A Matter of Political Alignment.
Friday, March 5, 2010 at 06:54PM
So several days ago I was walking through Border’s bookstore in Concord looking at books like Stephen King’s new book, Under the Dome. I’ve been waiting for the decision or at least the announcement as to whether the famous writer from Bangor will have a sequel to The Shining. As I’m sure you all know the shining was partially based on the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods.
Apparently King has issued a statement about the possibility of a sequel featuring Danny Torrance fifty years later. King has stated that this would be a cool idea but at this point nothing firm has been done.
I’m thinking horror right now after watching some of the press coverage of the casino legislation before the legislature. Clearly the political alignment for the passage of a casino bill is better in New Hampshire than it’s ever been. Senate President Larsen has quoted 60% of New Hampshire voters favor this over taxation. I think the number is closer to 70% but right now this isn’t that important what is important is the political alignment and the fact that elected officials in the statehouse are listening to what the citizens of New Hampshire want. I’ve never heard of Executive Councilor Ray Burton ever state that he supports casinos in New Hampshire, even after I questioned him specifically on this issue but today “now is the time.” Burton has stated.
Now think about Jack Torrance. He is sitting at the bar in the Gold Room being served by the immaculate Bellman. “You’re credit is good here Mr. Torrance, you’re credit will always be good here but there is however, a certain matter that needs to be attended to.”
In New Hampshire that certain matter is Governor John Lynch.
What happens if the legislature passes this expanded casino gaming legislation and is vetoed by Governor Lynch. The popular three term Governor has stated that he is personally opposed to the idea of expanded casino gaming and if you notice that the commission he personally created via executive order isn’t doing anything except gathering information. Big surprise here. So the next election is coming, I think Commissioner Stephen unlike his bids for Congress so far is using a quality issue based strategy and sharp jabs against the governor. Not overly negative, Stephen is using his experience in state government to his advantage. Over time Stephen will inflict some real damage to the image experienced incumbent.
From a political basis Lynch could simply veto the casino bill. The outcome of the election won’t be decided by this action unless the popular three term governor wants to be known as the individual that brought casinos into New Hampshire, which he doesn’t. By vetoing the bill Lynch could effectively move the issue to the next governor should he lose and if he wins uses the veto to sustain his well- established position against expanded casino gaming. Somehow I just can’t picture Gov. Lynch signing a casino bill regardless of what it is.
And regardless of what the citizens of New Hampshire want.
NVN Nation- Descent.
Reader Comments (10)
Former Senate President Nixon had a good point yesterday when he said that NH has always come up with the solution at the last minute, i.e. room & meals tax, etc. But somehow I don't see anything like this on the immediate horizon for New Hampshire. As you know the deficit appears to widening.
I'd have to agree with your last point(s). There are too many retirees in the Legislature.
The deficit is widening - on purpose.
There was a deliberate attempt to spend NH into broad based taxes. Its called The 17.5% Solution.
It might have worked except for Obama losing almost every Independant and energizing a brand new base of conservatives right smack dab in the middle (that means more is to come) of a resession.
We will have to CUT state government - not feed it.
If this is possible Mr. Naile I'd ask you exactly what area(s) of state government you would like to see cut.
My direct experience and analysis in this area is that state government is already cutting departments, agencies, programs and services to dangerously threadbare levels if they haven't been eliminated entirely. I can cite numerous examples of what the long-term costs of these cuts are going to be. And this is eveything from the YDC to the recent vote in Lebanon to replace the aging middle school.
I'm having a problem with the policos making campaigns out of cutting spending which every taxpayer, including myself, likes to hear. But at this point I just don't think its realistic or fair to the citizens in New Hampshire to continue to cut programs. At this rate there is going to be some valid basis for the statement "drive fast and don't look back."
I'd appreciate any insight you could offer.
We could easily cut into this debt simply by repealing all the increases from the last 4 years,not ten.Although we could go back much farther as far as I am concerned.
Second,Cut the entire government 10%,as a start.Tell all the bleeding hearts to shut up.We have many problems ahead of us(medi-care,state pension plans etc;) that will eat up all surplus monies for decades,especially if these problems are not legislatively addressed.
