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Carla Gericke

BlogElection 2018

“I’m a lifelong Republican, but I usually vote for your opponent, a Democrat”

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

May I ask you why? I understand Lou D’Allesandro used to be a Republican, but he switched parties to become a Democrat a long time ago. Lou usually votes Democratic party line, so he votes against the 1st Amendment, the 2nd Amendment, against school choice, against healthcare freedom, for higher energy costs, for higher taxes, etc.

In 2018, he voted against both the upcoming Constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot on Nov. 6th, both which passed with bipartisan support in both chambers.

Question 1 has to do with restoring taxpayer standing, a 150+ year old NH tradition that was stripped in a court case in the last decade. Restoring taxpayer standing means we can once again sue to hold our government accountable to the people. He was one of two Senators (22-2) who voted against this, and it passed by a huge margin in the house (309-9). BTW, readers should vote YES on #1!

Question 2 has to do with protection of our private and personal information against government intrusion. D’Allesandro voted with Democratic Senators against this (15-9). Readers should vote YES! on #2, too!

If you are a lifelong Republican, why would you support someone who works against Republican principles, and makes Governor Sununu’s job harder? I get that Lou is a "nice guy," but he has had a 20 year run, he is 80 years old, and surely it’s time for him to enjoy his retirement with Pat?

I need Republicans to vote for me, a solid candidate with the energy, skills, and experience to implement policies that will actually improve the state of New Hampshire, and keep it awesome!

One last thing, if Republicans lose the Senate, expect a statewide sales and income tax in the next few years. If this happens, expect everything that makes New Hampshire exceptional to slowly erode and disappear.

There are some upcoming Senate races where it is likely that past "solidly Republican seats" will be lost, which means in District 20, we need to pick up this one–and it IS possible, as long as "lifetime Republicans" vote for the actual Republican candidate!

If you are a Republican who is in the "but I vote for Lou" camp, I hope you will reconsider your position and show you truly are a lifelong Republican by supporting the Republican nominee, me, Carla Gericke for State Senate.

I promise to serve with integrity, character and compassion, as stated in the Republican platform, which you can read here.

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BlogElection 2018

Your vote is crucial on Nov. 6, and the choice in District 20 is clear: Carla Gericke

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Following is the script for my Manchester TV campaign ad:

Greetings Goffstown and Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 and 11. My name is Carla Gericke, and I want to be your next state Senator in District 20.

It’s time for a change. It’s time for a fresh, independent voice with fresh ideas, including marijuana policy reform.

I am running against Lou D’Allesandro, who has spent the past TWENTY YEARS in the Senate raising your taxes. When I’m out door-knocking, there’s one thing I always hear, “Lou’s a nice guy, but I think it’s time for him to go.”

I agree. I have the energy, skills, ideas, and experience to serve you best.

I am a former lawyer and writer with more than 25 years of real-world experience. I finished high school when I was 16, and law school when I was 21. I immigrated from South Africa in the mid-Nineties, and I have been a US citizen since 2000.

I own a home in West Manchester with my husband of 24 years, Louis Calitz, and our rescued dog, Nervous Nellie. My hobbies include cooking, gardening, painting, photography, and, as a diplomat’s daughter, I love to travel. I also practice yoga and shooting.

I am running for Senate because more than a decade ago, I chose New Hampshire as my forever home. I love the Granite State, and want to preserve what makes us great!

We consistently rank as the best state to live, work, and play, because we choose to live within our means, because we know low taxes come from low spending, and because we have no sales or income tax.

I will work to stop the economically disastrous policies being foisted on us by out-of-state interests. Please know this, these policies WILL result in a sales and income tax–and they are supported by Lou!

Are YOU feeling frustrated with politics? Here’s a guess as to why: Government is too big, too involved in every aspect of our lives, and the stakes have gotten too high.

I believe government that governs least, governs best. I believe YOU know how best to spend your hard-earned money, and how to lead your own life.

Let’s restore balance to local politics by electing people like me, who understand markets not meddling lift people out of poverty and help working families prosper.

You can learn more about my positions at: Carla4NHSenate.com, but one of my key issues is government transparency and accountability, and I will work to reverse the growing negative trend towards secrecy in our state government.

