From Londonderry to Conway, New Hampshire wants less government

Today was a great day on the campaign trail. From Londonderry to Conway, voters really seem to be concerned about the economy and the direction of the country.

I started out at New Hampshire Precision Metal Fabricators in Londonderry, where I met Mark Poirier, president of the precision parts and assemblies manufacturer at 15 Industrial Drive.

Like many business owners, Mark is concerned about how government is getting in the way of the economy with burdensome taxes and regulation, preventing businesses from growing and creating much-needed jobs. He said he was glad to see a candidate in listening mode, traveling around the state to really get a sense of how Washington can help businesses best by getting out of the way.

“Small business people are looking for someone to represent us in Congress who is going to look at the pocketbook issues of everyday people,” Poirier told me after touring his business.

Later, I headed north to the Conway area where I’ll be staying the night in preparation for tomorrow’s Town Hall meeting there. We’ll be at Conway Café at 32 Main St. starting at 6 p.m. to hear from the folks of the Mount Washington Valley Region.

While taking in some views of New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, which is beautiful in all seasons of the year, I stopped in to see Chris Kanzler, owner of White Mountains Firearms at 1305 White Mountain Highway in North Conway to talk about his concerns that the federal government is growing too large.

More specifically, Chris was concerned that government is taking too much power away from the states, which really should be the level of government more connected with the people and everyday issues. In addition, Chris pressed for a stronger interpretation of the Second Amendment so everyday people can protect their own rights.

“We can really rely on Frank to keep our Second Amendment rights in tact, which is important as a guarantee of individuals’ rights to protect their persons, property and liberty,” Chris Kanzler said.

During another stop at South Tamworth Country Store at 1004 Bearcamp Highway in South Tamworth, owner Barry Paterno and I talked about how important it is going to be to get fresh candidates in Washington in 2010 and 2012 who are willing to listen to the people they represent and act in their behalf.

“It would be nice to get more Republicans down there to put a break on all that stuff the Democrats are doing down there, and bring some balance back to Congress,” Barry told me.

I’m humbled by Mark, Chris and Barry’s support and encouraged that so many folks are eager to voice their concerns with me. Once elected, I will do everything in my power to restore our government to its constitutional limits, which will assuredly help restore the economy as well.

I hope to see you tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Conway Café at 32 Main St. in Conway so I can listen to more of your concerns. If you can't make it there, you'll still be able to catch me at four other meetings before our current tour is done. Meet me in Rochester at 6 p.m. on February 11, in Dover at 6 p.m. on February 18, in Londonderry at 6 p.m. on February 24, or in Wolfeboro at 6 p.m. on March 3.

-- Frank Guinta