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Leaving The Legislature: Would Have Liked To Have Done More, But Had Fun Trying!

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu May 20, 2010 at 22:33:51 PM EDT


(I'm hoping for encores in from Rep. Splaine, but this is a good time for a bow and a cheer. - promoted by elwood)

One of my first political heroes, State Representative Duke Maynard of Portsmouth, very long ago told me that the greatest wisdom of getting old(er) is to realize that life is short, and as you age year by year, life is even shorter.  He told me that back in 1969 at a time when I was a really young pup serving my first year in the New Hampshire House, and he was then about the age I am now.

For me, leaving isn't new.  I've left the NH Legislature after being in it four times -- from the House in 1970 after a term (lost re-election by 5 votes), again in 1978 (ran for the Senate and won), then from the Senate in 1984 (had enough of that!), and the House again in 1996 after having returned there for another three terms (onto other things).  Each time I eventually went back, even though after I left on each occasion I thought I never would.  That's my intention this time as I leave in 2010 -- not to return even someday, but one never knows what tomorrow brings.  

With my years ahead of me getting shorter, I've been planning to move on for the past several months, really the past year.  The only reasons I'd feel I would want to stay would be to defend House Bill 436, marriage equality, or because we need all the Democrats we can get for 2011-2012.  However, I'm confident that especially with our ability to defeat the repeal of gay marriage a few weeks ago by such a wide margin in the House and in referendums in town meetings, the defense of our success in achieving marriage equality will be carried on by others very well.

And in November, 2010, whether I ran or not, we'll continue to have an all-Democratic team from Portsmouth and Newington.  In fact, by me not running gives a good former House member who wants to return an easier shot without losing any of our current other good House members who may seek re-election; fact is, there may be other "new" ones who should have their chance to serve and offer their fresh perspectives.  
 

Rep. Jim Splaine :: Leaving The Legislature: Would Have Liked To Have Done More, But Had Fun Trying!
After that explanation, I want to express my appreciation to our fellow Democrats in the House especially, but also to the Senate and the other branches of state government.  

Much of what we have accomplished for the people of New Hampshire, especially these past four years with House and Senate Democratic leadership -- headed by Terie Norelli and Sylvia Larsen -- working with Governor John Lynch, has moved our state forward.  

We have fantastic public servants -- many House and Senate members, Governor's Councilors, and department and agency heads and employees across the stream of our government.  Sometimes we don't appreciate them, and sometimes we let personalities get in the way of process, and we're overly-critical of one another.  But when looking at the big picture of our state government, we're doing very well and we have excellent people leading the way.  

It is a bit frightening in recent months to see that some people are expousing very anti-government positions.  Much of it is political postering, I think -- but much of it is knee-jerk reaction to perceptions.  

Some people -- perhaps too many -- have come to view taxes as penalties rather than as ways that we together share in funding the cost of serving people.  

The anti-government folks have stripped our departments and agencies of state government of personnel and resources, making it so difficult for them to do their jobs effectively.  Some of the anti-government crowd border on anarchists who want to just close up the doors of government.  That's where today's and tomorrow's fight needs to continue to be waged.

That IS where today's and tomorrow's fight needs to continue to be waged.  Filing period is opening on June 2nd through 11th for the State Legislature and State Senate, and other offices.  Dedicated people who can spend the time to volunteer (that's essentially what being in the Legislature is) to help make our state better need to get in there.  

In my mind, what matters most is the desire to do good things, to care about people, and to build up instead of tear down.  We need people to be in our government who have positive vision and who will imagine what can be.  We need people who can dream.  And it would be good for everyone to bring a little more civility to the process.

If you're thinking about it:  RUN!  It's easy to file as a candidate, a bit tougher to campaign, sometimes very tough to win, and the hard work is actually after you get sworn in -- but step up, get in, do the job for all of us.  Bad government, just like wrong, happens only if good people don't take part and speak up.  