Your vote on November 6th is crucial to the future of our state.

A vote for me is a vote to restore the rightful balance between government and YOU. A vote for me is a vote for a prosperous future for all Granite Staters. A vote for me, Carla Gericke, is a vote for freedom and human dignity. I ask for your vote on November 6th. Thank you!

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BlogElection 2018

Term limits correlate strongly to state fiscal health

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Say it isn’t so! My opponent, Lou D’Allesandro (80) has been in the Senate, raising your taxes for 20 years.

This article states:

“’Only 15 state legislatures in the U.S. are term limited,’ U.S. Term Limits President Philip Blumel writes in a letter to the Mercatus folks. ‘However, four of your top five fiscally healthy states are term limit states.’

And how many of Mercatus’ bottom five states possess term limits?

Zero.

That’s 80 percent of the top states from a fiscal standpoint coming from just 30 percent of states where legislators are limited. And no state with term limits can be found at the bottom of the heap.*

Now, these impressive results do not prove ‘that this fiscal outperformance is due primarily to term limits,’ Blumel admits. Instead, they do ‘effectively disprove a common objection to term limits.’”

If you want more money in your pocket, and if you want to be left alone to peacefully pursue your life as you see fit, I ask for your vote on Nov. 6th. Uncle Lou has had his run, twenty years is long enough. It’s time to give a fresh voice with fresh ideas a chance!

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BlogElection 2018

Time for an independent, new voice

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Today’s Sunday Union Leader features another Letter to the Editor from a Manchester small business owner in support of my candidacy.

My favorite line is this description: "I am no fan of Lou ‘Never Met a Tax He Doesn’t Like’ D’Allesandro." 😛 It’s true!

"[Republican] Carla’s main issues seem to revolve around individual rights, government transparency, and accountability, and she supports harm reduction policies regarding drugs, an approach that the majority of Granite Staters want. Carla also supports deregulation, which I believe will result in more affordable housing in Manchester, and help my businesses succeed.

I’m satisfied that my vote for Carla Gericke for Senate will be a vote well cast. I encourage voters in District 20 to do their research (www.Carla4NHSenate.com) and join me in voting for her. It’s time for an independent new voice, and Carla Gericke is it!"

You can read the entire letter HERE.

Read past Letters to the Editor in support of my candidacy for state Senate:

Carla Gericke is a refreshing change

Why I am voting for Carla Gericke

Single mother is excited to support Carla Gericke

We need an independent senator

A candidate to make you smile

Gericke for State Senate

Lou’s time has passed

Gericke for Senate

If you want to learn more about some of my positions, read this op-ed in the Concord Monitor.

I have the energy, experience, and principles to serve you with integrity, character, and compassion. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 6th.

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BlogElection 2018

25+ years of real world experience

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

EDITOR’S NOTE: Updated on 08/24/20 to include new awesome stuff like publishing my first book! 🙂

I finished high school when I was 16 years old, and law school when I was 21. My first "job" was when I was eight-ish, when my sister, our best friend, and I would go–with our parents’ permission–to a neighborhood grocery store in Pretoria, and offer to push customers’ shopping carts and unload their bags into their cars for tips. We spent our "mad money" on Fantas and chips. In high school, I worked as a waitress at Giovanni’s Pizza, and in college, my summer jobs entailed making fibre glass bar stools by hand (ouch!) and working as an intake registrar/cashier at a local college.

Copied below is my professional resume, which highlights my 25+ years of real-world experience and skills.

