Recognizing Education Excellence

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Rep. Steven Smith

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

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Rep. Steven Smith

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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Constitutional Amendment – Education

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Rep. Steven Smith

The House, Senate, and Governor Lynch have agreed on language for CACR12, the education funding amendment.  Here’s a Union Leader article with a good synopsis – http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120531/NEWS06/705319882

The thing that I want to convey to you is that your state government does not pass Constitutional Amendments.  You do.  When we vote for or against a CACR, we are voting for or against allowing the voters to vote on the issue.  Remember that when you see a Representative or Senator voting against a CACR.  There are some good reasons to vote against a CACR:

  1. It is worded poorly and may confuse voters
  2. It is deliberately worded to confuse voters
  3. It conflicts with another CACR, where if both pass, would cause a Constitutional conflict
  4. It is a measure that does not belong in the Constitution

Beyond that. I have a pretty high bar for voting to keep you from voting on something.  A lot of people from both parties have worked really hard on CACR 12.  Whether you agree with it or not, it is a well done amendment worthy of being presented to the voters.  Will CACR 12 solve all our education problems?  No.  Personally, I think that it is a big step in the right direction and will make things better.  I will be voting in favor of adding this to the ballot for you to consider in November.  I hope that you will vote for it.  Between now and then, feel free to ask questions and discuss the measure.  You have a little over 4 months to get the information that you’ll need to cast a well informed vote.

Steve

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