IF THEY’RE PUNCHING THIS HARD NOW…

Native corn is starting to become available – blackberries are almost ripe – we’ve had a break in the humidity, so I’m happy to report that life is good! The following are a few random midsummer observations and thoughts relative to politics and community in the Connecticut River Valley, the State and Nation. Presidential Politics: I have an old friend who lives in northern New Hampshire named Jack and although we don’t see each other much, we do keep in touch via emails, Facebook and the occasional lunch in Concord. Among Jack’s many talents is the ability to zero in on a concept and say in a few words something that grows and hours later you find that simple phrase still bouncing in your head. So last week, as I was checking-in on Facebook, I saw that Jack had posted something about the presidential election. His comment was “If they're punching this hard now, it's going to be an ugly September...” Short and to the point! I know we’re a battleground state but I’ve never seen so many political ads in July, as this year. The level of intensity and attack is like two heavyweights standing their ground and slamming punches. Neither candidate is willing to give an inch of ground – and Jack’s right – IT’S ONLY JULY! I first met Jack back during the John Durkin for Senate campaign, in the late 70’s, and while he’s now a free lance writer and has traveled the world and written several books, he continues to be politically on top of things and his observations are always on the mark, saying in a couple of words something profound and always thought provoking. The Dust Bowl at the Hop! Last week I had the pleasure of going up river to the Hopkins Center to view the upcoming PBS documentary by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan on the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. Dayton is an old acquaintance who I first met when I was an aide on the Gallen for Governor Campaign in 1980 and he was the Chief of Staff to the governor. He loyally remained with Governor Gallen for all three terms. However after the Governor’s death – Dayton seemed to move away from active day to day politics, although, like Jack, he’s always stayed involved, if only as an active observer. Dayton now lives down river in Walpole and served as the producer and principal writer for the Dust Bowl documentary and did a splendid job. His ability to listen and identify with the sentiments expressed by common everyday men and women was touching and worth seeing. Not only is this a story of long ago, but the magic is his ability to tell a story that we’re able to relate to today. The biggest thing I took away was how the Dust Bowl was a man-made environmental disaster and had government programs not been introduced – more people would have died and the area would not have recovered. Maybe it should be mandatory viewing for all proponents of the Tea Party. Prosperity & the Connecticut River Valley: Hopefully, if you read the papers and have looked at the political ads – you know that I am supporting Representative David Pierce from Etna to be the new state senator for District 5 that goes from Charlestown in the South, up the Connecticut River, to Hanover in the North. I have worked with David in the NH House for the past 6 years and have always been impressed by his ability to be level headed, stay focused and ability to find common ground. I’m sure he’s the right person for the job and will be able to dedicate the time to what’s become a full time job. Last week, while visiting area businesses with David Pierce, I heard him expound on an idea of how the region could grow and develop economically. Now the idea of locating certain operational functions from Hanover & Lebanon to Claremont where rental space is less expensive isn’t anything new – but having someone run for office with a foot in each part of the Valley is refreshing. Furthermore, both Dartmouth & DHMC bring an amazing amount of intellectual capital to the table. Their scientists and engineers are constantly inventing new technologies that could grow and develop into full fledged companies. While this isn’t a quick process and requires several hurdles and stages before being ready for prime time – the potential for Claremont with its infrastructure and available industrial land and properties could fit nicely into the larger scheme of things. You might think this is farfetched – but isn’t that’s how Hypertherm started, and look at them today! Now, I’m sure that many smart people have thought of this before, and it probably isn’t anything new, but maybe having us all in the same senate district might help to foster and grow this concept into a reality - just a thought. So as I stated in the beginning native corn is becoming available – blackberries are ripening – there’s a break in the humidity, and life is good!