Even if this economy turns around and the states coffers start overflowing,most of that money will be needed just to pay for those problems mentioned above,not to mention any new ones that are bound to pop up.You say name names.Well,I say share the pain.
Do you really believe this government is run so efficiently that you could'nt find areas to cut,even eliminate,during a historic economic downturn?It's time to get back to basics.I know it will piss alot of people off,but what else is new?
I honestly believe if we don't get a handle on this now,it will be forced upon us in the near future.And it will be much more severe than my meager suggestions above.
Meanwhile real people are being impacted by these cuts, daily.
I'll ask the question again: Where exactly would you cut? Which programs?
I've just worked 14 hours straight so I'm too tired to go into HB 1 which I used to do for my constituants when they asked the same questions you're asking about cutting spending.
Also,I mentioned the easiest way to cut into the deficit would be to simply eliminate all the new programs enacted in the last 4 years.I don't know how to be more specific,other than naming every department in our government.
"It won't be enough until I see some specific example(s) of where to cut and further still, how these cuts will help the NH taxpayer in the long run."S.Connolly
So it does'nt really matter whether we can afford it or not?It does'nt matter to you if the government runs this state into the ground as long as people like you can feel all warm and fuzzy inside,right?You sound like a child.Children have a hard time with economic reality also.
"Meanwhile real people are being impacted by these cuts, daily."S.Connolly
All right Mr.Connolly let's play your game.Name them.Name the cuts that are hurting "these people".Hell,name the people.Why do you think it's the governments job to babysit people?
Just once I would like to debate a liberal who won't pull the emotion card out of the deck.Economic reality is a foreign concept to people like you.Well,here's a clue.If your so worried about these people you are mentioning then why don't you,and a group of people who think like you,get together and start a non-profit.Then you and your friends could donate all your money(after taxes of course)to these poor people you are so concerned about.See,it's really easy,AND you don't have to steal my money to pay for your generosity.
Ha Ha,I made a funny.We all know you guys would rather have the government force me to donate to your silly social programs,rather than rely on your liberal friends to donate to them on thier own.Liberals,always generous with OTHER PEOPLES MONEY.
Oh,one last question.Seeing as how you don't think the government gets enough of our hard earned money already,how much extra,besides what you owe,do you send the government in your tax returns?They do take donations you know.And people are hurting,right?If your like every other liberal I know,the answer is zero.
First you advocate across the board, unnamed cuts at 10% which is irresponsible and then you accuse with the above statement. I've never made the arguement that it's the government's job to babysit people.
Of course there are areas where state government can and should cut spending. Examples include Cannon Mountain and the growing administrative plutocracy at the Departments of Corrections and Administrative Services. But even if these cuts were made tommorrow this would not lead to any real dramatic change in the financial issues that face New Hampshire.
This is the real reality. A reality I think you're clearly ignoring Mr. Oliver.
Talk to any case worker that works with individuals with mental or substance abuse issues. This is followed by single parents and followed by the elimination of most of the educational programs at the YDC. This list continues on.
There are numerous non-profits in New Hampshire. Such as Tri-County CAP in northern New Hampshire. I think they do alot for the limited funds they recieve from state and federal sources.
Mr.Connolly,you seem to have a problem with reading comprehension.Across the board means EVERYTHING! Do I really need to name every department,program etc; for you to understand I mean the ENTIRE STATE GOVERNMENT needs to be cut by 10%.
As far as reality goes Mr Connolly,I seem to be on stronger ground than you.We have a 50 million dollar deficit(last I checked)that is growing every month.Tax revenues are still declining.In other words,we have serious budget problems now and into the forseeable future.
And your response?More bleeding heart nonsense.Do you think it's the governments job to make sure NO ONE falls through the cracks?Because that is pie in the sky unrealistic.
Also,you fail to address my other point.Do you realize with the current government obligations(medi-care,pension plans etc;)that there will be even less money for you to sprinkle around to your chosen ones in the future whether you like it or not.Will you advocate raising taxes on the people who make this state work so that you and your friends can continue being Santa Claus?No need to answer,of course you will.
Hopefully,after the next election,we will have a real discussion as to the role of government in our lives.I believe it has grown too large and intrusive.While I believe the government should make sure our most indigent don't starve to death,it should concentrate on its constitutional duties.
I do appreciate your responses Mr.Connolly.