NH State Representative Steven Smith

I felt the need to write about my vote today on HB595, which repealed portions of the voting laws passed last session. It probably looks like I’ve flip-flopped, or am trying to have it both ways. I always try to be as honest and clear as possible with the voters of this district, so bear with me here. Last session I voted for the Voter ID law. I did so because I believed that it was the right thing to do. I still do. I have not changed my position.

2013 is a different world. Democrats own the House and the Executive branch. Considering that at least one Republican Senator still in office voted against the Voter ID bill last session, it would have been a good gamble for Democrats to grab some headlines, swing for the fences, and repeal the whole thing. 

They may have succeeded. The worst case scenario probably would have been to face some amendments in the Senate, and in the end, pass something similar to what we had today. Instead, a compromise was presented, and I applaud House Democrats for going this route. Since it was the best we could hope for, and a genuine compromise, I chose to support it.

HB595 leaves in place the existing Voter ID provisions, and simply repeals the portions of the laws that have not yet taken effect. The voting laws passed last session were to be phased- in over several years. Even though this bill was not the outcome that I desired, I recognize that this is the honorable way to conduct House business.

In the interest of full disclosure, should other bills tightening our voting process arise, I will probably support them. I believe that each person’s vote is too important a thing to risk by having even one improperly cast vote negate yours. I believe that Voter ID laws are the best way to ensure that we adhere to the principle of “one (wo)man”, one vote”. Allowing the status quo to go on for a while may in fact give folks time to get used to the changes, and then make other laws more palatable and the GOP position stronger. Time will tell.

Steve

The 2013 Sullivan County Conservation District Plant Sale is underway.  SCCD’s biggest fundraiser, money raised from the Plant Sale supports the District’s conservation activities throughout the year, including educational workshops, environmental outreach to schools and communities, tours and programs. A variety of healthy and hardy plants are available at good prices, including fruits (apples, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and peaches), perennial vegetables, (rhubarb, asparagus, horseradish and ostrich ferns – for grow-your-own “fiddleheads!”), hardwood and softwood trees (white oak, paper birch, balsam and fraser firs), and wildlife plants (alternate-leaved dogwood, northern bayberry, and a special wildlife pack of 5 different species). New this year are special and hard-to-find ornamentals, including 6 named varieties of lilacs (early, mid and late blooming), an azalea, and 2 kinds of magnolia trees.

Orders are being taken until March 29^th, and plant pick up will be at Log Cabin Nursery in Claremont on May 4^th.

The catalog for the Plant Sale and the order form are both available online on the SCCD website www.sullivancountynh.gov, click on “Conservation District”.  Paper copies of the catalog and order form are also available.

For more information, please contact Lionel Chute, SCCD District Manager at 603.863-4297 or via e-mail:  conservationdistrict@sullivancountynh.gov

I was planning on going to meet the local candidates in Washington this evening and learn about the local issues.  I will be unable to attend.  My wife’s mother has been fighting a valiant battle against MS for decade.  Sadly, that fight is coming to an end.  Her condition has deteriorated recently and is now at a critical point.  I will be with Carol and my family as this courageous lady comes to the end of her struggle.

Steve