Carla Gericke

497 Hooksett Rd No.134, Manchester, NH, 03104
home: 603.865.7140 | email: carla@carla4NHsenate.com
www.CarlaGericke.com

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Former attorney with 15+ years executive non-profit experience
  • Charismatic and visionary leader with strong community support
  • Self-starter who excels at successfully completing projects
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills
  • Strategic/creative/independent thinker: Law degree and M.F.A.
  • Named one of NH Magazine’s 2014 “Remarkable Women”
WORK EXPERIENCE
Civic Leader (2008+) and Candidate for NH State Senate (2016,2018, 2020)
  • Won landmark 1st Amendment case affirming right to film police encounters; Gericke vs. Begin is widely cited and positively affects the rights of 13 million residents of the First Circuit
  • Strong, independent voice on human rights, internet, government accountability/transparency/overreach, and privacy issues
  • Republican candidate for NH State Senate in District 20. Received 40% in 2016, 42% in 2018 as “fused” nominee (Republican/Libertarian) after successful LP write-in campaign, and now running as Republican again in 2020 against 11-term, 83-year old incumbent Lou D’Allesandro
President, Free State Project (March 2011 – March 2016, volunteer since 2008)
  • Managed operations: budgeting, fundraising, board and media relations, online/social media
  • Drafted strategic plan with measurable outcomes and improved reporting and tracking systems
  • Grew two major annual events (+50% over 3 years) and recruited iconic speakers like Edward Snowden
  • Managed geographically dispersed team of 20+ volunteers and independent contractors
  • Sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, podcasts, radio and television
  • Quoted in The Economist, Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, New York Times, Playboy, GQ, and elsewhere, appeared on CNN and WMUR
  • Devised marketing campaigns to promote NH as an appealing destination for liberty activists
  • Met organization’s overall mission of recruiting 20,000 participants 2 years ahead of schedule
  • Organized the Porcupine Freedom Festival x3 times (2009, 2010, 2020)
Acting Executive Director, New Hampshire Writers’ Project at SNHU (March 2008 – Oct 2013: Acting Executive Director; 2013, Program Director 2010-2012; Program Manager 2008-2010)
  • Managed daily operations including events planning and Writers’ Day, budgeting, grant writing, fundraising, and staff
  • Liaised with NHWP members, board, other NH non-profit arts organizations and businesses
  • Taught writing workshops and judged local writing contests
  • Managed media relations, online presence, website, and social media
  • Implemented CRM system to track progress and measure successes
Adjunct, City College of New York (Fall 2007)
  • Taught Freshman Composition while completing M.F.A. in Creative Writing
Writing Lab Tutor, 826NYC (Dec 2004 – Sept 2006)
  • Provided intensive one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to at-risk children ages 6-18
  • Edited “Nine Novels by Younger Americans” with author and 826NYC founder Dave Eggers
Management Consultant, eFormation Africa (Sept 2002 – May 2003)
  • Provided consulting services to South African educational non-profit
Sabbatical (December 2001– 2002)
  • Backpacked with husband on $15 daily budget through India, Asia, and Southern Africa
In-House Counsel, Scient Corporation (1999 – 2001)
  • Provided legal support to sales and marketing teams
  • Drafted, evaluated, negotiated and executed contracts, including IP licensing
  • Worked with Finance on risk management, including revenue recognition and pricing
  • Implemented company-wide best practices procedures and standardized forms
  • Managed paralegal and worked with team of 4 lawyers
  • Lead attorney on $30M Japanese subsidiary management buyout
In-House Counsel, Logitech Inc. (1998 – 2000)
  • Provided legal support to sales, marketing, and development teams
  • Drafted, evaluated, negotiated and executed contracts with private and public sector
Paralegal, Borland (1997 –1998)
  • Recruited by Associate General Counsel at Apple Inc. to Borland based on performance
  • General contract support: NDAs, Sales/Purchasing, Sub-Contracts, Consulting, Licensing, Independent Contractor, Master and Distribution Agreements
  • Corporate/SEC compliance and due diligence
Paralegal, Apple Inc. (1996 – 1997)
  • Worked as paralegal while taking the California Bar Exam, passed first attempt
  • Provided legal support and contract management assistance to sales/support teams
  • Worked on due diligence of NeXT acquisition
Stegmanns Attorneys (1994 – 1996)
  • Attorney licensed to practice in Supreme Court of South Africa
  • General practice with focus on Legal Aid pro-bono work serving the underprivileged
Anti-Apartheid Activist (1989-1994)
  • While completing law degree, involved in various anti-apartheid activities, including producing underground Zine called The Third “I” and writing for and acting in a banned play called Die Klein Krul Swart Haartjie
  • Attended Nelson Mandela’s public inauguration at the Union Buildings in 1994
CURRENT EDUCATIONAL NON-PROFIT BOARD POSITIONS
  • Free State Project, President Emeritus (2011+)
  • Foundation for New Hampshire Independence, President (2016+)
  • Right-to-Know NH, Secretary (2017-2020) now At-Large (2020+)
AUTHOR AND CREATIVE WRITING EXPERIENCE
  • "The Ecstatic Pessimist: Stories of Hope (Mostly)", a collection of award-winning short stories, essays, and opinion pieces now available in paperback and Kindle (2020)
  • "Ghost of a Dream" in Lumina (Spring 2009)
  • Translation of acclaimed South African author Eben Venter’s short story "Gabriel" (Winter 2008)
  • "The Ecstatic Pessimist" short story in Bonne Route No.19 (anthology, Winter 2007)
  • "Father Let Me Walk With Thee" in Ep;phany (Fall 2007)
  • "The Vitiation of John White Junior" at Lew Rockwell (Spring 2007)
  • "Duck, Duck, Goose" at Word Riot (Winter 2007)
  • "When We Talk About Words" in Dog Days (anthology, 2006), reprinted in Promethean (Fall 2007). Winner of $1,000 award for Best Student Fiction
  • "The Silent House of Noble" in Inkwell (Fall 2006)
  • "Blue Inked" at Rumble (Fall 2005)
  • "Double Happiness" in HerStory (anthology, Fall 2005)
  • "Perfect Timing" in Better Non Sequitur (anthology, Fall 2005)
  • "Holding Down a Dream" at Underground Voices (Winter 2005)
  • "The Devil in Her Eyes" at Pindeldyboz (Fall 2004)
  • "Victor/Victorious" in Wild Strawberries (Summer 2004)
  • Editor and contributor at Shire Liberty News
  • Editor and contributor at fsp.org
  • Founding editor and contributor to The Free Stater magazine
  • Essays and blogs at various online outlets
OTHER INTERESTS

