Issues

Building a stronger community ...

For over 30 years, Bud Martin has worked to strengthen our local economy, our communities and our families. As a businessman and as a civic leader, Bud has a proven record of fighting for the North Country.

As our State Senator, Bud Martin will ...

Strengthen Local Businesses – As a businessman, Bud Martin knows that higher taxes costs us jobs.
Bud adamantly opposes a general sales tax, particularly taxes on the leisure and tourism industries.

Bud also believes we need to work to lower the cost of health care for small business owners so more employees can get access to affordable, quality care.

Support Local Families – “The starting point for improving our quality of life is a stronger economy. A responsible approach to economic growth, one that protects our natural resources, will positively impact local families. If our local economy grows, public services, like education, senior services and public safety can be better afforded without raising taxes.” – Bud Martin

Enhance Public Schools – Bud Martin strongly supports public schools and feels that the local business community needs to get more involved. By creating education/business partnerships, children can see the relevance of their academic work while businesses will feel like mentors instead of just a source for taxes.
Leading on Energy and the Environment
A. Make energy conservation a top priority. The energy you don’t use is the cheapest alternative.

-Facilitate conservation measures through public education.
-Direct state and local agencies to reduce their energy footprint (turn off the lights when not in use).
-Conduct energy audits of public facilities and implement conservation measures.
-Expand current conservation assistance programs to both commercial and residential users of energy.
-Be judicious in the use of incentive programs.
-Help users profit from cost savings. For example, loan programs paid for by cost savings represent minimal cost to the taxpayer and encourage energy savings through sound economic analysis.

B. Make a complete energy use analysis a part of each decision. A locally produced product might actually be less expensive when all costs are factored.

-What is the lifetime maintenance cost?
-What are the future disposal costs?
-What are the operating costs?

A premium acquisition cost may be justified if the total energy cost of production and use is less. These considerations apply not only to government decisions, but to an individual’s day-to-day living. Education and information outreach are critical.

C. Public transit transportation for District 3 can provide some help. The energy required should be carefully studied and weighed against the projected energy saving of its users.

D. “Mass Internet”. Broadband high speed internet is mandatory and potentially the largest energy saver available to the North Country. Telecommuting and online purchasing can save huge amounts of oil. The economic benefits are well recognized and when oil savings are added, it is an irresistible necessity.

E. Renewable energy leadership. New Hampshire should be a leader in renewable energy production. An important goal is the reduction of fossil fuel use. This needs to be done at the individual home site, the largest commercial firm and everywhere in between. There are a number of incentive programs throughout the country. They are implemented at the federal, state, local and utility company level. We need to use the best of these. The state can coordinate many of these programs; encouraging some and redirecting others. Some will need money; some will benefit from information and publicity.

F. Energy Committees. The grass roots effort of local energy committees is clear evidence of public awareness and immediate need. Organizations such as Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI) should be encouraged. People want to be part of the solution - - - they just need to know how.

http://dlcc.wiredforchange.com/o/5226/images/Natural Resource Issues - District 3 20080530.doc
Bud's Position Papers
Bud wants you to know exactly where he stands on the issues facing New Hampshire's families and businesses. To download any of the position papers and resources below, right click the link and select "save as."

Natural Resouces Issues: dlcc.wiredforchange.com/o/5226/images/Natural Resource Issues - District 3 20080530.doc

Attachment, District 3 Habitats: dlcc.wiredforchange.com/o/5226/images/Natural Resources Attachment 2 - District 3.pdf

Energy Issues: dlcc.wiredforchange.com/o/5226/images/Energy Issues white paper 20080530.doc