NH State Representative Steven Smith

Thank you WNTK for having me on this morning to talk about CACR 19.  On May 15th, the NH House rejected a constitutional amendment resolution providing that revenue from fees and assessments shall be used only for the special program for which such fees or assessments were imposed.  In other words, should we put on the ballot, for you to vote on, an amendment requiring us to use your money for the reason we gave when we took it.  While the Senate passed this 21-2, the NH House preferred not to hear what you think.

Read it yourself at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2014/CACR0019.html

This piece http://thehill.com/opinion/judd-gregg/209423-judd-gregg-troubles-of-party-system-laid-bare by former Senator Gregg has a lot of good insight as to why our political process seems stalled these days, locked in some ridiculous all-or-nothing battle between various factions.  One of his best points is about the splinter factions within each major party (for example, Tea Party, Progressive, Libertarian, etc.). 

By definition, the people who gather around those parties or factions are true believers. They speak mostly to others who share the same specific, and often unyielding, goals. They do not see the need to reach beyond those who are already of like mind, and convince or persuade the uncommitted.

We’ve seen these groups.  I guess they think that if they shout at us long enough, we will eventually capitulate.  That isn’t the way to get your point across.  We need to do the harder work of trying to persuade.  We need to gain the trust of the voters, so that when we ask them to take a chance on a new idea, they will.

Most of all, we have to be willing to give something up.  Ideologues who never compromise do not deserve to win.  I’m not saying sacrifice your core principles.  I am saying that politics, like any relationship, requires sacrifice on the parts of the parties involved.

Ask yourself… in regards to that burning issue that you want something done about… how important to you is it really if you won’t give something up to get it?

Always consider the other side, even when you disagree with them.  Gaining the trust and respect of those who don’t agree with you is the way to progress and honesty in government.

Steve

In the last election, I was grateful, and humbled, that the voters of Sullivan County District 11 ignored the hype, the partisan rhetoric, and the noise, in giving me another chance to serve.  I have tried to be a worthy public servant. I have made a difference where I can, advocated for our towns, and answered questions for constituents.  I’m asking for your trust again.  Today, I filed for re-election.  I have more to do.  I want to pursue setting up a text 911 system in NH.  I want the state to move out of the past and explore new millennium opportunities for privately funded public transportation. Most of all, I want to right a wrong.  On May 15th, the NH House rejected a constitutional amendment resolution providing that revenue from fees and assessments shall be used only for the special program for which such fees or assessments were imposed.  In other words, should we put on the ballot, for you to vote on, an amendment requiring us to use your money for the reason we gave when we took it.  While the Senate passed this 21-2, the NH House preferred not to hear what you think.  I’m asking for your vote to send me back to Concord so that I can make sure that they hear you loud and clear this time.

Rep. Steven Smith