Daughter of a South African diplomat, I lived on 4 continents growing up and remain an avid traveller, having visited 40 countries (and counting!). I won a green card in the Diversity Visa Lottery in 1994 and became a U.S. citizen in 2000.

I’m a writer, foodie, cook, gardener, photographer, amateur painter, hiker, Scrabble player, and documentary film buff. I practice yoga and shooting. I own a home in West Manchester with Louis Calitz, my husband since 1994, where we live with our rescued dog, Nervous Nellie.

I blog regularly at Carla Gericke: The Art of Independence.

I co-host the Told You So podcast (currently on hiatus) and Manch Talk TV.

I’m passionate about voluntary interactions, individual liberty, and am proud to call New Hampshire my chosen home. Live free and thrive!

EDUCATION
  • The City College of New York, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, 2008
  • University of Pretoria, South Africa, Baccalaureus Procurationis, 1993 (J.D. equivalent)
  • Pretoria High School for Girls, South Africa, 1988 (Form Prefect, Squash Captain)
REFERENCES

Available upon request

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BlogElection 2018

The many reasons to vote Republican

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Pamela Ean, who is running in District 15 and I recently penned an op-ed for the Concord Monitor in which we make a case for your support and vote on November 6th.

"New Hampshire consistently ranks as the best state in which to live, work, and play exactly because of our limited government, low-tax approach to life. Low taxes result from low spending, allowing you to keep your money to spend on the things you personally like and value, allowing you the freedom to choose where to spend your money – including on private charity and the needs of others – instead of having it taken from you under the guise of “helping.” If increasing taxes ended poverty, wouldn’t poverty have disappeared by now?

Raising taxes, increasing fees and adding more regulations, as Democrats advocate, do not help working families and do not put people first. Letting us all make our own decisions on how our hard-earned money is spent is what puts people first.

Instead of suffering under the disastrous ideas trotted out by incumbent Democrats Dan Feltes and Lou D’Allesandro, why not give Republican women like Pamela Ean (District 15) and Carla Gericke (District 20) the chance to show you how rich your life can truly be when you are free from these entrenched politicians’ failed economic policies?

We ask for your vote on Nov. 6 and promise to serve with integrity, character and compassion."

Read the entire op-ed at the Concord Monitor.

