NH State Representative

Primary Election
14
September
2010

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  Hollis - Brookline - Mason

Tel:       603-465-2301
E-Mail:   Jim.B@tds.net

General Election
2
November
2010

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Click on the above links for more information

     So, why should you vote for me in the September State Primary Election and then in the General Election on November 2nd?  I have served my community well over the past 40 years and I believe I have the local experience to go to Concord and represent your interests there.  I have felt the frustration of wondering if those in Concord have lived in our shoes and know our pain.  I won't make empty promises here about reducing taxes, limiting spending and making life easier on everyone.  I will be one of over 400 representatives and will apply my best to each vote that comes up before the House.  I won't win every battle but I'll be in there for the fight.  I won't complain about an issue unless I have a suggested solution to it and expect no less from you.  I will be here to listen to your concerns and attempt to address each one.  I will examine every bill that comes before the House in the next legislative session and evaluate its effect on my constituents.  And, if someone asks me to sponsor a bill that is not in the best interests of our communities, I will not placate them by a false show of support but will tell them how I see it and why.  I'm not planning on going to Concord with a pre-set agenda and don't have a stack of bills to introduce.  In an off year, there are about 600 bills introduced and in the election year, about 900.  Perhaps many of those extra 300 are from new legislators serving their first year.  I've always felt, if you moved to one of our towns because you liked it, don't come in and try to change it.  If I can't make it better, I'd rather leave it alone. 

     Passing taxes on to the local community because of changes in State policy is not in keeping with our commitments on unfunded mandates and I will actively attempt to defeat such efforts.  The State Retirement system now allows an employee to retire with pay based on the last year's earnings.  This promotes the upcoming retiree (with the help of co-workers) to work tons of overtime to boost retirement pay.  Many retire with more income than they made in a 40 hour week when working.  Retirement pay should be based on a standard 40 hour workweek salary.  I would sponsor legislation to change this even knowing it will be a fight with the union.  Local communities have enough to take care of without funding the State retirement system too.

     I will represent you, residents of Hollis, Brookline, and Mason in all my actions and make sure my votes reflect that. What does that mean?  It means I won't blindly vote the "party line" if it doesn't benefit you, the residents.  Increasing taxes on things like cigarettes is counterproductive.  We are trying to stop people from smoking so why increase taxes and depend on a revenue stream from a source we are trying to eliminate.  This is not good fiscal sense, if you ask me. We don't need to find new tax revenue, we need to downsize our operations to fit our budget, just like you and I do at home. 

     I will be running on the Republican ballot but you don't see me advocating the overthrow of all Democrats or filling the House of Representative with all Republicans.  There are good people doing their best to represent voters on both sides. And, having a one-minded mentality provides no checks and balances.  We all need to hear an opposing point of view to test ours and see if our thinking is good or flawed.  Debate, Adjustment & Compromise always brings out the best result. So, look at the folks that are running for office and vote for the people that you are most comfortable with.