Campaign spending should be limited
To the editor:
Bill Binnie, a candidate for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, is continuously on TV with political commercials. As of Aug. 15, Mr. Binnie has spent about $3.5 million of his own money, which is allowed by our laws. Mr. Binnie is very wealthy and he can afford to inject many millions of his wealth into his political campaign, but other candidates do not have huge personal fortunes.
Unfortunately, over the years many wealthy candidates have been able to use their wealth to promote their candidacy, and essentially indirectly buy their way into elected positions. The Kennedys, Rockefellers, Mitt Romney and John Kerry are all examples of politicians who have used their wealth to gain political office.
Wealthy people have an unfair advantage running for political office because there is no limit on the amount of personal money they can contribute to their campaigns. I suggest we pass a law limiting the amount of personal money candidates can contribute to their campaigns. Maybe $100,000 would be a reasonable limit.
Donald A. Moskowitz
Londonderry
Relay for life event advances cancer fight
To the editor:
Who hasn't been affected by cancer?
At the 2010 Greater Derry/Londonderry Relay for Life, as dusk approached, luminaria bags lit the track with the names of loved ones — mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandmothers, grandfathers, grandchildren, and friends. My father passed away from lung cancer, my mother from bone cancer, my two cousins lost their battle with breast cancer, my mother-in-law and my godmother — and, most recently, the mother of my cousin's wife all have passed from this disease.
With that said, we all know cancer survivors — many come to mind immediately. Cancer education and awareness have made this possible — and can take many forms. The tremendous research and education provided by the American Cancer Society is one.
A cancer survivor and resident at Birch Heights decided to make her own statement. This endearing and enduring senior walked into the dining room one day with a shocking pink streak blazing across her gray hair. In her own way and style, she wanted to convey the importance of getting a mammogram. And not too many years ago, my son, Herbert, participated several times in the Relay for Life while a student at Londonderry High, walking the track all night long to support this life-giving cause.
The 2010 Greater Derry/Londonderry Relay for Life event was truly a time to rally. It is a life-changing event that gives those participating and donating a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.
Final analysis: 107 hats were knitted and crocheted for cancer patients by Birch Heights' residents, Londonderry Senior Center members, and a Fremont community member. There were 91 teams, 955 participants, 152 survivors in the No. 1 Relay in the state. Total funds raised were $214,517.
Jason Phelps, cancer survivor and captain of the No. 1 team fundraiser, "Survivors Rule", whose team raised over $11,500 and to date has raised $72,000 in the fight against cancer, walked 29 miles then raced a final lap. He was beaten by Jen, another cancer survivor.
Lucy Darling
Londonderry
Rausch is best choice for state Senate
To the editor:
As a former state senator I would urge voters in Derry, Hampstead and Windham to join me in supporting Jim Rausch for state Senate District 19.
Jim's many terms in the House have prepared him for this position and he has always had the pulse of the community. Consistently putting his constituents first, he listens to those he represents and follows through with the appropriate actions.
As a doctor of veterinary medicine, he is by far the most educated senator our district has seen in years and will be an extremely valuable asset to the New Hampshire Senate. Jim understands the financial picture that Derry, as well as New Hampshire, faces and instead of just complaining about the problem, provides solutions.
District 19 needs Jim Rausch for state Senate.
Frank Sapareto
Derry
Natural gas can power vehicle fleets
To the editor:
While running for office, President Obama promised that if elected, he would get us off OPEC oil within 10 years.
Two years are gone and we still don't have a plan. In fact, there is some evidence that we're going in the wrong direction. In July 2010, we imported 388 million barrels of oil. That's the single largest month of imports since President Obama was inaugurated.
The Natural Gas Act, or "NAT GAS", will create jobs, clean up the environment and improve our national security by providing tax incentives to organizations which operate fleets of vehicles that are fueled with imported oil to be replaced with vehicles that run on domestic natural gas.
As a former heavy user of diesel, I understand the complexities of our system's fuel needs and the subsequent dependency on imported supplies. Natural gas is a viable alternative.
Those who are running for office — open seats, incumbents or challengers — need to commit to this legislation and make promises to reduce our need for OPEC oil a central part of their campaigns.
Bruce Lyskawa
Londonderry
Lamontagne is best candidate for Senate
To the editor:
This election is the most critical mid-term election in the history of our nation. We need the strongest Senate candidate that New Hampshire can provide and that is Ovide Lamontagne.
Ovide is the only true conservative in the race. I have known Ovide and his family for years and know that he will put us back on the path our forefathers intended. Congress is spending us into bankruptcy, choking our small businesses, and seizing control of our education, health care and financial systems. Government is growing out of control and we need Ovide to reverse course now because soon it will surely be too late. Additionally, Ovide is pro-life and pro-traditional marriage.
Ovide has a proven track record and has been active in the community and conservative movement for decades. Now we need him to fight for us in the U.S. Senate. I hope you'll join me and many of our New Hampshire friends and vote for Ovide Lamontagne, the best that we can send to Washington!
Emile D. Beaulieu
Manchester
