NH State Representative Steven Smith

Next Tuesday, two of my bills will be heard before the Election Law Committee.  They both deal with “Inspectors of Election”.  These are folks sent by local political party committees to help run an election.  I tried to find out exactly what the duties and responsibilities of these folks are.  The duties were spread out over several sections of state law.  It wasn’t very easy to find them all.  The Deputy Secretary of State told me that you could find a better description in the Elections Manual.  It didn’t make sense to me that you had to get another book to have the law explained to you.  HB151 consolidates these duties in one place so that regular people can more easily find it.  You can read it yourself here – http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2013/HB0151.html

The second bill seeks to restrict these folks from participating in Town Meeting Day.  Town Meetings are non-partisan affairs.  Candidates do not have their party listed after their name.  In a state where it sometimes seems that we only get a few months off between elections, I just want to protect Town Meetings from becoming the kind of hyper-partisan event that everything is.  You can read it for yourself here – http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2013/HB0150.html

Committee hearings are open to the public.  If you’d like to be heard on these issues, you always have the right to come down and speak.

Thanks for listening,

Steve

As the new year approaches, it feels appropriate to look ahead, not only on the calendar, but also technologically.  I had a long talk with Bill James, president of Jpods yesterday.  He claims that his company will come to NH and build these transit systems with their own money, if we just give them a chance.  These small, lightweight, solar powered transit cars are the perfect solution for a state like NH with low population density.  If Mr. James is willing to risk his own capital to build one, shouldn’t we give him a chance?  For too long, we’ve had the running battle over trains and buses.  Proponents claim that these systems are needed for those who can’t drive, and that the infrastructure will make NH more attractive to new businesses.  Opponents claim that public transit systems are a sucking money pit that will devour ever increasing piles of tax payer dollars in the future.  Both sides are right.  Shouldn’t we then look to the future and examine new systems that are efficient and viable?  We can’t be first.  Morgantown, WV has had a system like this since the 70’s.  Fayetteville, GA is building one now.  We can still get on board and not be left behind.  There is no system that is more efficient, environment friendly, and easy to set up.  Let’s not only look ahead, but move ahead.  This will give NH citizens mobility freedom, create jobs, and reduce traffic.

http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/PressRelease_Fayetteville121220_02.pdf

Steve

Yes, I said Merry Christmas.  Why?  Well, because that’s what I celebrate.  I know we have this trend lately to get rid of any specific references at this time of year, but Happy Holidays isn’t what I mean.  I mean Merry Christmas.  As we approach a new year, one thing I’d like to see change is the trend towards enforced ignorance.  Here’s an example:

Person #1 – Merry Christmas!

Person #2 – How dare you!  And within earshot of a school!  I am offended and want someone to silence you!

Here’s what I’d like to work towards instead:

Person #1 – Merry Christmas!

Person #2 – Thank you, but I’m an atheist.  I hope you and your family enjoy the holiday break.

Person #3 – Thank you, but I’m Jewish.  Happy Hannukah.

Person #4 – Thank you and Happy Kwanzaa!

In my perfect world, those folks might then hang around and talk about their different customs and how it makes this time of year different for them.  We should never be offended to hear a different point of view, or learn about other cultures and religions.

My hope for the new year is that we can inspire more people to listen to more ideas, and be less offended when those ideas differ from their own, or clash with their beliefs.  I hope that we can find ways to talk more and litigate less.  I am an optimist.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Steve