For Immediate Release
May 20, 2008
David Scannell
(603) 225-6899
 
New Hampshire Citizens Are Sick and Tired of Stale, Rejected Political Gimmicks

(Concord) Rather than working together to make real progress on the issues that matter most to New Hampshire families, the so-called New Hampshire Advantage Coalition is trying to resuscitate a stale, rejected political gimmick.

The Republican-led coalition is trying to push a spending cap provision in municipalities across the state. A similar proposal was soundly rejected by the Republican-dominated New Hampshire House three years ago.

"The New Hampshire Advantage Coalition is headed by the same people who brought you Craig Benson and Jim Coburn. This is another failed attempt to play games rather than work together to address the challenges facing the state and New Hampshire families, and quite frankly, I believe the people of this state are sick and tired of it," said State Democratic Party Chair Raymond Buckley.
"Either this group has forgotten that members of their own party rejected this cheap political gimmick, or they have no real solutions to offer," Buckley said. "They need to be honest and upfront with the people and say exactly which direct services they wish to see cut."

In 2005, the GOP controlled house voted 298-53 to kill CACR 9, which would have amended the constitution requiring the legislature to pass any tax or tax increase by a two-thirds supermajority. The Republican-led House soundly defeated the measure even though it had been supported heavily by former Gov. Craig Benson.

A news conference held by the coalition today featured gubernatorial candidate state Sen. Joe Kenney and Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta.

"During his years in the state Senate, Joe Kenney has shown nothing but a sad devotion to the statewide property tax. Joe Kenney broke a promise to Gov. John Lynch by switching his vote at the last second and voting for an unconstitutional education funding plan that ensured the statewide property taxed continued," Buckley said.

"And the people of Manchester continue to be fleeced by Frank Guinta who has spent more time traveling the state to make cheap political points rather than work to address the budgetary challenges at City Hall. Frank Guinta's absentee style of governing has allowed money to be stolen right from under his nose and resulted in a disastrous budget he delivered to alderman," Buckley said.

"Gov. Lynch and the Democratic majority have shown real leadership in addressing the state's financial situation in the face of a severe downturn in the nation economy. I know the Governor and Democratic leadership will continue to effectively manage this financial situation," Buckley said.