This fall, New Hampshire voters face an important choice in filling the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring three-term Sen. Judd Gregg.
Republicans and independents in Tuesday's primary will select the Republican candidate who will take on Democrat Paul Hodes in the November final election. Hodes, who is leaving his House seat to run for Senate, is unopposed in the Democratic primary.
The best choice for Granite State Republicans and independents is Jim Bender.
Jobs and the economy are among the top concerns of voters in this election. Unlike many in our political class, Bender, a successful business leader, actually has created jobs. Bender has the right ideas on the economy, ideas that will get our nation growing again.
Bender knows that the biggest concern among business leaders today is uncertainty. When business owners don't know what the government will do next, when they don't know what onerous policy is coming next, they become hesitant and won't take the risks needed to grow and produce jobs.
The Democratic leadership in Congress and the Obama administration have spent much of the past two years demonizing business as an enemy of the people. Then, in the next breath, they ask, "Where are the jobs?"
Bender opposes the massive stimulus programs promoted by the Democrats and Obama. American progress cannot come from a government program, Bender says.
"No politician can give you the American dream," Bender said in a meeting with our editorial board. "What I can do is set conditions for you to get the American dream for yourself."
Chief among these conditions is lessening the enormous burden of debt the government has placed on the backs of the American people. Bender says he would work to repeal the health care bill passed by Congress against the wishes of a majority of Americans. In its place, Bender wants to strengthen the private market in health care to help drive down costs and make insurance more affordable.
Bender supports the development of energy alternatives to oil such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear and clean coal. But he does not support the "cap and trade" scheme advanced by Democrats that would do little more than increase energy costs for families and business.
Bender is a solid choice for Republicans and independents who support conservative values and constitutional policies. He will offer a vigorous challenge to Paul Hodes in the general election.
Have your say on orchard development
A plan to turn an orchard into a new village will bring major change to Londonderry. Fortunately, residents have an opportunity this week to have their say about the design of the project.
Pillsbury Realty Development wants to transform the 270-acre Woodmont Orchard property into a self-contained village that would be the first of its kind in the state.
The plans are extensive. The village will include commercial and office space with a centralized downtown. The village would support 1,400 residences of single- and multiple-family dwellings. There will also be space for a future school.
The design will include low-speed streets, walkways and parks. It could take 20 years to build to completion.
Mike Kettenbach, a principal in Pillsbury Realty, and the project's designers want ideas and other input from the community.
"We definitely want to know what the community wants," Kettenbach told reporter Suzanne Laurent. "This is going to be a village where people can live, work and play, and this can be a positive project."
Change on this scale requires public input and comment. The developers are to be commended for offering ample opportunity for it.
Beginning this week and continuing through Monday, a series of meetings is being held at the Woodmont Packaging Center, 15 Pillsbury Road.
All residents are encouraged to attend sessions tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. as well as the closing presentation Monday from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Woodmont Orchard project will have a major impact on Londonderry's future. We encourage residents to attend a meeting and have their thoughts heard.
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