LETTER: Amherst Reps Only Support Dogma And Doctrines

I would like to pose a question to the voters of Amherst. Is it the responsibility of an elected official to vote the interests of the community they serve, or the interests of the party they represent?

I raise this question because in reviewing the voting records of our three incumbent State Representatives, (Hansen, Rowe and Stepanek), I see far more support for the dogma and doctrines of the Republican Party than I see votes that would generally be perceived as in the interest of our community.

Why would all three Representatives vote in favor of an attempt to amend the state constitution, to prohibit the courts from ruling on the constitutionality of funding public schools (CACR-12)? Is it in our best interests to have the constitutional precedent of checks and balances so directly challenged?

Why would all three Representatives vote to override the Governor's veto of the "Stand Your Ground"bill (SB-88) which would permit individuals to use deadly force in self defense in public places including streets, stores, shopping malls and parks where innocent bystanders would be at risk? Is this in the best interests and safety of the public at large?

Why would Representatives Rowe and Stepanek vote to eliminate the authority of public officials and college administrators from prohibiting the possession of firearms on college campuses, and public places if they deem it in the interest of public safety (HB-334)? Is this is the interests of our parents who send their children to our state universities, or local officials who want to promote a safe public environment?

Why would our three Representatives, all of whom profess to want more jobs and better opportunity for our workers, vote to repeal the State minimum wage law (HB-133)? A law which principally affects the young and wage earners just starting up the ladder.

Why would all three of our Representatives vote to recommend the privatization of Social Security(HCR-39)? Is this proven to be in the best interests of our seniors, and those of us who are approaching retirement?
Why would all three of our Representatives vote to repeal the New Hampshire Rail Authority (HB-218)?I would presume that the residents of Amherst who commute daily, would support an opportunity to travel by rail, or upon less congested highways.

Why did all three of our Representatives vote to cut the tax rate on cigarettes by 10 cents per pack (HB-156), supporting the specious idea that a reduced tax would stimulate sales? The reality is that cigarette prices did not go down, sales did not go up, the cigarette companies pocketed the difference, and the state lost revenues of $17 million which could have been used to support funding of our State university system.

It would appear to me that these votes were more in support of party doctrine or at the request of the "House Leadership", than in the interests of the community they serve.

Maybe the voters should think about electing "Representatives" who represent their interests first!

There are plenty of good names and fresh faces on the ballot this year.

Paul Spiess

142 Amherst Street

Amherst, NH