Positive Politics: Revealing the Secret – The Success of the NH Primary
Discussing the Granite State's ‘Special Sauce’ with NH Secretary of State Bill Gardner
In today’s edition of ‘Positive Politics,’ I am delighted to be joined by NH Secretary of State, Bill Gardner – serving in this position since 1976, having been re-elected every two years since that time. As such, Bill is a true New Hampshire legend – and unquestionably, no one is more knowledgeable than Bill about our Granite State traditions, customs, and how they came to be.
For anyone living in New Hampshire, I hope you have the opportunity to stop by and speak with him. He has his own tradition, which is keeping an open office door and making himself available to just about anyone who wants to speak with him. While he will not be Secretary of State forever (perhaps), I hope whoever comes in next and attempts to fill his shoes will keep the same traditions Bill has carefully guarded and some that he has even started himself!
As one of the original 13 colonies and first states, New Hampshire has a long history and sense of tradition. One of the more recent traditions (and by that, I mean only 100 years old!) is that of our First in the Nation Primary. I have written about it many times before here in the Sunshine Report. And, Bill is one of the staunchest defenders of this sacred New Hampshire tradition. One of the things many people do not know about Secretary Gardner is his deep historical knowledge of the primary and voting in New Hampshire.
Newport Sunshine Initiative – Highlighting Hard Work and Progress in Our Schools
Please join us for a very informative Newport Sunshine Initiative meeting next Wednesday, March 4th at the beautiful Library Arts Center. The Superintendent of Newport Schools will be joining us for a "Conversation with Brendan Minnihan" in which he will share the amazing progress Newport schools have made, all of the positive things going on daily throughout our local school system, and the great plans he and his staff have for the future. As always, everyone is welcome and urged to attend. We will also have updates from across town on our major projects, including our digital training program, housing, and our plans to set yet another Guinness World Record! Hope to see you all there.
China: The Threat and the Opportunity
When confronted with a problem, I believe it is best to see it as an opportunity…a positive challenge. And, this is the precise approach we are taking in confronting the threat to our freedoms posed by Communist China. Make no mistake about it, this brutal regime is clearly bent on world domination and is actively scaling up its military, expanding its territory, stealing our intellectual property, and engaging in espionage on a massive level - while at the same time, we are finding ourselves highly dependent on their factories for our well-being, including critical supplies like pharmaceuticals, penicillin, aspirin, and more. And, now the Coronavirus, its unclear origins, the coverup, distortions and lies.
Against this backdrop, we are taking positive action. Karen and I are among the founding group of an organization called the ‘Committee on the Present Danger: China.’ Our immediate goal is to sound the alarm and alert our fellow Americans to the nature and magnitude of the threat. Earlier this week, we met as a small group in D.C., to organize, strategize and jumpstart the initiative. We are on an exciting and critical mission to safeguard and preserve our freedom.
If you would like to learn more about our efforts, please visit our site at: www.presentdangerchina.org We intend to be the authoritative source on the China threat and at the ‘tip of the spear’ in advancing the effort.
Importantly, we also invite you to a high-level briefing right here in the Granite State. On Thursday, March 12th, we will be joined by a ‘Panel of China Experts’ to share an overview on the China Threat – as well as positive steps we can take to defend our freedoms. Please join us at the Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Rd, Manchester, NH from 5.00-7.00 pm.
Positive Profile of the Week: Tom Raffio
This week I am pleased to feature a wonderful friend, Tom Raffio, as our Profile of the Week. Tom is one of the good guys. Hard working, diligent, and deeply committed. And I love his enthusiasm. An avid runner and skier with zest and positive spirit.
And, totally dedicated to the success of our community. Tom is the President and CEO of a very successful organization, Northeast Delta Dental, where he and his team administer dental care for more than 800,000 people in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.
An outstanding executive, Tom was named Business Leader of the Decade by Business NH Magazine and the NH Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in 2010. Moreover, his company is consistently ranked among the 25 Best Small Companies to Work for in America. Helping veterans with dental care and donating toothbrushes and supporting educational programs for kids.
Tom has also written two books: ‘There Are No Do-Overs: The Big Red Factors for Sustaining a Business Long Term.’ And ‘Mindfulness: A Better Me,’ where he focuses on providing the reader with life advice and ways to improve one’s outlook.
Tom has been presented with numerous citizen leadership awards and accolades over the years, but I am sure that those personal achievements mean little to him in comparison to the positive impact his efforts have achieve in our community. I encourage all of you to keep an eye on Tom as he continues to lead the way to a better world.
Quotes: The Spirit of Community
“The spirit of America has nurtured responsibility and community unlike any other country.”
Stephen Covey
“When all is said and done, the real citadel of strength of any community is in the hearts and minds and desires of those who dwell there.”
Everett Dirksen
“Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.”
Aretha Franklin
“Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community.”
Andrew Carnegie
“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”
Marianne Williamson