No Tax Increase for Sullivan County

Last night, the Sullivan Count Delegation approved a budget.  Over the past year, there have been many advances in the county.  They are beginning a new biomass power project for the county complex.  While expensive, it will save money years from now, and it will immediately reduce our dependence on oil.  Local wood chip producers will benefit from local sourcing of our energy needs.  The budget also includes some modest raises for county employees and replacements for some aging county vehicles.  Grants were also approved which included continuing funding for the public bus service and other agencies of interest that serve Sullivan County citizens.

You’ll also be happy to know that all of this was accomplished within the budget, and that your county taxes will not go up one penny.  As a matter of fact, they may actually go down very slightly.  I rarely call out other elected officials or parties, but you should know that all 8 Republicans passed the motion that ensured that there would be no tax increase.  All 4 Democrats voted against it, preferring to raise your taxes.  That’s something to consider come November.  It isn’t easy to advance programs and continue service, while maintaining a hard line on expenditures… but it is possible.

Zero Sullivan County Tax increase.  Nada.  Zip. Zilch.  Not one penny.  Say it out loud, it’ll feel good.

Steve

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Recognizing Education Excellence

I’m looking for a person or organization from Acworth, Charlestown, Goshen, Langdon, Lempster, or Washington who has demonstrated excellence in higher education.  Please read the information below and contact me to begin the nomination process.

  • Rep. Steven Smith
  • PO Box 624, Charlestown, NH 03603
  • 603-826-5996
  • nhfirst@gmail.com

The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) is seeking nominations for our 11th annual New England Higher Education Excellence Awards. Four regional awards and six state merit awards will be presented to the recipients on the evening of Friday, March 8, 2013 in Boston, Mass.

Nominees should be individuals, programs or organizations in New England higher education, government or business that exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, diversity and partnerships and collaborations.

Four Regional Awards

  • The Governor Walter R. Peterson Award for Leadership
  • The Eleanor M. McMahon Award for Lifetime Achievement
  • The Robert J. McKenna Award for Program Achievement
  • The David C. Knapp Award for Trusteeship

Six State Merit Awards 

  • One for each New England state
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Accessible Government – a New Hampshire Advantage

I’m very fortunate to live in New Hampshire.  In most other states, the state is run by a hyper-connected power elite.  It is expensive to run, and the rewards of running are great.  State Legislators in Massachusetts are paid over $60,000 per year.  California pays over $90,000.  Because of the power, and the salaries, big money limits these offices to those with the clout and the cash.  Here in New Hampshire, we pay $100 per year.  Long hours, driving time, paperwork, chaotic schedule, and $100 plus mileage… who would do that?  It is one of the wonders of our state that we trust people to go do what needs doing.  We trust that people will care enough about New Hampshire, and the towns that the folks live in, that someone will always pick up the task and get it done.  This trust of the electorate has worked well, and creates a system where there is a Representative for every 3,291 people.  You can always call, email, or write to your Representative… and you should always expect a response.  So, last Friday, I was privileged to do something that people in other states consider out of their reach, and people in other countries less free than ours can only wonder at.  I went down to my town clerk and filed for re-election.  I am thankful that here in New Hampshire, a regular guy with a job, a mortgage, and children can become part of the government.  I am truly awed that I am allowed to be a part of this process.  I have filed for newly created Sullivan County District 11 – Acworth, Charlestown, Goshen, Langdon, Lempster, and Washington.  I hope to earn the votes of the people of the district and pledge to always be available to you.

Representative Steven Smith

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