LETTER: New Political Organization on the Horizon

In May of this year, I joined a group of existing and former legislators and concerned citizens in forming a new political organization called "Restore the Center". Our goal is to encourage, support and promote the candidacy of individuals who recognize the increasing polarization of our political parties, and who want to restore the center of the political spectrum as the place where respect, cooperation and compromise are encouraged and rewarded.

We are Republicans, Democrats and independents. We recognize that the largest group of registered voters is" undeclared" and we believe that the majority of voters in New Hampshire want their elected officials to represent them and not any one Party.

Therefore, we will seek out and support candidates who are willing to adopt and promote five basic rules of governance:

1. Respect the opinion of others and the interests of minorities
2. Represent the interests of constituents over "party" doctrine
3. Encourage respectful discourse and social tolerance
4. Strive for consensus, compromise, collaboration and effective problem solving
5. Promote fact based decision making over political dogma

Our goal is to restore the New Hampshire legislature to its historic place as an example of true democracy and representative government at its best. Where the institutions of governance are operated in the interests of the state and its citizens and not as a forum to promote special interests and national party divisiveness. We want the elected leadership of our state to act responsibly and fairly in the performance of their duties and to respect the values and ideals of each individual elected to office.

In summary, we cannot hope to address the many social and societal challenges we face within the State and our individual communities, unless we restore confidence and trust in the process of governance. We believe that reform of our elected institutions can only come from the establishment of a strong political center and a rejection of divisive partisan politics. We are here to create a space for centrist candidates who want to be judged by their constituents on the merits of their efforts to represent their communities and not by a score card of support for Party leadership .

If you are interested in supporting our efforts, please feel  free to contact me at paulspiess@aol.com or at 860-6022.

Paul Spiess
142 Amherst Street
Amherst, NH  03031