we hope to have our first ever virtual forum in an effort to consult even more broadly with Democrats across the State.
We hope that Democrats will not only use these hearings as a chance to help build the strongest Platform we can, but also to come out and meet like-minded folks who care about this State deeply and know that New Hampshire can do better. The Platform hearings are a chance to exchange ideas about what we stand for as well as an opportunity to rally for a great 2012.
Below please find the 2010 Platform for your reference, as well as the Committee's rules which give an overview of the process.
Please let us know what you think and don't be shy. You may contact me (jsurdukowski@sulloway.com), my Co-Chairs Cinde and Patrick, or any of the 17 Committee members listed below. We are in listening mode from now until the end of April. This is your Party and your Platform and we can't bring New Hampshire home in 2012 without you.
With respect,
Jay Surdukowski, Co-Chair
Cinde Warmington, Co-Chair
Alderman Patrick Arnold, Co-Chair
Rep. Jeff Goley, Manchester
Rep. David Pierce, Etna
Rep. Cindy Rosenwald, Nashua
Fmr. Sen. Kathy Sgambati, Tilton
Fmr. Rep. Melanie Levesque, Brookline
County Commissioner Dorothy Solomon, Albany
Carole Appel, Dover
Joan Jacobs, Portsmouth
Pam Jorgenson, Londonderry
Donald Manning, Manchester
Beth Mason, Durham
Sy Mukherjee, Hanover
Ken Roos, Concord
Ben Siracusa-Hillman, Exeter
The Current Platform for your Reference:
NEW HAMPSHIRE DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM
New Hampshire Democrats are united for New Hampshire's future. We stand for a strong economy and livable wage jobs, strong families, healthy communities, justice for all, and respect for one another. We pledge to preserve a government that helps where it can yet limits its power where it must to guarantee freedom for all.
*A Strong Economy*
Jobs and Job Security for New Hampshire's Middle Class
Democrats will continue to build toward a vibrant and diverse economy centered on innovation, an inviting business climate, and career education to create thousands more good jobs and provide our middle class a fair opportunity to prosper. We will fight attacks on the safety net that provides employment and retirement security in times of hardship. We will help build New Hampshire's middle class by defending the right of workers to organize, earn a livable wage, and work in high-quality conditions.
Business Investment
We support efforts to encourage industry and small businesses to diversify and innovate. We will create an economic engine for growth in small business by expanding access to broadband and related communication technologies from the Southern border to the North Country.
Job Education and Training
Democrats support career training at our University and Community College System and our high schools, as well as registered apprenticeship programs, to enrich our communities and ensure the New Hampshire economy continues to grow a strong and sustained middle class.
Green Jobs
Democrats lead the way on building a green economy because we know that green industry is vital for growing our economy, creating thousands of new private sector jobs, protecting our environment, safeguarding our security, and building up the middle class. We will continue to invest in a green economy to bring sustainable technology to New Hampshire to reduce the cost to our citizens of imported energy and to spur economic growth through development of in-State sources of energy from wind, solar, natural gas, methane, and biomass.
Keeping the Next Generation in State
By retaining more young workers the New Hampshire economy will grow significantly. We will continue to invest in New Hampshire to retain and mentor the next generation by supporting businesses that promote young employees, encourage entrepreneurship, and develop leaders who are the future of our State.
Rural Development
Democrats invest in our rural communities - in particular the North Country - because we know that our investments pay off in a stronger economy and vigorous middle class. We will continue to support the building of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water, sewer, renewable energy technologies, telecommunications, and broadband. We support even more access to capital for rural entrepreneurs, farms of all sizes, and small businesses. We work to provide flexibility in the delivery of health care to rural hospitals and health care providers to sustain a healthy workforce and growing middle class.
*Strong Families*
Education
Public education is the foundation of New Hampshire's greatness by preparing all children for participation in society and the responsibilities of democracy. We ensure the delivery of excellent pre-primary, primary, and secondary education in New Hampshire. We support comprehensive, authentic, and multiple means of assessment for students, schools, and district to determine what works best in the classroom, in the community, and in the home. Our educational institutions should strive to eliminate achievement gaps in academic performance among all demographic and socioeconomic communities. Believing that every child deserves to feel safe in school, we support enforced anti-bullying laws and policies. We support education to encourage lifestyles that lead to healthy bodies and minds, healthful food choices, and goals for success. We support civic education for the next generation of leaders.
