To the Editor:

Thank you to the voters of Goffstown and Weare. I appreciate your voting for me in the recent primary and winning a place on the ballot for the next round. Your expression of support enables me to move on to the general election on Nov. 7.

The voter turnout in our two towns (and throughout the state) was low considering that no senators were running this time for re-election and there was no presidential contest.

In my first attempt at running for office I found exactly how important every vote is. I urge you all to go to the polls and vote in November as this is your right, your duty and your obligation.

Again, thank you all very much and I ask for your vote again in November. If you have any concerns or questions, please call me at 497-3672 or visit my Web site at www.russell day.com.

Russell (Russ) Day
Goffstown

To the Editor:

Your publishing of the New Hampshire House District 7 primary winners was a nice attempt at informing the public who won but unfortunately fell far from the mark considering the glaring errors it contained.

First, Goffstown and Weare share New Hampshire House District 7, therefore the winners of the primary are a combination of both Goffstown and Weare voter totals.

Second, under the Weare column, you have Gary Hopper as winning his primary, but he did not as, cumulatively, he lost by 9 votes to the eighth-place winner. Hopper has requested a recount, which is scheduled for Sept. 27.

Third, the first names of the write-in candidates are Barbara and Kelly.

It would be nice if The Goffstown News gave the same attention to state issues as its sister paper in Bedford does, but until then I would recommend that voters log onto the Goffstown Residents Association Web site found at http://goff resassoc.home.comcast.net for comprehensive information on both local and state issues.

The GRA does endorse candidates and does take a stand on the issues but at least the voter will have the opportunity to make an informed decision with accurate information which is more than is currently available to them now.

Rep. Pam Manney
NH House District 7 Serving Goffstown and Weare

To the Editor:

The Solid Waste Commission’s next candidate for “Doing it Right” with respect to recycling with Big Blue are David and Catherine Cormier of 47 Pershing St.

David estimates that 75 percent of their waste stream winds up in Big Blue and only 25 percent get tossed as trash, and this despite having a 5-year-old daughter, Kerrie, adding to the waste stream!

In fact, despite her tender years, Kerrie is also very much into recycling and helps out. All that winds up in the green trash tote is food waste. Pesticides, paint cans, etc. are brought to the DPW for hazardous waste recycling, which can be done by appointment at any time. The bulk of the waste stream winds up in Big Blue ­ plastics, Styrofoam, juice and beverage cans, bottles, steel vegetable cans, newspaper, letter mail, meat carton containers, other plastic food containers, plastic wrap, etc.

The trash winds up in a bin under the sink, then to the green tote. The recyclables wind up in a grocery bag, then into Big Blue.

However they choose to do it, the point is that they are doing it, admirably. It is one thing to bring Big Blue to the curb every week. It is another to make a conscientious effort to fill Big Blue with all recyclables, so that recylables do not wind up in the trash.

David, Catherine and Kerrie are very much doing this, and for that, the town of Goffstown thanks them!

Fred Plett, chairman
Goffstown Solid Waste Commission

To the Editor:

Bartlett Elementary has recently launched its 2006-07 Box Tops for Education fundraising campaign. This year, the school would like to raise money through box tops to make playground improvements.

Box Tops for Education, a school fundraising program sponsored by General Mills, is now in its 10th big year. Box Tops has helped America’s schools raise over $175 million to buy the things they need such as library books, school supplies and playground equipment.

The Box Tops for Education program offers school supporters three easy ways to earn cash for schools through everyday activities like buying groceries, shopping online and making purchases with a credit card. Schools can earn a total of up to $60,000 each year.

If you’d like to help the students at Bartlett Elementary reach their goal to buy new playground equipment, there are several easy ways to get involved. Collect box tops from hundreds of familiar, participating products and send them to Bartlett Elementary, “Attention Holly Tate ­ Box Tops Coordinator” at 689 Mast Road, Manchester, NH 03102.

You can also sign up on the Box Tops Web site at boxtops4education.com.

Designate Bartlett Elementary as the school you wish to support. At the Box Tops Web site you’ll learn more about all of the easy ways you can choose to make a difference ­ all at no additional cost to you.

There are so many financial burdens on the residents of Goffstown and we at Bartlett Elementary School do not wish to add any more. The Box Tops for Education program is a really great way for the community to help us earn money for our school.

