The Issues:

There are many issues facing New Hampshire. In order to create a sustainable future and overcome the challenges facing us, we need to begin a dialogue between the citizens of the state and their government.

The issues listed below are a short list of topics that I am willing to discuss with anyone who would like to comment on the corresponding issue's Blog page.

If you would like my views on issues not listed below, please email your issue or question to john@johnbabiarz.com and it will be posted on the issues page and blog for open discussion as well. 

To comment on any "Issues" on it's Blog page click the title link

Best Way to Create Jobs:
The best way to create jobs is to remove excessive start-up regulations and encourage off-shore manufacturing and industry to return to NH.

Economy:

• Support the Right to Work
• Reduce business taxes
• Streamline regulatory processes  that delay business development
• Cut state spending.
• Support a citizen’s efficiency commission to constantly evaluate the  functions of government for improvement
• Remove all un-funded state mandates from state law per NH Constitution article 28a
• Consolidate state functions.

Taxes:
I oppose a general sales tax and income tax, and would support repeal of the statewide property tax. The statewide property tax is an accounting gimmick that violates key provisions of the New Hampshire Constitution.

How do you fund the State: 
Once spending is under control, institute user fees on those activities that require government intervention. General revenues are like a pot of money into which every legislator with a pet project stick their hands, forgetting that the pot is filled with working folk’s hard earned labor.

How to Balance the Budget:
The only way to balance the budget is to reduce state spending. As a member of the 2002-2004 Governor’s Efficiency Commission I gained a first hand understanding of the areas in which we can start immediately.

Gaming:
I am not opposed to the introduction of gaming in the state, so long as it is done legally and with equality..

Health Care:
Deregulate limitations on insurance providers to encourage more companies to offer coverage in NH. Improve health care coverage and services by providing choice, including alternative and holistic therapies.

• Tort Reform in medical malpractice
• Reduce regulations on healthcare providers
• Allow Purchasing Insurances across state lines
• Compassionate Care options for the terminally ill
• Support Legalization of Medical Cannabis

Energy Costs:
Utilities can only become more affordable through the encouragement of greener, sustainable alternative sources of power. Also deregulation will allow additional providers for residential consumers in the state (i.e. competition and choice). NH needs to look at creating green energy plants for our future, and the future of the grid.

Vermont Yankee:
Vermont Yankee is an important regional resource for power generation. There seems to be a management issue with its operator, Entergy which should be examined. Vermont Yankee is a critical in supporting the electrical needs of Southern Vermont, Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.

Education:
I strongly believe in the right of people to have access to quality education. I also believe that this can only be accomplished through competitive public and private schools, school choice, home schooling, charter schools and Internet educational vehicles.

Guns Rights v/s Control:
I support our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Same Sex Marriage:
I support the right of all couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, to be treated equally. It is important for committed couples to have full access to all spousal benefits, so long as they demonstrate that their relationship is one of lasting integrity. It is also my belief that marriage, by definition, is a religious institution, and the state has no business being involved in it’s regulation.

Judicial Reform:
I support of Judicial Reform. Our current court system ignores the plain language of the Constitution. I will work with the General Court on these matters. I support Fully Informed Juries, in which the jury has the right to not only decide on the facts, but the law also. I would favor a bill requiring judges to inform the jury of all their rights.

Environment and Gulf Oil Spill:

• Promote sustainable agricultural marketing in the state by removing state regulations on the farmer.
• Streamline/fast track emergency repair of environmental damages from natural events.
• Review state wide environmental regulations for effectiveness

The Gulf Oil Spill is an example of the need for a state to recognize industrial situations that may require specific disaster preparedness. States should also consider the longer term environmental impact that any industry may create and require companies to have a mitigation plans in place.

Abortion:
I am personally pro-life, but do not believe that government has the right to regulate an individual or couples decisions in reproductive choice.

Immigration

We are a nation of immigrants. A framework of legal immigrations laws exist at the federal level. These laws have been long antiquated. The quality of life, the advancement of technology in the United States has been a result of the best and brightest moving to the country because of our long standing of commitment to freedom. A better life has long been the quest of people around the world. (continued)

Click to Read More about "Immigration"

As long as we maintain the standard of life, liberty and protect the pursuit of happiness, this country will always be a beacon to those who want to achieve the American dream. When any law that is passed, which sets up a system in contrary to our founding, abuses will result in breaking the path to liberty. Such laws as welfare, unfunded mandates, and other give always result in lack of work ethic, creating a sense of entitlement. This resentment of entitlement leads to anti-immigration sentiment.

When there are dangers, such as war, limiting immigrations may be a prudent move. The United States at this time is not at war. Congress has passed no such formal declaration since June 5, 1942 (Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania). 

In 1875 the Supreme Court declared that regulation of US immigration is the responsibility of the Federal Government. As Governor, I would be sworn to follow the constitution. New Hampshire is one of the few states with an international border and open seas. As Governor, my obligations are to follow the Constitution and the laws of New Hampshire.

References

New Hampshire Constitution
[Art.] 7. [State Sovereignty.] The people of this state have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and independent state; and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction, and right, pertaining thereto, which is not, or may not hereafter be, by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in congress assembled.
June 2, 1784

US Constitution
Article 1 sect 8
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject
of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

Article 4 Section 4
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican
Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on
Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature
cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

Bill of Rights
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people

Also see www.lp.org/issues/immigration