Health Care
Every person deserves access to affordable and comprehensive health care and a life of mental and physical wellness that balances work and play. In partnership with the federal government, we support and build on the important national health insurance reform to expand access, end coverage discrimination, increase transparency, rein in abusive insurance industry practices, and reduce costs in New Hampshire. No family should be forced into bankruptcy to provide for basic health and wellness. We encourage continued funding of Medicare, Medicaid and State funded health care programs that provide Americans from all walks of life with a place to turn to for help when faced with an extended illness, unexpected medical problems, and life threatening issues. We believe that, whenever possible, children and adults with medical disabilities in our State should remain in their homes, with their family members, and have access to care and services that allow them to be productive and independent members of our community.
Reproductive Health and Safety
We support freedom for all from governmental interference in private medical and family decisions, including the right to decide when and whether to bear children or start a family. We will promote policies to ensure confidential, age-appropriate access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive education and health care for all women, men, and teenagers
Veterans
We honor the innumerable sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families. We support our elected leaders' efforts to bring back a full-service Veterans Administration Hospital for New Hampshire. Our nation must honor its commitments, including physical and mental health, education, and disability support for veterans of all wars. We welcome veterans back into our communities with honor.
Protecting Seniors' Security
Our seniors made many sacrifices to make this State great. We owe them a debt of gratitude. We therefore work hard to protect their rights and their economic security and mental and physical well-being. We honor and cherish their wisdom and contributions to our rich NH heritage.
Housing
Every person deserves safe and decent housing. Affordable housing is essential to the growth of our economy and the strength of our families and communities. We seek solutions for homelessness in our communities through a comprehensive approach to resolve its root causes.
Child and Dependent Care
We promote increased availability and accessibility of affordable dependent care as a means of building a strong economy.
*Strong Communities*
Public Safety
Public safety, emergency preparedness, and homeland security are vital responsibilities. Our fire, police, and emergency responders are the champions of our safety and we honor and support their often unsung work. We create comprehensive public safety policies that target violent and repeat offenders, reduce recidivism through prevention, education, and rehabilitation, and maximize taxpayer resources.
Transportation
Development of affordable mass transportation, including rail, contribute to a strong economy, as does a vibrant regional airport.
Infrastructure
Investment in public works such as highways, bridges, public transport, water systems, and utilities will create good jobs that pay a livable wage, and strengthen our economy for the long term. We recognize that the North Country of our State has a critical need for these investments to overcome the unique barriers to economic development that region faces. We support programs and funding to enhance our existing infrastructure and position our State for growth and innovation by building a foundation for developing efficient and safe transportation - including new mass transit options for New Hampshire commuters - and by encouraging alternate fuels and renewable-energy, and upgrading transmission lines.
Environment and Agriculture
We value New Hampshire's farming heritage and natural environment: land we can till, water we can drink, air we can breathe, streams we can fish. It is imperative to preserve these resources for future generations. We address the threat of climate change and pollution. We protect open spaces and limited water resources with responsible development and innovative land use policy.
*Live Free or Die - The New Hampshire Advantage*
Fiscal Responsibility
In the New Hampshire tradition, fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets are necessary for an efficient and effective government. In this difficult time our State - just like our families - must live within its means. Revenue must be used wisely to ensure that we meet our obligation to protect the health and safety of our citizens, assist the most vulnerable, and make strategic investments in building a stronger New Hampshire. We must also recognize that long term savings come from dealing with the challenges of today. Rising property taxes are hurting our economy - it is common sense and the New Hampshire way that a hard look should be taken at all fair revenue solutions while respecting the will of the people.
Civility and Respect
We are Americans, citizens of New Hampshire, and friends and neighbors first. Although we may have different beliefs we respect the right to be heard yet maintain civility during discourse. Whenever possible we work with Independents, Libertarians, and Republicans - our neighbors and friends - to move New Hampshire forward. When we disagree we do so with respect. Threats of violence have no place in our State's political discourse.
Personal Liberty and Freedoms
Democrats value an open and accessible government and laws that deny the government any power to intrude into our privacy and misuse our personal information. Democrats will never divide the State along lines of race, religion, disability, immigration status, national origin, age or sexual orientation. Marriage equality is the law of New Hampshire and we will defend it against those who would turn their back on New Hampshire's long tradition of respect for basic human rights and freedoms.
First in the Nation Primary
We defend New Hampshire's position and responsibilities as the First in the Nation Primary.