Holly Tate
Box tops coordinator
Bartlett Elementary School

To the Editor:

It is unreal what is happening to America today. We have so many problems, but our so-called leaders don’t seem to be able to solve them in a timely and/or meaningful manner.

I am starting to look at the upcoming presidential race for 2008, but I don’t see any leaders who will offer us a firm and positive solution. Most of them are professional politicians who have been in office for way too many years, but have little to show for it. How can they lead the country if they’ve already shown they can’t lead as senators, congressmen and governors? I’m not impressed by them at all.

We have a lot of problems that, if not dealt with in a positive manor and very soon, will lead America down the road to total destruction.

These problems include those of illegal immigration and border security enforcement, rising gas prices and the world war on terrorism.

Do these professional politicians have real solutions to these problems, solutions that will keep America safe, free and our society strong? No! We need some real conservative leadership in the White House, Congress and the Senate to help solve these problems once and for all.

People need to get out and vote this November and again in 2008. Don’t stay home and do nothing.

Bob Harris
Goffstown

To the Editor:

The Goffstown Public Library would like to thank everyone who participated in our 9/11 commemorative events and “Wishes For Our World.”

We are especially grateful to the following businesses and organizations for housing and displaying stars: Carole Huxel/GMSP, Sully’s Supermarket, Citizens Bank, TDBanknorth, JoMarie’s Country Store, St. Matthews Church, Family Main Street Salon, The Happy Tomato, Powden’s Jewelers, Travers-The Village Eatery, The Village Trestle, Viksters, Goffstown Hardware, Apotheca, Gordon Burns Insurance, Howes Pharmacy, Iris Framing, Uptown Auto Repair, Lapointe Insurance Agency, Villa Augustina and Mountain View Middle School.

While we fell short of our goal of 3,000 stars, we were moved by the poignant and far-reaching response to this project. The ability of this community to come together when asked never ceases to amaze us. Thank you again for your continued support.

Jess Stevens and Sandy Whipple
Goffstown Public Library

To the Editor:

The governor and Democratic candidates running for re-election are deliberately misleading the voters by openly claiming credit for passing the lowest budget in decades, eliminating a $300 million deficit, and passing an executive branch ethics policy, which they apparently believe doesn’t includes truth and honesty.

While claiming credit for the accomplishments of others is never acceptable, to openly oppose the incentives and then replace fact with fantasy in an attempt to deceive their voters is deplorable. The fact that the budget (House Bill-1) is more than $100 million less than the governor asked for, was opposed by the governor and voted against by every single Democratic representative except one has not deterred them from claiming it as their accomplishment.

The $300 million deficit reduction they now claim is in fact the result of increased revenue received from the business tax amnesty program put in place by the previous administration, and the widely touted ethics bill (Senate Bill 206), was passed over the governor objections, with 117 Democratic representatives (78 percent) voting against it.

The governor and the Democratic candidates are quick to seize credit for bills passed over their objections, while ignoring those which they pushed through, such as SB 30, in which 126 Democrats supported the attack on parental rights, allowing children of any age to buy the “morning after pill” over the counter without parental involvement, medical examination or regulations. Although they rebuffed all efforts at setting a minimum age limit, the FDA, exercising greater responsibility to protecting our children, recently set a minimum age of 18.

I see no amplifying of their defeat on election reform, when all but three Democrats voted against House Bill 345, requiring a driver’s license or photo ID as proof of residency in order to vote in New Hampshire. Where is credit being claimed by the 128 Democrats who defeated House Bill 1666, which would have combated illegal immigration by giving our state and local law enforcement agencies the tools they need?

I’ve heard of no credit taken for the governor’s executive order expanding the state welfare system by an additional $3 million in defiance of passage of House Bill 1331. Opposed by all but nine House Democrats, the bill reformed the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program by bringing it in line with federal guidelines, encouraging self-reliance and work participation.

For those who want to further separate facts from fantasy, please visit the state Web site www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house, and see for yourself the voting records of your representatives for these bill and others.

While it is important for citizens to know how well their elected officials are representing their interests, it is equally important to know where their elected representatives stand on the principles of truth and honesty.

“Armed with truth and honesty” should precede the old adage, “A well-informed electorate is the best safeguard to protecting our freedom.”

Robert D. Mead
House of Representatives
Hillsborough District 4