(Pamela Ean is a former police officer and public school teacher who lives in Concord. She is seeking the state Senate seat as a Republican in District 15, which includes Concord, Penacook, Hopkinton, Henniker and Warner. Carla Gericke is a former lawyer and writer who lives in West Manchester. She is the Republican nominee for N.H. Senate in District 20, which includes Goffstown and Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 and 11.)

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BlogElection 2018

Gericke is a refreshing change

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

"As an independent voter, I have found myself becoming increasingly disappointed and frustrated with politicians over the years. I place a high level of importance on principles and integrity, and I value practical efforts toward solving pressing problems. Rarely have I felt any candidate cared about anything other than getting re-elected; even rarer did I feel like they cared about issues that I cared about. That all changed when I met Carla Gericke.

Carla is the rare person who can see the big picture as well as the details, who recognizes that the best answers to problems aren’t knee-jerk reactions, but carefully thought-out plans to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone involved, without cutting corners or sacrificing principles. Someone like Carla can’t be bought by out-of-state interests whose goals are to turn New Hampshire into Massachusetts."

Read the entire letter at the Union Leader.

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BlogElection 2018

Meeting ‘n greeting in Manch

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

A big THANK YOU to everyone who attended last night’s Meet and Greet hosted by Jean Mathieu and I at her office on Elm Street. Jean is the Republican candidate for Ward 4, which falls within my Senate District 20 (Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11 and Goffstown).

Thanks to all who offered advice, wrote contribution checks, and took yard signs! I was heartened by your enthusiastic support.

Thanks most of all for caring about the future of the Granite State. I promise to fight every effort to turn New Hampshire into just another tax and spend failed state, and vow to never support a sales or income tax.

I believe YOU know best how to spend YOUR hard earned money. Let’s keep New Hampshire awesome!

If you would like a yard sign or to have me to come speak at an event–I’d love to meet you!–please email me at Carla (at) Carla4NHSenate (dot) com.

Join me at my monthly "Town Square" gatherings at Manchester City Hall on the first Tuesday of August, September and October from 5:30-7PM. Learn more and RSVP on Facebook.

Help me win! Donate today!

Follow my campaign on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell a friend or family member in District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11). Word of mouth is a powerful tool!

Thanks for your support! Let’s build a better future for all Granite Staters.

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BlogElection 2018

Why I am voting for Carla Gericke

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

I’m not particularly sappy, but finding this Letter to the Editor in today’s Union Leader brought tears to my eyes.

"I was in an accident and became paralyzed a few years ago and Carla, in keeping with her beliefs, gave me a hand up instead of a hand out by helping to find a part-time job for me with an organization she volunteered with. This gave me a sense of purpose and helped me heal mentally while adjusting physically. When our schedules allow, Carla, Louis, their dog Nellie, and I still go for long outings on the West Side trails, where we all live.

I’m proud to have her as a neighbor and friend and urge you to get to know her too. She has an infectious smile and, with humility and intelligence, a willingness to talk about what interests you. Vote Carla Gericke for New Hampshire Senate."

Chris Lopez is a dear friend who went through a tragic accident when the deck on her house in Canterbury collapsed and she broke her back. With an incredible amount of hard work and dedication, and a spirit that just won’t quit, she learned to adjust to her new life.

Thank you, Chris, for your kind words and your vote. Just so you know, YOU inspire me! Let’s get out on the trail sometime soon! <3

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BlogElection 2018

Outstanding candidate for Senate

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Thank you to Joe Kelly Levasseur for this ringing endorsement! I had a splendid time last week on the "Will and Joe Show" on Channel 23. Thanks for having me!

"Every once in a while I’ll do an interview on the Will and Joe show and I’ll walk away simply amazed by my guest. Last night #CarlaGericke was one of those guests. Incredibly intelligent, funny, witty, well traveled, with great life experiences. She told us a story that kept us amazed for an hour: it literally was one of the fastest hours I’ve ever done in my 18 years of television. The voters in [Manchester] wards 3, 4, 10, 11 and Goffstown have an outstanding candidate for Senate."

Afterwards, we spent some time chatting about my District 20 race against Lou D’Allesandro, and how bright the future can be if only we elect the right people, with the right skills and experience, who have the energy and verve to do the right things for all Granite Staters, not just special interests.

I ask for your vote on November 6th.

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