A Fresh and Logical Approach to Problem Solving

I live in Stratham and am running for New Hampshire state representative from Rockingham District 13. The district includes the towns of Exeter, Stratham, and North Hampton. I have identified a number of problems in my district and the state that need attention. I enjoy solving problems and am looking forward to using my knowledge and skills to improve the lives of my fellow citizens. I have the advantage of an open mind and will question the assumptions that others take for granted.

Balancing the Budget: Measure Twice; Cut Once

I first heard the old saw "measure twice; cut once," when I was a teenager building a boat with my father. We measure twice to avoid the consequence of cutting in the wrong place--waste. As any carpenter will tell you, careless cuts create waste. I will oppose arbitrary, across-the-board cuts. I will insist on meaningful measures of performance and target cuts toward those programs that are inefficient, ineffective, or redundant. I will also target those programs that have out lived their usefulness.

A balanced budget requires more than control of spending. We must also consider the sources of funds. A balanced budget expresses our priorities and values. Like families--in good times and bad, our state must live within our means. I will take a hard look at all fair revenue and spending choices to do what is best for all the people of New Hampshire.

We Have to Work Together to Protect Our Watershed

The water quality in Great Bay is deteriorating. It has recently been labeled "impaired" by NH DES. Pollution knows no political boundaries. It is only by working together that we can find and implement successful, cost-effective strategies to address water quality in the Coastal Watershed. Working with the Southeast Watershed Alliance, I will continue to coordinate with the communities in the watershed, regional planning commissions, and state and federal agencies to preserve and improve water quality.