I hope to continue to engage in the discussion from time to time about our causes on www.BlueHampshire.com and elsewhere.  Usually, most of us spend more time "not in" government than in it -- and I'm right at the edge of that timeframe because of my 62 years, I've spent 31 years in either the Senate or the House.  Maybe a bit too much -- at least I'd like to keep it at that point for a while and maybe add more time to "out" rather than to "in."  Being outside rather than inside might give me a fresher, more objective viewpoint on some issues.

In making change, I failed more often than succeeded, and for that I'm sorry.  We all have shortcomings, and I wish I could have done more.  The good thing is that there are others who will keep carrying the ball.  I haven't succeeded on doing many of the things I would liked to have accomplished, and that saddens me and I apologize to those who I let down from time to time.

But overall I sure had fun trying!

 

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Thanks Jim. (4.00 / 6)
Your fearless commitment over the decades has changed New Hampshire for the better.

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?

Thanks Ray (0.00 / 0)
That's nice of you Ray.  But don't open the wine bottle yet -- I didn't say I'm disappearing!  I'll be around to irritate you at proper times, and you never know where I'll show up to keep an eye on you.  I know neither of us would want it any different!

[ Parent ]
Thank you, Representative. (4.00 / 4)
I don't think I can point to anyone in elected official in New Hampshire, at any level, who has been so magnanimous in spirit and in service.

Thank you for all you have done.  History will remember.


birch, finch, beech


Thank You, Dean... (0.00 / 0)
...and I'll keep blogging on this incredible site that you're so dedicated to.  It serves a vital purpose.  

[ Parent ]
Thanks Jim (4.00 / 2)
I am astounded by the large legacy you leave - from the first in the nation primary to the marriage bill.

Your personal gain will be our loss.


I intend (4.00 / 3)
to take your challenge and run in my district.  Will be retiring at the end of the year, so I will have to work and run a campaign, but my fellow Democrats are enthusiastic about supporting me, which is just such a great feeling.  
I could use some advice about blogging on Blue Hampshire during a campaign.  Should I switch my username to my own?  Any advice would be much appreciated.

And all my thanks to Jim for all his years of service.  Power of example, for sure.

We believe in prosperity & opportunity, strong communities, healthy families, great schools, investing in our future and leading the world by example. We are Democrats; we are the change you're looking for.


I Think Names Are Always Good... (0.00 / 0)
...and for myself, I've never even once posted anything in public, i.e. letter to the editor or blog, without my Mom & Dad-given name.  But that's me.  Those who don't might have a greater freedom to write what they feel they wish to say.  I try to write from the heart, and sometimes that gets me into trouble.  It's 50-50 as to what you might want to do.

Run, win, do good deeds.  


[ Parent ]
Well, since the people govern and representatives are (4.00 / 1)
merely agents, there's no way for you to be "out," except by renouncing your citizenship.  But, definitely, you've done more than your share and it's time for others to step up.  I still believe that any person's success is measured by how many people follow and continue his/her achievements.

At the risk of being preachy, let me reiterate -- citizenship is a bundle of obligations (to vote, to hold office, to serve on juries, to provide support, to draft laws, to enforce the laws) which, because we are a free country, we can afford to have many people evade.  Having too many freeloaders, however, puts the nation in jeopardy.


Hats off to you (4.00 / 1)
for an exceptional run of service, not only to your own district, but for helping to improve the lives and preserve the rights of every citizen in New Hampshire.

I would think that there is a book in there somewhere if you are so inclined...words of wisdom to pass on to the next generation.


I Have Three Books Underway... (4.00 / 1)
...and that's one of several reasons I want to take a break.  Focusing on writing is tough when one gets into so many divergent issues -- and with a thousand bills in the Legislature each year, there are many good causes.  I don't know about words of wisdom, though.

[ Parent ]
What next? (4.00 / 1)
Lobbying? ;v)

www.KusterforCongress.com - www.paulhodesforsenate.com

www.nikitsongas.com - www.devalpatrick.com


Lobbying Is A Good Profession... (4.00 / 1)
...depending on the cause, of course.  I have never wanted a government job, and never could imagine lobbying for pay, though I take nothing away from those who do.  Some of my better friends are lobbyists, and they are respectable and do good work.  

