THE REAL DEAL
This past Thursday I was allowed an interview with Governor Lynch, which I decided to do at the State House. I have met the Governor before, when we were involved with the child-protection campaign, and I have interviewed him before, over the phone.
Governor Lynch has just begun his third term, and has won handily in each election. Without branding himself as an Independent, he has appealed to moderates from both sides of the aisle, and seems to lead with a pretty even keel. Like nearly every other state in the union, New Hampshire is in the midst of a nearly 500 million dollar budget shortfall. Detractors have blamed the crisis on Lynch himself, but in reality, there have been many factors that led us here, again, much like every other state.
The Governor has had a successful business career before coming to the State House. He has struck me, since he first took office, as an appreciable man. Thoughtful, smart, not prone to outbursts or endless political chatter. Indeed, his campaigns have lacked the usual rhetoric, sound-bites and slogans that we have become used to. He speaks simply, and to the point.
We all endured the chants of promised "bi-partisan" leadership during the presidential campaign. McCain was a known quantity, with a lengthy record of working with leaders from both parties. It was often said that McCain's problem was reaching across to his own aisle, having a lengthy record, also, of drawing the ire of fellow Republicans. Obama does not look promising in terms of adopting any conservative principles into his agenda.
So, this is an area where Governor Lynch has impressed me. He has worked tirelessly with Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, on many issues, most notably child-protection laws. In fact, he has supported her quest for another term when her existing term ends on March 31st, just a few weeks from now. It's not about party, it's about what is best for the State. When Judd Gregg was picked to be Commerce Secretary for the Obama administration, he was not about to give up his seat in New Hampshire if it was to be taken by a Democrat. This single seat would have tipped the scales in Washington, where the Democrats are already controlling both Houses. Lynch, probably not wanting to throw a wet blanket on what was clearly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Gregg, who has served this State tirelessly and without scandal for years, agreed to appoint Bonnie Neumann, a Republican, should Gregg go to Washington, D.C..
We all know now, Gregg did indeed go to Washington, and then came scurrying back, somehow surprised to find that there was a very left-leaning President now filling the Oval Office. Again, Governor Lynch played no games, welcomed Gregg back and returned the seat. All fair-play, executed in adult fashion. In short, exactly how we all wish our elected officials would behave. Like all good news, it gets no play in the press. But it is noteworthy, by the very fact that it is becoming so rare.
Additionally, Governor Lynch is tackling the States financial problems just as he should. There will be tax increases. There is no way around it, but he is keeping it as minimal as possible. Importantly, he said "no" to Federal stimulus money that would have created social programs that mandated that the State continue the programs, even after the Federal funding dried up in two years. Only Lynch, and two other Governors across the country said "no" to this money. We are accepting money for construction projects and a few other pet things, but Lynch showed fiscal restraint that is far too uncommon among politicians.
He is combining agencies, trimming employees, asking all government employees to look for ways to save. He is making the kind of hard choices that Washington should be making, instead of the trillion-dollar piņata they have hung over the country, giving a stick to every politician from here to Durango. I find myself wondering if he has any Pennsylvania Avenue wander-lust in his veins, but I really don't think so. When you talk to this guy, he really, really, cares about this State and her people.
Several years ago, the state was hammered by heavy rains and flooding. Anyone living here then remembers it. The town of Alstead was hit very hard. A local guy died, a canyon was cut through the town, houses washed away. Folks there were in absolute shock. Governor Lynch was there almost instantly, and was giving his personal cell phone number out to residents, telling them, if they needed anything, to call him directly. You can't get more down to earth than that, and short of sleeping on someone's couch, you can't make yourself more accessible than that. It always stuck with me, that moment. Because it's exactly what we all hope for. The guy we elected to lead...is...well...leading. The guy we all hope really cares about the residents he is sworn to serve, really...well..cares!
It struck me, speaking with him on Thursday, that we are pretty lucky to have him. He laughs easily, he is very smart, comfortable to be around without the slightest hint of self-importance. I have supported him in all three elections, and now, more than ever, I am glad that I did. And as if all that wasn't enough, when the interview was over, he graciously walked me from his office, down three flights of stairs, and right to the front door of the State House. Either he's a gentleman, or he was just making sure I didn't take a painting off the wall on my way out...
Karl From New Hampshire