OP/ED: Why I'll be a Different Voice at the Statehouse

By Ron Noyes

Since party demographics are what they are in Concord, I have been told countless times that my state representative race is not winnable and that our efforts would be better spent helping others outside of the district. I even had someone tell me I should move to a more favorable demographic if I really want to win. Well, I have no plans moving because I am committed to Concord and regardless of election projections or past results, my reasons for running are worth the uphill battle.

For starters, I want to raise my kids in a city that thrives and in a state that thrives. I want students, statewide to get the best possible education, and I want small business owners to be allowed to be successful in this state. All of these share a common thread and their success hinges, in part, by the same element and that is freedom. In order for us to have a thriving city and state, improved education and business growth, we must get over the idea that the state knows better than it’s citizens. 

Regarding a thriving city and state, we must recognize the value of the turning dollar. I have seen firsthand the effects on our economy and the debt we have taken on over the last 12 years. I know many people who are unemployed, underemployed or taking a pay cut to keep their job. Every person in New Hampshire knows someone who is struggling or is struggling themselves.  This struggle is deeply concerning and must be met head on. Our national economy is weak and we owe it to New Hampshire citizens to make this state as prosperous as possible within our power. 

Personally, as a guitar teacher, I see fewer and fewer people signing up for lessons. Parents who do not have discretionary income can’t afford guitar lessons for their kids. If I have fewer guitar students, I have less money to buy subs at Nadeau’s or buy something for my wife at New to You. The owner of Nadeau’s or New To You then spend less money at The Draft and they can’t hire an additional employee who, in my opinion, desperately needs to give their kids guitar lessons.  Every time the dollar turns over, our community supports itself and continues to thrive. The only way for these dollars to turn over is if people have them in the first place.

Our city and state depend on individuals supporting each other. We must have strong job growth to put dollars in people’s pockets and it is lip service to say that raising taxes will help New Hampshire. Nelson Mandela put it this way: “Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.”

If we really want our community to thrive and continue to grow, the state must get out of the way of the turning dollar and all that it brings.

Regarding students and their ability to receive the best possible education, parents and teachers are the experts, not the state. I give lessons at Strings and Things and at Parker Academy here in Concord, a school for kids who can’t make it in public schools for whatever their reasons might be. These kids thrive here and often go on to college and come back and say “thank you.”

One student who often comes to mind came to this private school, fighting depression, anxiety, Asperger’s Syndrome, and would shut down when the smallest thing went wrong. He was brilliant but also could not survive in public school. During class one day, he picked up a guitar and hit all of the strings while turning the turning pegs and within a few seconds had the guitar perfectly in tune. I went over to double check and sure enough it was in tune, not only to itself but to perfect 440 pitch. Any musician knows how amazing this is. I turned to him and said, “How did you do that”? He looked straight at me unfazed, and said, “That’s how it is supposed to sound.” He went on to excel both socially and educationally and is now in college and will be highly successful very soon.

This student is brilliant and always was. He didn’t learn brilliance at this private school, he was allowed to uncover it. He was given the opportunity and freedom to explore his potential, unlike most students struggling with an educational system that does not fit them. 

Sadly, Some in New Hampshire are fighting hard against new proposed school choice options, taking away great potential opportunities for New Hampshire students and claiming that public education should be the only option. The reality is that for some kids, public education does not work. Why fight against the student?  Who are we to tell them and their parents that they must stick it out in an unworkable situation and who is the state to hold them back?

Regarding small business, it is the backbone of our economy and we must some reduce regulations to allow business to do what they do best. A story came out a few weeks ago about Red Hook Brewery.  The article read  “In June, New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch signed House Bill 1241, which allowed New Hampshire craft brewers to include ingredients like molasses, maple syrup, honey, spices, herbs, fruits, nuts, chocolate, vanilla, or other “non-beverage” ingredients. With the new law in place, craft brewers throughout the state can continue to explore innovative, high strength offerings without the risk of penalty.” Where are we honestly at when brewers were previously banned from using such dangerous and harmful substances like Maple Syrup, honey and herbs? 

As a result, Red Hook will now be able to expand their business and ultimately provide more jobs for NH citizens at their Portsmouth location. It took a vote in the Capital building and a signature in the governor’s office to allow a company to put honey in their beverages without penalty. This, in the “Live Free or Die” State. This is one more single story of many illustrating potential prosperity and the innovation allowed when the state simply gets out of the way.

All of these are examples of how real prosperity is possible when the government does get out of the way and freedom is given a hall pass. That is the focus of this campaign. Freedom represents, supposedly, who we are as a state and we had better start living it. So, I would say this effort here in Concord is not a waste of time at all. The concepts of freedom and liberty are catching on and providing great and measurable results. It certainly is an uphill battle but freedom is popular and always gives great results. I embrace the challenge. I have great respect for the people of New Hampshire and value their own choices above bureaucratic imposition. Freedom is worth fighting for and the government should not stand in the way of all it brings. 

Ron Noyes is a musician running for one of two Merrimack District 27 seats. The seat covers Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7.