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A Sense of Responsibility for New Hampshire
As afternoon light streamed through tall windows and drenched the room in warm, gold hues, people passed around home-baked cookies and snacks and sipped cider and coffee. No one wanted to leave. More than anything this crowd had a respectful and intense feeling of responsibility. The people of the Souhegan Valley have apparently followed every roll call and every gun drop in the halls of Concord and they are not going to sit this next election out. Even the way these folks sat attentively in their chairs or spoke with intelligence, empathy, and true New Hampshire directness seemed to convey a sense of vigilance. These are the kinds of people—true and flinty New Hampshire lovers of liberty— who you can say have read their constitution, know their Thomas Jefferson, and studied the speeches of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. It was a reminder that we are a party of ideas, not a party of “no.” It was a reminder that government done right is not disaster. It was a reminder that passion—and compassion—is not a vice. It was a reminder that it is OK to love your neighbor.
Democrats Who Know How to Build a Coalition of Thoughtful Republicans, Independents, and Libertarians to Do the Right Thing
So it is not surprising that these folks from a very conservative community rallied their thoughtful and decent Republican, Libertarian, and Independent neighbors and friends to send Jennifer Daler to Concord over the Speaker’s chosen candidate in a special election heard ‘round New Hampshire last year. The people of Mont Vernon and the surrounding towns care for what is happening to the New Hampshire they love and they showed up in force yesterday to advocate for ideas—and ways of framing ideas— that will help convince their friends and neighbors across the State from all parties that we can—and must—do better. 
A Lot of Ground Covered: How do We Bring Common Sense and Decency Back to Concord?
Just some of the dozens of questions debated at this hearing - I have already warned folks in Mont Vernon that I will not nearly do their views justice in this post:
*What is our vision for New Hampshire and how should the Platform tell all voters about our vision for a responsible and responsive government?
*How do Democrats work to expand and preserve liberty?
*How do we bring 21st century common sense back to women’s health issues?
* What can we say about collective bargaining, liveable wage jobs, and the indispensable role of labor in building a vibrant economy together with business?
*Is there something we can say in support of our community mental health system?
*How do we honor the environment for its own sake, and not always just in the context of economics?
*What part can New Hampshire play in standing up for science and acknowledging that global sustainability of clean water and air is vital?
*How do we support our State University System and retain young people in New Hampshire?
*Can we call for a government that abides by the New Hampshire Constitution?
*How can we defend the rights of our firefighters, police, teachers, and other public employees? 
Taking New Hampshire Back, Starting in Mont Vernon
There's a neat old-timey sign when you pass though Mont Vernon. It says "Enjoy the View." For those who have never been there, the town sits quite high over the valley. I'm told by those who have been to it, that Speaker O'Brien can see Logan Airport from his house. I will say the Platform Committee did enjoy the view - the natural beauty, yes, but also the view we got from the decent folks in Mont Vernon - a view towards a better New Hampshire.
Thank you Paul Liscord, Mont Vernon town chair, for organizing such a meaningful exchange of ideas. I know I speak for my Co-Chairs Cinde Warmington and Ald. Patrick Arnold, as well as Rep. David Pierce, Joan Jacobs, and Ben Siracusa-Hillman, when I say there was no better way to kick off our listening tour of New Hampshire.
If this kind of momentum and community is welling up in Mont Vernon—in the shadow of the Speaker’s own home—it can happen anywhere.
On to Manchester next Saturday – 10 AM, the City Library...How can New Hampshire do better? Please help us answer this question.
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