Lou Gargiulo, Hampton, North Hampton State Senate Candidate

Lou Gargiulo

Age (as of Election Day)

69

Position Sought

State Senator District 24

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Mary (Wife) (Children) Justin Gargiulo, Julie Hamilton, Eddie Gargiulo, Colleen Gargiulo and (four grandchildren) Jaden, Mason, Maddie, & Kikki

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Daughter is a newly commissioned US Army 2nd Lt

Education

AS, CMCA, US Army OCS

Occupation

CEO 30 + years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Member of the NH Legislature mid 90"s, Selectmen Hampton Falls, Various other NON-Profit Offices

Campaign website

www.Lou4StateSenate.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To ensure the American Dream and the New Hampshire Advantage of no broad based taxes, a strong business climate, great schools, affordable housing, clean air & water and adherence to the principles set forth in the US Constitution and Bill of Right, as well as the NH Constitution are preserved for future generations. I decided to run to help guarantee the same advantages provided to me, remain strong and secure for our children and grandchildren.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We are faced in NH with an estimated $500 million dollar deficit. The instinctive response by the Democrats is to raise more taxes on families and businesses. As well as to enact broad based taxes in the form of an income, sales, and capital gains tax as well as higher fees on things like gas, real estate transfers, tolls etc. I view any increase in taxes post COVID 19 a horrible idea! Families and businesses are hurting badly and can not sustain additional expenses.

I believe there are numerous opportunities in State Government to improve efficiency as well as preventing waste, fraud and abuse. Each department must be reviewed from top to bottom to seek out opportunities without shifting costs to cities and towns, as well as not cutting essential services. In addition there are other revenue sources available that must be further explored at this critical time. We must also help reinvigorate struggling businesses and attract new ones that are seeking escape from poorly run and business unfriendly States. I believe there is much opportunity for further revenue growth if we focus on keeping the NH Advantage strong and alive. I will fight to ensure we succeed on all fronts.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I oppose increasing taxes on hardworking NH families and struggling business. In the post Covid 19 environment steps need to be taken not to destroy the engine of the NH economy which is small business. Many families and small businesses are hanging on by a thread. Increased taxes will result in more business failures and higher unemployment foreclosures and bankruptcies. There are numerous areas in State government that can improve efficiency. There are also new revenue sources that must be explored. Increasing taxes is the LAST thing that should be considered during this difficult period in our history. The NH Advantage made NH a beacon in the northeast. If elected I will not allow that beacon to be destroyed from short sighted quick fixes.

Others seeking this office have their sights on other higher elected offices. I do not. I am running to to help ensure the lives of NH citizens get better, not worse and that our children and grandchildren can experience an even better American Dream and can enjoy the NH Advantage four generations to come.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The current officeholder Tom Sherman has not focused his time or efforts on helping small business. His lack of business accym is evident from his lack of leadership as we emerge from the pandemic. Businesses are hurting and he has done very little to help. In addition cities and towns are also facing uncharted financial issues.Sherman has been AWOL in that arena as well. When your sick you call a doctor, when your economy is hurting you engage a seasoned business leader who has employed tens of thousands of people in his career, built multiple business, managed hundred of budgets and understand the true economic impact of the pandemic.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Ensuring that NH remains a beacon that families flock to, businesses expand in and tourist vacation at, because its a fantastic environment to live, work and visit.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I think keeping any organization alive and well after 30 years is a great accomplishment. My organization was started in 1990 with two people over the past thirty years it has weathered the financial collapse in the mid 90's and again in the mid 2000's. we survived the attacks of 9-11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. We employ over 150 people in good paying jobs with benefits and I am proud to say 2020 is our 30th anniversary and we are still going strong.

Another example is in 2004 I was asked to join the Board of Directors of the Seacoast Repertory Theater. At the time the organization was in a dire financial condition. It was close to bankruptcy with hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to local businesses, performers and to others. Within 18 months I was asked to lead the organization as its President. I and worked with an incredible Board of dedicated community members of all stripes. We rolled up our sleeves, made difficult and sometimes painful decisions and turned the organization around. When I chose in 2010 not to run again and pass the torch to others, the organization was financially sound and in the black.

It took grit, drive, logical thinking and a desire to accomplish my goals. That trait sets me apart. I will bring that same skill set to the New Hampshire Senate If I am elected.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

When I was a young US Army 2nd Lt. my commanding officer told me never to forget that there is no accomplishment or obstacle to great to achieve if you set your mind to, it and lead your troops by example and never give up. I have embraced that philosophy my entire life and it has served me well!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a cool. calm and a very deliberate thinker that listens to all sides and works hard to make a sound decision based on the best information available. I embrace that if you act in haste you repent in leisure.

I truly deplore the lack of bipartisanship at all levels of government. I promise I will work across the aisle with anyone that is seeking to improve the lives of NH families and NH businesses.

I am interested in the NEXT GENERATION, not the NEXT ELECTION and my actions and votes will reflect that attitude!

In closing I ask the voters in NH Senate 24 composed of the towns of New Castle, Rye, North Hampton, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Seabrook, South Hampton, Greenland, Stratham, Kensington and Newton for their Vote on September 8th and again on November 3rd. Thank you and God Bless America!