Creating Jobs Requires More than Wishful Thinking
I am a successful businessman and investor. During my professional career, the companies that I co-founded created hundreds of well paid jobs. Now that I am not working full time, I manage investments for myself and my family. Some of my investments are small companies right here in New Hampshire. These small companies have already created some jobs. As these companies continue to grow, they will continue to create more jobs.
In the final analysis, it is a growing economy that creates new jobs. Our economy depends on a number of things that are either provided by or regulated by our state. I will work with my fellow representatives to grow our economy responsibly.
The Foundations of Our Prosperity are Secure Property Rights
To fully participate in the economy, each of us needs to be secure in our persons and our property. To be secure in our persons requires affordable access to food, health care, child and dependent care, and housing as well as protection from discrimination. I will seek solutions to the high costs of care and housing. In addition, I will work to prevent our property, both tangible and intangible, from being confiscated by criminals, monopolists, or the state.
Scientific Thinking Can't Be Learned If It Isn't Taught
We live in a highly technological society and our businesses succeed by commercializing ideas. Those businesses need access to people who understand and can use science and mathematics to generate and refine these ideas. The quality of science and mathematics in primary and secondary schools is of critical importance to our future prosperity. I will address the shortage of excellent science and mathematics teachers.
Capital Markets are More than Just Banks
Businesses need to be able to raise capital. For most, this means borrowing from banks. Over the years other financial businesses have developed that also borrow and lend money. The failure of Capital Resources Management, Inc. shows that our state's regulations are either inadequate or not properly enforced. I will review our financial regulations to insure that they can prevent similar Ponzi schemes without placing a undue burden on legitimate borrowers and lenders.
Telecommunications are the Key to Growth
Just as no successful business could operate in the 1960's without telephone service, no business in the twenty-first century can operate without fast, reliable, and affordable internet access. The Public Utilities Commission placed both systems at risk by permitting well capitalized Verizon to sell off telephone and internet service to Fair Point Communications, which subsequently went bankrupt. I will work to see that similar mistakes are not made in the future and that broadband internet becomes available throughout the state.
Our Transportation Network Carries the Lifeblood of our Commerce
Our economy also depends on reliable, efficient transportation of goods and people. We must maintain and improve our roads, bridges, rails, harbors, and airports. As every homeowner knows, deferred maintenance costs more in the long run. For example, the maintenance of the Memorial Bridge between Kittery and Portsmouth is so long overdue, that it now requires replacement. I will work to see that repairs and maintenance are done when needed.