[ Parent ]
Paving the way to be more (4.00 / 1)
Active on Blue Hampshire!?

Thank you for our service to our state, and your time here on BH. I hope it will only increase as your sharing and knowledge of the machinations in Concord help us all.

Hope > Fear




Create a free Blue Hampshire account and join the conversation.


Jim, my life and future are different because of your work... (4.00 / 1)
..and I, too, intend to take your challenge.  Count me in as a Marriage Equality defender in Cheshire-04.

We are grateful for your tireless service! (4.00 / 2)
Jim,

Thank you for your tireless work throughout the years and the many great accomplishments that you brought to the people of Portsmouth, Newington, and our great state!  

Jeff McLean


We will all miss you (0.00 / 0)
Thank you for your service to the people of New Hampshire. We will be poorer for your absence.

as Lenore said (0.00 / 0)
Jim you will be missed fondly!

4

[ Parent ]
Echo (4.00 / 1)
That's all I can do. Through a lot of heavy lifting, you have made history.  You are an inspiration to so many for so much. And I somehow have a feeling your history-making isn't done yet.
It has been my honor to work with you, and to learn from you through these many years.
Thanks.

No'm Sayn?

Bless You, Jim (4.00 / 1)
You are an inspiration for public service.

Thank you,
Dave


(applauding) (4.00 / 1)
Jim,
You're a political hero of mine and, no doubt, to thousands of other Granite Staters. Kudos and THANK YOU!

Thank you! (4.00 / 2)
For all your years of service! You will be missed!



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    


See My Comment To Ray... (0.00 / 0)
...it's intended for you too!  And I trust our continued interactions will be at times exciting, at times challenging, and always respectful.  You and Ray lead in many ways, and almost always with good intent.  When not, at least from my point of view, my job in life is to find a way to raise your blood pressures, which I seem to succeed doing now and then!  We'll continue to have fun.  And I'll always appreciate each of you.  

[ Parent ]
Thank you, Jim. (4.00 / 3)
Thank you so much for your service to the people of Portsmouth, and the people of the Granite State. New Hampshire is losing a passionate and wise voice in your retirement.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication, and best of luck in your retirement.


I'm Not "Retiring"... (0.00 / 0)
...but thank you for the sentiment.  Just doing other things for a while.  

By the way, I've had the title of "Senator" for some six years, and in my book the title of "Member, House of Representatives" is considerably better!  (It also has more letters so it fills up the nametag more fully.)

Although it's true we need great Senators to counterbalance the other side, so best wishes to you!  Let's hope.  


[ Parent ]
Thank you! (0.00 / 0)
Thank you, Jim.  Your work in the House has been tremendous and I wish you the best in your next venture.  

Thanks Jim (0.00 / 0)
From what I've seen, I think you are one the great public servants. Like elwood, I hope there's an encore.


Thank you, (4.00 / 1)
and best of luck in your "retirement". You don't seem like a retiring guy to me. Keep fighting the good fight wherever it may find you!

Thank You To Everyone... (4.00 / 3)
...who wrote.  I didn't expect such good wishes as I wrote my post.  Some of the comments look like they're written after reading my obituary!

In seriousness, I hope I didn't indicate I'm "retiring" -- I expect to never do that.  There are other things in politics to do, and if the past is any indication (the past is the best predictor of the future) I may well run again when the urge gets to me.

And speaking of that, we need candidates in every Legislative district in the state.  If you have a Democrat already serving, please help him or her win re-election.  It might be a tough year, but we have the advantage of knowing we're trying to do good things.  We just have to make sure the people know the things we've done to help New Hampshire.  

I'll be around.  We're all in this together.


Missed this earlier (4.00 / 2)
Jim, you're going to be an asset wherever you go from here -- just wish we could clone you.

I hope this means, however, that you'll be around BH even more? What do you say? ;)



Such bad news (0.00 / 0)
For the rest of us... So much deadwood in the House... You were a standout... We need more like you, Jim!... You will be missed...sorely missed...

---SWL



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