(The Hillsborough 3 special election is Sept. 20. JillSH takes a look at why this election is important, and offers a comparison of the two candidates. We can win this. - promoted by susanthe)
OK by now I would hope everybody here at BlueHampshire is aware of the special election coming up in the Hillsborough 3rd district on September 20th. And to say we need to win this one would be an understatement on a grand scale.
So let's first talk about the guy on our side, Peter Leishman. Peter is a former state rep and owner of the Milford-Bennington Railroad who lost in the 2010. You can read a full bio here.(http://peterleishman.org/?page_id=26) Peter is on the correct side of all the issues that concern us most, LGBT, Labor, Choice, School Funding and most importantly thinks the recently passed budget is a travesty.
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"This budget will and already has had a devastating impact on our State hospitals. The combination of new taxes on hospitals and other program cuts total more than $250M. Hundreds of layoffs of hospital workers have already occurred. Cuts to our University/Community College systems exceed $95M. These deep cuts to our college system and the resulting tuition increases are making it all the more difficult for families to send their children on to college. These cuts will harm New Hampshire's long-term economic development and ability to recruit new businesses. Additionally, the budget cut millions of dollars from domestic violence programs, mental health services, and childcare. These cuts will put more and more families at greater risk and families will be forced to turn to their local community for help."
Now about his opponent, David Simpson. I wish I could tell you a whole lot, but I cannot. My own approach to Mr. Simpson at our recycling center, where he was passing out campaign literature was rebuffed. He initially refused to give me a postcard, saying I was "part of the opposition" and he wouldn't give me one. At first taken aback, I approached again and asked that, though I had asked politely, he was refusing to give me his card? He replied "Well, if you insist." And gave me his postcard. I thanked him.
Attempts by ABLE-NH and the League of Women Voters to arrange a non-partisan, moderated format in a neutral public venue at a time acceptable to both were met with great difficulty. Ultimately the only time was 10am this past Monday morning, at Mr. Simpson's insistence. Surprisingly, turnout was significant; estimates range from 60 to 100. Perhaps there are quite a number of unemployed or retired who are quite interested in the effects of the state's budget.
About all I can tell you is what Simpson's web site says.
• Sound financial management (live within our means)
• A positive business climate (when business prospers we all do)
• Protection of natural resources (our charge is to handle with care for future generations)
• Realize our responsibilities to the disadvantaged and vulnerable among us
• No state income tax, no sales tax
• Second amendment rights
• Parental rights, especially concerning education
• The right to work
• Pro-life
Now some of these positions sound reasonable, sound financial management, protect natural resources (notice not environment, but resources), responsibilities to the disadvantage, but he studiously avoids expanding on how he would approach these issues. (I could have said some of these nebulous items in my own campaign literature!) And obviously he is anti-labor. I have talked with a few folks here in the District who have tried to nail him down by talking to him one on one, but so far every time the questioning gets tough he walks away.
One exchange during Monday morning's forum may give some insight into his thinking. The question of the repeal of $30-fee increase on auto registration at a time of such tight budgets was brought up. Peter Leishman pointed out that represented a loss of $90 million to road construction and maintenance. Simpson noted that it was $30 more in the pockets of taxpayers, for them to decide how to spend. (This was met with groans from the crowd. Personally, my property taxes went up by a hundred or better. That $30 certainly helped with that.)
So there you have it. We need to ensure this win for our side so I urge anybody who can to get involved. We sure could use help with canvassing and phone banking at this point. Call NHDP at 603-225-6899 and they can connect you to the right folks.
Last, but certainly not least, you can donate to his campaign.
Friends of Peter Leishman
39 Birch Road
Peterborough, NH 03458
Late addition: Word has it that folks received a mailing from Simpson today that attacks Peter's character. The last request from the League moderator at the forum Monday was that both candidates refrain from negative campaigning. Mr Simpson had quickly moved to shake Peter's hand. Hmmm.
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