LETTER
Two GOP lies
'Mike Bradley, Hillsboro'
The Republican electoral tsunami of 2010 in New Hampshire was largely based on two lies: that the Democrats were the party of irresponsible taxing and spending, and that New Hampshire does not have a revenue problem but a spending problem.
The figure cited again and again was a 24 percent increase in spending, in the years the Democrats were in the majority in Concord. Even a cursory examination of the facts belies those premises. The spending increase was almost completely accounted for by one-time stimulus funds from the federal government. Of course we spent that - we're not stupid.
General-fund spending for the same period was virtually level, and the budget was balanced for each biennium - without the draconian cuts that have been enacted by the current Legislature.
As to the second: Of course we have a revenue problem in our state! We rely on an antiquated system of fees and property tax, which make no distinction for those who are out of work, on fixed income, or disabled. New Hampshire Advantage, my necktie. This November, we need to elect representatives who will move beyond slogans and dogma to a realistic approach to New Hampshire's fiscal and humanitarian challenges.
MIKE BRADLEY
Hillsboro