Open Government and Right to Know
Government must be accountable to the people at every level and should operate in an open and transparent manner.
Fair and Free Elections
All citizens 18 or older are entitled to vote where they live, in person or absentee. All voters have a right to have their vote counted correctly and have equal opportunity to run for office. We will preserve the paper ballot whether hand-counted or machine counted. We support efforts to increase financial disclosure by candidates and political action committees and support strong enforcement of such laws.
Respectfully submitted by the 2010 New Hampshire Democratic Party Platform Committee,
Representative Melanie Levesque
Co-Chair
Jay Surdukowski
Co-Chair
Martin Honigberg
for Governor John Lynch
Quinn Kelley
for Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Carole Appel
for U.S. Representative Carol Shea-Porter
Rep. David pierce
for U.S. Representative Paul Hodes
Jennifer frizzell
for Senate President Sylvia Larsen
Rep. Tom Buco
for Speaker of the House Terie Norelli
* * * * * * *
THE 2012 PLATFORM PROCESS
2012 New Hampshire Democratic Party Platform Committee
Alderman Patrick Arnold, Cinde Warmington, and Jay Surdukowski - Co-Chairs
I. Platform Committee Charge
The New Hampshire Democratic Platform Committee is charged with proposing a State Party Platform which reflects the consensus of New Hampshire Democrats on principles that bind all of us together from Keene to Portsmouth, Salem to Pittsburgh.
II. Overview: Platform Process
1. The Platform Committee holds hearings throughout New Hampshire to consult broadly with New Hampshire Democrats on what planks should be contained within the 2012 Party Platform. The Committee will also take comments via e-mail, phone, and fax, and encourages all New Hampshire Democrats to weigh-in.
2. After closing the hearing phase on April 28th, the Committee will prepare and publish a draft Platform on the State Party Website by May 4th, 2012. At this point, the Platform will be open to amendments.
3. Democrats who wish to submit an amendment to the draft Platform must do so after May 4th and before May 11th, 2012. Any proposed amendment must be received at NHDP Headquarters no later than 5:00 PM by fax, email, delivery or surface mail on May 11th, 2012.
4. Proponents of amendments may be scheduled to conference with Platform Committee members if the proposed amendment is germane and relates to the functions of State Government. Amendments that do not technically qualify for inclusion in the Platform due to their focus on national issues will be referred to the Chairperson of the Committee on Resolutions for disposition. Any amendment referred to the Committee on Resolutions shall be regarded as finally disposed of for purposes of the Platform Committee. Proponents of amendments that are not adopted by the Committee will receive a notice of committee action. Amendments that fail to pass the Platform Committee may go to the floor of the convention if the amendment receives one vote in favor by the Committee. The Platform Committee reserves the right to dispose of amendments that are repetitious, disproportionate in length, stylistically incongruous, or not designed to advance the principles of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.
III. Hearing Procedure
1. Democrats are invited to attend open hearings around the state to provide representatives of the Platform Committee with comments on what the Platform should include. The 2010 Platform is available on the State Party website (www.nhdp.org) for reference and will be available at all hearings. The hearings are listening sessions and Platform Committee members will stay as long as host communities will have them.
2. Proposed planks must address State of New Hampshire matters. National matters will be referred to the Resolutions Committee.
3. The Committee requests that any proposed planks be in writing, one plank per page, so that it may give all plank ideas careful consideration during the drafting stage. The Committee urges amendment proponents to consider the current platform's style, tone, and length in proposing amendments as the Committee strives to make the Platform a user-friendly document for our candidates and the voter of New Hampshire.
IV. Amendment Procedure
Starting May 5, 2012, amendments to the Platform Committee's draft Platform may be submitted using any one of the following methods:
Standard Mail or Delivery:
NH Democratic Party Platform Committee
105 North State Street
Concord, NH 03301
Fax:603-225-6797, Attn: Platform Committee
E-mail: office@nhdp.org, Attn: Platform Committee
1. Amendment submissions should specify the plank of the Platform to be amended or note that the amendment is proposed as a new plank.
2. The written submission should identify the proponent of the amendment and the fact that the proponent is a delegate to the convention. Please include current contact information.
Example:
Proposed Platform Amendment to the Silly Example Plank, submitted by John Doe, delegate from Anytown, New Hampshire. JohnDoe@gmail.com
Please add the following paragraph to the Silly Example Plank of the Platform:
NH Democrats support a speed limit on speed skaters on New Hampshire lakes.
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