Dear Editor:
I listened to Maggie Hassan, Democratic party candidate for governor, speaking to New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association members in Tilton. She bridged a gap between what I perceive as a lack of national energy policy (apart from continuation of last century’s fossil fuel dependence) and things gone awry in New Hampshire regarding good jobs in vibrant businesses, sometimes due to energy costs. She explained that our 2-year governance cycle can impede advances in our businesses’ energy choices.
Later one of the panelists, in a discussion of solar installation in New Hampshire homes and businesses, gestured the “yo-yo” effect of 2-year governance cycle changes that keep banks reluctant in financing. Banks, naturally cautious about financing, stall business choices leading to growth and more jobs when frequent legislative changes fog the situation. Maggie Hassan, as governor, would engage the stakeholders in developing a 10-year energy policy. A 10-year plan itself is tough to initiate, but this one is a needed stabilizer. Maggie Hassan is far-sighted!
She also drew applause from the sixty-plus attending when she called for, as governor, leading the legislature to restoring the $50 million cut from our public university and college system. We need a well-trained work force. We also need to keep our younger citizens in New Hampshire, with employment opportunities and a future. Else we become an aged population without youth revitalizing the economy and making life happen in our communities. Why should Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with lower tuition costs, reap the benefits of a brain-drain out of New Hampshire? For these two issues, let alone others, on November 6 we should gratefully choose Maggie Hassan.
Sincerely,
Lynn Rudmin Chong
603-934-6486