Hampton Union 02-29-08

By Ron Dupuis
Last Tuesday was quite a busy day for me, your humble, succinct, yet mildly humorous columnist. The evening before had been spent reviewing all the latest "global warming," or in this case, global "cooling" data available. It seems that all four major global temperature tracking outlets in the world are reporting that the earth is naturally cooling and the polar ice caps that Al Gore predicted will melt and "change life as we know it" are in essence going through a normal cycle. Well-credentialed scientists without political agendas are telling us that the factor not considered by the Gore ilk is the impact the activity of the sun has on climate cycles for the past 10,000 years renders man's contribution over the past hundred years as minuscule. I can't wait to confront my metaphoric friend and favorite conservationist "Peter Borough" with this news.

When dawn broke it became clear that it was time for breakfast with the Hampton Rotarians at the Ashworth.

If you are unfamiliar with the Rotary, it is an organization of business and professional people dedicated to improving the quality of life in its own community and worldwide. The meetings are fun and up-lifting and members define what charity is all about. Without endorsement, Rotarians often give candidates seeking office an opportunity to present positions on issues affecting all of us. Congressional candidate John Stephen had his turn.

Stephen spoke about sending New Hampshire values to Washington instead of bringing Washington values and mandates to New Hampshire. He spoke of back-breaking budget deficits laced with earmarks for fruit fly research in France, bridges to nowhere, and air-conditioned trash trucks. His take on health care was particularly poignant. He related a story of being told by a woman who, given the chance, could purchase critically needed Pedialyte for her special needs child at $2 a bottle at Wal-Mart, instead of the government paying triple that for her. Stephen stated that instead of a national health care system, "we need a system that brings the consumer into the game and empowers them to make decisions."

This column is not quite ready to endorse John Stephen right now, however, In My Humble Opinion, John Stephen displayed a fire in the belly for conservative values and principles not yet seen in the competition.

The rest of the day was spent in meetings with numerous current and former politicians wishing to relate their feelings on everything from both the Democratic and Republican primaries, to the perceived best pitching rotation of the Sox. All very nondescript and mind numbing.

Finally, a laid-back and informal meeting with North Hampton Police Chief Brian Page. Page asked me to inform North Hampton residents about a survey that will be posted online at www.northhampton-nh.gov . He told me that the Board of Selectmen hired an outside company that specializes in helping municipalities achieve efficiency in providing services to the community. He further stated that he wholeheartedly supports this move and hopes that the North Hampton citizens will take a few minutes to goon line and complete the questionnaire.

"We want to know how the citizens feel about our department, both good and bad" he said with a smile. When he was informed that there may be a few convicted felons who may not say good things, he responded with a smile "Even convicted felons have an opinion. We have a good department, we can take it."

"In My Humble Opinion" endorses this survey, endorses North Hampton Police Department, and endorses Chief Page. He can take it.

Ron Dupuis is a longtime New Hampshire resident, a former state representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net.