Rotary eBulletin for the week of September 29, 2014

Several guests were announced including Gloria LeBlanc, a former Portsmouth Club Rotarian, visiting from Florida.    Birthday announcements followed recognizing Nancy Clayburgh with 13 years, and Justin Gamester with 11 years, in Rotary.

Lynn McLaren  announced our Club’s newest member, Dan Marsten, a former Interact member from Auburn, Me. Dan endured a difficult Interact initiation—a rite that he was happy not to repeat here.   Dan is a resident of Eliot and operations manager at a local company. He is eager to contribute to the Club’s activities.

President Tricia announced a Rotary initiative in the effort to eradicate Polio. On October 25, 2014 at 9:00am, there will be a walk across the new Memorial Bridge.   More details to follow, but keep the date open.

Our program was a question and answer forum with Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and her opponent for the position, former Congressman Frank Guinta.  Past President Tony moderated, humorously conveying the ground rules. The format featured a short opening statement, followed by questions from the membership. Each candidate got equal time to respond, with the first responder going second on the next question.  

Rep. Shea-Porter’s opening statement focused on her bi-partisan efforts in Congress and how those efforts benefited New Hampshire. Mr. Guinta responded that the country is moving in the wrong direction and New Hampshire particularly needs new leadership.

Here’s a summary of the Q&A:

Q.  Are negative advertisements and smear campaigns necessary to support an effort to get elected?

Mr. Guinta would like to see respectful, merit-based campaign dialogues. Conversation that provide solutions and substance.

Rep. Shea-Porter said she would like to see campaign finance reform. Such reform, she believes, might end negative ads and smear campaigns.  

Both noted the negative advertisements and efforts of the other.

Q.  What is best for New Hampshire, elected officials voting with their party, or independent officials who vote on what’s best for New Hampshire?

Rep. Shea-Porter said she has on numerous occasions not voted with her party. She  continues to do so when she believes it’s best for New Hampshire.

Mr. Guinta said that his word is his bond. He would break from the party when he feels it’s best for his constituents. 

Both noted that most votes are bi-partisan. However, the votes which get most publicity do not reflect that fact. 

Q.  Would you support an initiative that requires 2 years of public service by graduating high school students as a pre-requisite for receiving financial aid for college?

Both Mr. Guinta and Rep. Shea-Porter said that they would like to see something like that develop on a volunteer basis.   Both cited the importance of family and involving young adults in service. Such service provides them with a sense of purpose.

Q.  Should the US Export-Import Bank be re-authorized given its importance to trade and jobs in New Hampshire?

Rep. Shea-Porter supports the re-authorization of the Bank, as does Mr. Guinta.  Both note that the US is at a competitive disadvantage. Trade, tax and regulatory conditions need to be changed to allow the US to thrive in the international market. 

Q.  What is your philosophy on the US Constitution?

Mr. Guinta stated he would like to see respectful and intellectual discussion on the important issues relating to the Constitution. It’s the nation’s governing document and impacts the politics and policies of the nation.

Rep. Shea-Porter asserted her support of the Constitution, but is concerned that  individual constitutional protections are eroding.  She notes that the government is not respecting an individual’s right to privacy.

Q.  Are there policies of the current Administration with which you disagree? 

Rep. Shea-Porter did not agree with all of aspects of US policy in Syria. She also found fault with certain tax programs and health-care policies.  

Mr. Guinta objects to much of our tax and spending policies as well as Obamacare. In sum, he does not agree with Administration’s vision for America.  He also was concerned with Syria. But he urged voters not to lose sight of illegal immigration and the need to secure our borders. 

Q.  Why is the middle class and small business shouldering the majority of the tax burden in the country and what can be done to stop sending jobs overseas?

Both candidates agree that this is a huge problem. They further agree that there must be tax reform to relieve the middle class and small businesses from some of the burden. Such reform would also benefit small business because as structured, small business cannot compete globally.

Q.  How can healthcare costs be kept down?

Both candidates feel increased competition for health care services will help. That competition is coming over the next year, as the number of providers increases.   Mr. Guinta added that regionalizing competitors (New England plans v. New Hampshire plans) would also help competition flourish.

Q.  Should Congress have voted on the actions occurring in Syria and Iraq?

Both candidates want a vote in Congress.

Q.  What issue is important but not being discussed?

Rep. Shea-Porter believes that the challenges faced by the middle class are important and need attention.  

Mr. Guinta said that road blocks for approving bills submitted by the House to the Senate is a problem requiring attention.  He also believes immigration policy needs more attention.  

Q.  Is the Judicial Branch becoming too political?

Both candidates share concern that the level of division is so steep in Washington that it leads to disdain. They are concerned about the direction that Washington is heading.

Q.  What is your position on gun control?

Rep. Shea-Porter believes that a majority of Americans want something done. Back- ground checks for gun-show/online purchases and banning larger sized bullet magazines, are places to start. 

Mr. Guinta cautions that this is an emotional issue. We should respect the 2^nd Amendment while keeping weapons out of the hands of stalkers and criminals.   

Great questions Rotarians and great job Past President Tony for keeping the forum on task!

Charlie Bourdages won the $86.00 raffle, but no match.

Rotarians left lunch today under an overcast sky and cool temperatures.

See you next week.  –Respectfully submitted, Doug Macdonald.